Creamy Gnocchi and Spinach Delight
Indulge in a hearty yet vibrant salad that brings together the comforting flavors of gnocchi and the freshness of wilted spinach. The addition of crispy bacon and toasted walnuts elevates this dish, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or a delightful weeknight meal. The tangy lemon and sweet honey dressing balances the richness of the gnocchi, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. This salad is not just a feast for the eyes but also for the palate, inviting everyone to enjoy a generous helping. After all, who can resist a deliciously satisfying salad like this, especially when served warm?
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
packaged gnocchi
1 lb (cooked according to package instructions)
baby spinach leaves
5-6 ounces (fresh)
thick cut bacon
4 slices (chopped)
shallots
2 (thinly sliced)
walnut pieces
3/4 cup (toasted)
lemon
1 (juiced)
nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (freshly grated)
honey
2 tablespoons (raw or suitable for drizzling)
dried cherries
1/2 cup (optional)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the gnocchi and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked gnocchi to a bowl and set aside.
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy and golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove excess grease if necessary, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
3
Add the thinly sliced shallots to the skillet with the bacon, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until they become translucent.
4
Stir in the walnut pieces and nutmeg, allowing them to toast slightly in the skillet for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5
Once the gnocchi is ready, gently add it to the skillet along with the optional dried cherries for a touch of sweetness.
6
Pour in the fresh lemon juice and honey, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Add 2-3 tablespoons of pasta water to create a light sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7
In a large serving bowl, place the fresh baby spinach leaves. Carefully pour the hot gnocchi mixture over the spinach, allowing the heat to wilt the leaves slightly. Toss gently to combine and serve immediately for the freshest experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Gnocchi and Spinach Delight?
It is a hearty and vibrant warm salad that combines cooked gnocchi with fresh baby spinach, crispy bacon, toasted walnuts, and a tangy lemon-honey dressing.
How long should I cook the gnocchi?
The gnocchi should be boiled for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they float to the surface of the water.
What is the best way to prepare the bacon for this recipe?
Chop 4 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook them in a large skillet over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
How much bacon grease should be left in the pan?
After cooking the bacon, remove the excess grease but leave about 1 tablespoon in the skillet to sauté the shallots.
How long do I sauté the shallots?
Thinly slice two shallots and sauté them in the bacon grease for 1 to 2 minutes until they become translucent.
When do I add the walnuts?
Add the walnut pieces and nutmeg to the skillet after the shallots have become translucent, toasting them for another 2 to 3 minutes.
Is nutmeg required for this gnocchi dish?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg to add warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
Can I add fruit to this recipe?
Yes, you can add 1/2 cup of dried cherries for a touch of sweetness, which is an optional but recommended addition.
How is the sauce for the gnocchi created?
The sauce is made by combining fresh lemon juice, honey, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of reserved pasta water in the skillet.
How do I wilt the spinach?
Place fresh baby spinach leaves in a large serving bowl and pour the hot gnocchi mixture over them; the heat will naturally wilt the leaves.
Should this dish be served hot or cold?
This dish is best served immediately while warm for the freshest and most comforting experience.
What size package of gnocchi do I need?
You will need a 1 lb package of gnocchi for this recipe.
How much spinach is used in this delight?
The recipe requires 5 to 6 ounces of fresh baby spinach leaves.
What kind of honey is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 2 tablespoons of raw honey or any honey suitable for drizzling.
Can I substitute the shallots?
While shallots provide a mild flavor, you could substitute them with thinly sliced red onions or leeks if necessary.
What role does the lemon play?
The juice of one lemon provides a tangy acidity that balances the richness of the gnocchi and bacon.
How do I prevent the gnocchi from becoming mushy?
Ensure you only boil them until they float and then immediately transfer them with a slotted spoon to avoid overcooking.
Are the walnuts toasted beforehand?
The recipe involves toasting the walnut pieces directly in the skillet with the bacon grease and nutmeg for maximum flavor.
How much honey goes into the dressing?
Use 2 tablespoons of honey to add a sweet balance to the lemon juice.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a great option for a quick weeknight meal.
What equipment do I need?
You will need a large pot for boiling the gnocchi, a large skillet for the toppings, and a large serving bowl.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon and use olive oil or butter to sauté the shallots and toast the walnuts.
How do I season the final dish?
Season with salt and pepper to taste once the lemon juice and honey have been stirred into the mixture.
How many walnuts are used?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of walnut pieces.
Why is pasta water added to the skillet?
Adding 2 to 3 tablespoons of pasta water helps emulsify the lemon and honey into a light, silky sauce.
What is the texture of this dish?
It features a mix of soft gnocchi, crispy bacon, crunchy walnuts, and tender wilted spinach.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Fresh baby spinach is recommended because it wilts perfectly under the heat of the gnocchi; frozen spinach may release too much moisture.
How many slices of bacon are needed?
You will need 4 slices of thick-cut bacon.
Is this recipe a side dish or a main course?
Because it contains gnocchi, protein, and greens, it can be served as a satisfying main course or a hearty side salad.
How many shallots are used?
The recipe uses 2 shallots, thinly sliced.