Description
This Grilled Gnocchi Salad brings a modern twist to a classic Italian ingredient by grilling tender gnocchi and pairing it with charred summer vegetables and two types of cheese. The result is a warm, flavorful salad perfect for summer gatherings, combining chewy grilled gnocchi, smoky zucchini, onion, bell pepper, fresh corn, and a tangy dressing of lemon, Parmesan, and goat cheese.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Gnocchi
- 16 oz. gnocchi (store-bought, e.g., De Cecco)
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil (for tossing gnocchi)
- Kosher salt (for boiling water and seasoning)
Vegetables
- 1 large zucchini, cut into 1/2" rounds
- 1 large red onion, cut into 1/2" pieces
- 1 bell pepper (preferably yellow), seeds and ribs removed, cut into 1" pieces
- 2 ears of corn, shucked
- 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil (for grilling vegetables)
- 2 tsp. kosher salt (for vegetables)
Dressing & Toppings
- 2 oz. crumbled goat cheese
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil (for dressing)
- 2 oz. crumbled goat cheese
- 2 oz. goat cheese crumbles
- 2 oz. goat cheese crumbles
- 2 oz. goat cheese crumbles
- 2 oz. goat cheese crumbles
- 2 oz. goat cheese crumbles
- 2 oz. goat cheese crumbles
- 2 oz. goat cheese crumbles
- 2 oz. goat cheese crumbles
- 2 oz. goat cheese crumbles
- 2 oz. goat cheese crumbles
- 2 oz. goat cheese crumbles
- 2 oz. goat cheese crumbles
- 2 oz. goat cheese crumbles
- 2 oz. goat cheese crumbles
- 2 oz. goat cheese crumbles
- 2 oz. goat cheese crumbles
- 2 oz. goat cheese crumbles
- 2 oz. goat cheese crumbles
- 2 oz. goat cheese crumbles
- 2 oz. goat cheese crumbles
- 2 oz. goat cheese crumbles
- 2 oz. goat cheese crumbles
- 3 Tbsp. finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Cook the Gnocchi: In a medium pot of boiling salted water, cook the gnocchi, stirring occasionally, until they float to the surface, about 2 minutes. Drain the gnocchi and transfer to a medium bowl. Toss immediately with 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil to prevent sticking and let them cool.
- Prepare the Grill and Vegetables: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the zucchini, red onion, and bell pepper with 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 teaspoons of kosher salt. Toss well to coat evenly.
- Grill the Vegetables: Work in batches to grill the zucchini mixture and corn. Spread the vegetables and ears of corn out on the grill carefully to avoid overcrowding. Use skewers, foil, or a grill basket if needed to prevent pieces from falling through the grates. Grill until char marks form and vegetables are tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from grill and transfer to a plate. Cut kernels off the corn cobs.
- Grill the Gnocchi: Place the cooled gnocchi on the grill (using foil or skewers if necessary). Grill the gnocchi until char marks appear on at least one side, about 2 to 3 minutes. They should not stick to the grill if oiled properly.
- Make the Dressing and Toss Salad: In a large bowl, whisk together scallions, Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, and the remaining 5 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt as needed. Add the grilled vegetables, corn kernels, and grilled gnocchi to the bowl and toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- Finish and Serve: Top the salad with crumbled goat cheese. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor profile.
Notes
- Place foil or use skewers/grill basket to prevent vegetables and gnocchi from falling through grill grates.
- Allow grilled vegetables to cool until warm, not hot or cold, before tossing with dressing and goat cheese.
- If grilling is not possible, use a stovetop griddle or grill pan at medium-high heat.
- Use store-bought gnocchi (e.g., De Cecco) for best texture; homemade gnocchi may not hold up well to grilling.
- You may prepare grilled vegetables and dressing up to 1 day ahead; grill gnocchi just before serving.
- Store the combined salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/5 of recipe)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg