Golden Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta - Cooking With Tania

Golden Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta - Cooking With Tania

Inspired by the vibrant, herbaceous flavors of spanakopita, this gnocchi salad features spinach and feta in a delightful, textural twist. The spinach is gently massaged to soften it while preserving its leafy texture, with the addition of feta helping to tenderize the leaves and add a touch of creamy, briny richness. Be generous with your herbs and lemon to infuse the dish with bold, fresh flavors that beautifully complement the feta's saltiness. Use everyday shelf-stable gnocchi for a crisp texture, or opt for frozen gnocchi without the need to thaw.

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

• - 5 ounces baby spinach  
• - 6 ounces Greek feta, crumbled (about 1 cup)  
• - 1 lemon, halved  
• - 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil  
• - Salt and pepper, to taste  
• - 1 (16- to 17-ounce) package potato gnocchi (shelf-stable, fresh, or frozen)  
• - ¼ to ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper  
• - 2 scallions, thinly sliced  
• - Generous handful of chopped dill  
• - Generous handful of chopped mint

Preparation

1. Prepare the Spinach: In a large bowl, combine the spinach with half of the crumbled feta, the juice from half a lemon, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and a generous pinch of salt. Massage the ingredients into the spinach to tenderize it. Let it sit and soften while you cook the gnocchi.

2. Cook the Gnocchi: Heat a large (about 12-inch) cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the gnocchi, separating any that are stuck together. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, tossing every 2 minutes, until golden and crispy on all sides. Allow the gnocchi to cool in the pan for 5 minutes; they will continue to crisp up as they cool.

3. Combine and Serve: Add the crispy gnocchi to the bowl with the spinach. Stir in the crushed red pepper, scallions, dill, and mint. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, add the rest of the crumbled feta, and toss to combine. Squeeze the remaining lemon juice over the top and serve.