Gnocchi Antipasto Delight

Gnocchi Antipasto Delight

I still remember the first time I made the Gnocchi Antipasto Delight. It was one of those evenings when I wanted to create something special yet simple. I had a few friends coming over for dinner, and I wanted to impress them with a dish that was both hearty and refreshing. Gnocchi Antipasto Delight sounded perfect, combining the chewy goodness of gnocchi with a variety of savory meats and fresh herbs. As I gathered the ingredients, I could already imagine the vibrant flavors melding together.

Preparing the Ingredients

The key to a great Gnocchi Antipasto Delight is in the preparation. I started by cooking the gnocchi until they floated to the surface, indicating they were perfectly done. Next, I focused on the meats. I diced the pancetta and cooked it until it was crispy, filling the kitchen with a delicious aroma. Slicing the pepperoni and salami into bite-sized pieces, I could feel the excitement building. The fresh herbs, like basil and oregano, added a fragrant touch that reminded me of a sunny Italian garden.

Mixing and Dressing

With all the ingredients ready, it was time to mix them. I combined the gnocchi, crispy pancetta, sliced pepperoni, salami, and a colorful mix of artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives. The bowl looked like a work of art, with each ingredient contributing its unique texture and flavor. For the dressing, I whisked together olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, basil, and oregano. Pouring it over the gnocchi mixture, I gently tossed everything together, making sure each piece was well-coated. The finishing touch was adding the mozzarella balls, which brought a creamy contrast to the dish.

Serving and Enjoying

Finally, the Gnocchi Antipasto Delight was ready to serve. I drizzled a bit more olive oil on top for extra richness and set the bowl on the table. My friends were instantly drawn to the vibrant colors and tantalizing aroma. As we dug in, the combination of flavors was a delightful surprise. The chewy gnocchi, savory meats, tangy vegetables, and fresh herbs created a symphony in every bite. It was a memorable evening, made even better by this delicious and easy-to-make dish. Gnocchi Antipasto Delight has since become a favorite, perfect for any occasion where I want to bring a taste of Italy to the table.

Chef’s Notes- Gnocchi Antipasto Delight

• Use a high-quality nonstick pan to cook the pancetta. This ensures it crisps up nicely without sticking.
• For even cooking, cut all the ingredients into similar-sized pieces.
• If using frozen gnocchi, do not thaw them before cooking. Just add them directly to the boiling water.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a subtle kick.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese can be sprinkled on top for an extra savory touch.
• If you love garlic, roast the garlic before mincing it for a deeper, richer flavor.
• Pre-cook the pancetta and store it in the refrigerator to save time when assembling the salad.
• Use jarred artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil to cut down on prep time.
• Prepare the dressing in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Serve the salad in a large, rustic bowl to highlight the vibrant colors of the ingredients.
• Garnish with a few whole basil leaves for a fresh and appealing look.
• For a more elegant presentation, serve the salad on individual plates with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper.

Gnocchi Antipasto Delight

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Dive into the vibrant flavors of Italy with this Gnocchi Antipasto Delight! This dish combines the chewy goodness of gnocchi with a medley of savory meats, fresh herbs, and tangy vegetables. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a show-stopping side at your next dinner party. Inspired by the essence of Italian cuisine, this salad is both hearty and refreshing. Get ready to impress your taste buds!

Course: Main Course, SaladCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

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Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

931

kcal

Resting Time

10

minutes

Total time

40

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• Meats & Cheese

• 1/2 cup diced pancetta

• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni quarters

• 1/2 cup thinly sliced salami

• 1/2 cup halved ciliegine mozzarella balls

• Herbs & Seasonings

• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh basil leaves

• 2 tsp finely minced fresh oregano leaves

• 1 clove garlic, finely minced

• Vegetables

• 1/2 cup chopped artichoke hearts

• 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes

• 1/2 cup halved Castelvetrano olives

• Gnocchi & Dressing

• 1 lb fresh or frozen gnocchi

• 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (divided)

• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Pancetta: Substitute with bacon or turkey bacon.

• Pepperoni: Use turkey pepperoni or vegetarian pepperoni.

• Salami: Replace with prosciutto or a vegetarian deli slice.

• Ciliegine Mozzarella: Substitute with bocconcini or vegan mozzarella.

• Castelvetrano Olives: Use Kalamata or black olives.

• Red Wine Vinegar: Replace with apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar.

Directions

• Cook Gnocchi – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes). Drain and set aside.
• Prepare Meats – In a nonstick pan over medium heat, cook the diced pancetta until crispy (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.
• Mix Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked gnocchi, crispy pancetta, sliced pepperoni quarters, thinly sliced salami, chopped artichoke hearts, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and halved Castelvetrano olives.
• Make Dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp of extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, finely minced garlic, finely chopped basil leaves, and finely minced oregano leaves.
• Combine & Serve – Pour the dressing over the gnocchi mixture and toss gently to combine. Add the halved ciliegine mozzarella balls and gently mix again. Drizzle the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil over the top before serving.

Equipment

• Chef’s Knife
• Cutting Board
• Nonstick Pan
• Mixing Bowls
• measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 931kcal
• Fat: 47g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 1800mg
• Potassium: 500mg
• Carbohydrates: 86g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 6g
• Protein: 33g
• Vitamin A: 20IU
• Vitamin C: 25mg
• Calcium: 30mg
• Iron: 20mg

FAQ- Gnocchi Antipasto Delight

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. Add the dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh and prevent it from becoming soggy.

What can I use instead of pancetta?

You can substitute pancetta with bacon or turkey bacon. For a vegetarian option, use vegetarian bacon or increase the amount of vegetables.

How can I make this dish vegan?

Replace the meats with more vegetables like roasted bell peppers or zucchini, and use vegan mozzarella. Ensure the gnocchi and dressing ingredients are also vegan-friendly.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried basil and oregano if fresh herbs are not available. Use about half the amount of dried herbs, as they are more concentrated in flavor.

What can I serve with this salad?

This salad pairs well with crusty Italian bread, garlic bread, or a light soup. For a complete meal, you can also serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish.