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Sicilian Pistachio Pesto Gnocchi Salad with Arugula and Feta

Sicilian Pistachio Pesto Gnocchi Salad with Arugula and Feta Bliss

Enjoy this Sicilian Pistachio Pesto Gnocchi Salad with Arugula and Feta, a quick and flavorful vegetarian dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pesto
  • ½ cup Pistachios Sicilian Bronte are ideal for authenticity.
  • 1 cup Fresh Basil Leaves Substitute with fresh spinach for a milder twist.
  • ½ cup Pecorino Romano Parmesan can be a lovely substitute.
  • 1 clove Garlic Use half for less intensity.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice Crucial for balancing flavors.
  • Fine Sea Salt to taste Adjust after blending the pesto.
  • ½ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil Use high-quality oil since it’s used raw.
For the Salad
  • 1 pound Potato Gnocchi Shelf-stable gnocchi crisps up wonderfully.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Necessary for pan-crisping the gnocchi.
  • 2 cups Baby Arugula Can switch to baby spinach if preferred.
  • ½ cup Feta Cheese French or Bulgarian feta crumbles beautifully.
  • ½ cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes Oil-packed is best for richness.
  • Chopped Pistachios for garnish.
  • Flaky Sea Salt Essential finishing touches.
  • Black Pepper Essential finishing touches.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Food Processor
  • Large pot
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Toast ½ cup of pistachios in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Combine toasted pistachios, 1 cup basil leaves, ½ cup Pecorino Romano, 1 clove garlic, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and a pinch of sea salt in a food processor. Blend while drizzling in ½ cup olive oil until thick and creamy.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound gnocchi and cook for 2-3 minutes until they float. Drain and let dry.
  4. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the gnocchi in a single layer and cook for about 5-6 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping occasionally.
  5. In a large bowl, combine crispy gnocchi with three-quarters of the pesto. Toss gently. Add 2 cups arugula and ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes and toss lightly once more.
  6. Transfer to a serving dish, crumbling ½ cup feta over the top. Spoon remaining pesto on the salad, sprinkle with chopped pistachios, drizzle olive oil, and finish with lemon juice, flaky sea salt, and black pepper.
  7. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 12gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This salad is perfect for quick weeknight meals or festive gatherings. Customize greens and adjust flavors to taste.

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