Crispy Gnocchi Salad with A Creamy Pesto Dressing

Elevate your salad game with this delicious salad. The star of the dish is air fried gnocchi. This method makes them soft and tender on the inside while achieving a crispy exterior. Once you experience this delightful texture, you might find yourself never wanting to go back to plain boiled gnocchi! And let’s not forget the delicious creamy pesto dressing, its chefs kiss! Go throughout your fridge and whatever veggies you have in there include them in the salad, this salad is so versatile.

—Ingredients—

1 packet of gnocchi (1lb)

1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon oregano

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 mini cucumbers

1 red onion or shallot

2 stalks of celery

1 yellow bell pepper (red or orange will be great too)

Cherry tomatoes as much as you want

Kalamata olives as much as you want

Arugula as much as you want

—Creamy Pesto Dressing—

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup pesto

1/3 cup lemon juice

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon chili flakes

1/8 teaspoon salt

1. Place the gnocchi and chickpeas in a bowl season with EVOO, lemon pepper, garlic powder, paprika, oregano and salt. Give everything a good toss. Transfer to the air fryer basket and air fry at 400°f for 18-20 minutes or until crispy and golden.

2. While that’s going start prepping all the veggies, by chopping, slicing and dicing to desired size.

3. Make the dressing— In a mason jar combine all the ingredients for the dressing, close the lid and shake well.

4. Assemble the salad— In a large bowl combine all the salad ingredients together, the arugula, the air fried gnocchi and chickpeas, cucumbers, onions, celery, peppers, tomatoes and olives. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is coated in that delicious dressing. Serve and enjoy!!

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