If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant dish that’s both hearty and flavorful, look no further than this Easy Grilled Gnocchi Salad with Veggies and Mozzarella. It’s a perfect blend of tender, grilled gnocchi with crisp vegetables and creamy mozzarella that creates a beautiful balance of textures and colors. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just want a quick, satisfying meal, this grilled gnocchi salad with veggies and mozzarella is sure to impress with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deliciously smoky flavor: Grilling the gnocchi adds a wonderful char that elevates the dish beyond typical salads.
Colorful and fresh: A rainbow of veggies makes every forkful visually appealing and nutritionally balanced.
Quick and easy to prepare: Minimal prep and simple grilling techniques mean dinner is ready in no time.
Perfect for warm weather: This salad is light yet satisfying, making it ideal for picnics and barbecues.
Flexible and customizable: Easily swap or add ingredients to suit your taste, dietary needs, or what’s on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in crafting the perfect bite. From the pillowy gnocchi to the crisp vegetables and creamy mozzarella, these simple essentials come together for a vibrant and delicious salad.

Gnocchi: Choose fresh or store-bought potato gnocchi for a soft, chewy base that grills beautifully.
Bell peppers: Red, yellow, or orange peppers add sweetness and a pop of color.
Zucchini: Provides a mild, slightly crunchy texture when grilled.
Cherry tomatoes: Their natural juiciness contrasts perfectly with the grilled gnocchi.
Fresh mozzarella balls: Creamy and mild, these bring richness and a delicate texture.
Fresh basil: Adds an aromatic herbal note that ties the flavors together.
Olive oil: Used for grilling and dressing, it imparts a fruity richness to the dish.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds a subtle tang to brighten the salad.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.

Variations for Grilled Gnocchi Salad with Veggies and Mozzarella

This salad is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to make it your own based on your preferences, available ingredients, or dietary goals. Experimenting with variations can keep this recipe exciting every time you make it.

Add smoked turkey slices: Toss in thin slices for extra protein and a smoky twist.
Swap veggies: Try asparagus, mushrooms, or grilled corn to change the flavor profile.
Use vegan mozzarella: Make it plant-based by selecting your favorite dairy-free mozzarella alternative.
Incorporate nuts: Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch and a nutty taste.
Spicy kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for a little heat.

Easy Grilled Gnocchi Salad with Veggies and Mozzarella

How to Make Grilled Gnocchi Salad with Veggies and Mozzarella

Step 1: Prepare the Gnocchi

Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Drain and toss them lightly in olive oil to prevent sticking before grilling.

Step 2: Grill the Gnocchi and Vegetables

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the gnocchi, bell peppers (cut into strips), zucchini slices, and cherry tomatoes on skewers or directly on the grill. Cook gnocchi for about 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a golden, crispy exterior. Grill the veggies until tender and slightly charred, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Salad Ingredients

Transfer the grilled gnocchi and veggies to a large bowl. Add fresh mozzarella balls and torn basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil and apple cider vinegar, then season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine all flavors.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the salad to rest a few minutes so the flavors meld together before serving. This dish is great served warm, at room temperature, or chilled depending on your preference.

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Gnocchi Salad with Veggies and Mozzarella

Use a grill basket: Prevent smaller veggies and gnocchi from falling through the grates by grilling in a basket.
Don’t overcrowd the grill: Give each item enough space to get those perfect grill marks.
Fresh mozzarella choice: Larger balls cut into bite-sized pieces work best to evenly distribute creaminess.
Let the gnocchi dry briefly: After boiling, drying the gnocchi slightly helps them crisp up better on the grill.
Adjust dressing amounts: Start with less olive oil and vinegar, then add more after tossing to suit your taste.

How to Serve Grilled Gnocchi Salad with Veggies and Mozzarella

Garnishes

Brighten your serving plate with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving adds a lovely sheen and extra richness.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, grilled smoked turkey bacon, or crusty artisan bread for soaking up all the delicious juices.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, serve individual portions in clear glass bowls or mason jars to show off the colorful layers. A bed of fresh greens like arugula or spinach underneath can elevate the presentation and add more texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover grilled gnocchi salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the salad chilled to preserve the fresh texture of the veggies and mozzarella.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well because the mozzarella and veggies can lose texture and become watery upon thawing.

Reheating

If you prefer your salad warm, gently reheat the grilled gnocchi and veggies in a skillet over low heat before tossing with fresh mozzarella and dressing. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this salad?

Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly, just be sure to cook it according to package instructions before grilling.

What’s the best way to grill gnocchi without it sticking?

Toss the gnocchi lightly in olive oil after boiling and make sure your grill or grill pan is hot before adding them to create a nice sear without sticking.

Can this salad be made vegan?

Yes, by swapping fresh mozzarella for a plant-based vegan mozzarella, you can easily make this recipe vegan-friendly.

How long can I keep the salad in the fridge?

The salad stays fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container, but the mozzarella is best added just before serving to keep its texture.

Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?

You can grill the gnocchi and veggies ahead, but combine them with mozzarella and dressing right before serving to maintain freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Grilled Gnocchi Salad with Veggies and Mozzarella brings together the best of grilled flavors and fresh ingredients in a dish that’s as satisfying as it is beautiful. Whether you’re aiming for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing side, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Give it a try and enjoy the colorful, smoky goodness with every bite!

Grilled Gnocchi Salad with Veggies and Mozzarella

Author: Brian
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Grilled Gnocchi Salad with Veggies and Mozzarella is a fresh and vibrant dish combining tender, smoky grilled gnocchi with crisp vegetables and creamy mozzarella. Perfect for quick meals, casual gatherings, or warm weather dining, this colorful salad balances textures and flavors with a simple olive oil and apple cider vinegar dressing.

Instructions

Prepare the Gnocchi: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Drain and toss lightly in olive oil to prevent sticking before grilling.
Grill the Gnocchi and Vegetables: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the gnocchi, bell peppers, zucchini slices, and cherry tomatoes on skewers or directly on the grill. Cook gnocchi for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Grill vegetables until tender and slightly charred, about 4-5 minutes.
Combine Salad Ingredients: Transfer the grilled gnocchi and vegetables to a large bowl. Add fresh mozzarella balls and torn basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil and apple cider vinegar, then season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine all flavors.
Serve and Enjoy: Allow the salad to rest a few minutes so the flavors meld together before serving. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled as preferred.

Notes

Use a grill basket to prevent smaller veggies and gnocchi from falling through the grates.
Don’t overcrowd the grill to ensure perfect grill marks and even cooking.
Larger mozzarella balls cut into bite-sized pieces distribute creaminess evenly.
Dry gnocchi briefly after boiling to achieve better crispness on the grill.
Adjust olive oil and vinegar amounts in the dressing to suit your personal taste.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Italian-inspired