Colorful gnocchi salad: The perfect side for grilled dishes

This salad tastes so good that I make it all the time. It works great as a side dish to grilled dishes but can also win a culinary Oscar for the leading role. There’s a lot going on in every bite. It's a salad that I never worry about being left over after a party.

Salads don’t have to be boring; they can be filling when adequately prepared. In my salad, asparagus and gnocchi play an essential role. Although mainly associated with a hot dish, the latter works superbly in the salad. A lot is happening, and it tastes divine—these are the kinds of dishes I like the most.

Colorful dishes please not only the palate but also the eyes. It's not without reason that people say we eat with our eyes. This salad becomes a miniature work of art—there are a lot of green, red, and white accents. The whole thing is combined with a simple sauce based on green pesto and plain yogurt.

This salad is an exciting idea for a light lunch on a warm day or a side dish to grilled dishes. It's healthy, colorful, and, above all, delicious.

Ingredients:

• 14 oz cooked gnocchi
• olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

Remaining ingredients:

• 10 oz asparagus
• 4.2 oz mini mozzarella
• 5.3 oz cherry tomatoes
• 2.8 oz arugula
• chopped parsley

Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons green pesto
• 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt

Preparation:

Step 1: I cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions, drain them, transfer them to a bowl, and let them cool. I drizzle them with olive oil and season them with salt and pepper. I spread them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, place them in an oven preheated to 350°F, and bake for 20 minutes.

Step 2: I blanch the asparagus and then cut them into 3-4 pieces, depending on the size. I mix the green pesto with plain yogurt.

Step 3: I transfer the arugula to a large bowl. I add the cherry tomatoes, asparagus, and mini mozzarella. I add the sauce, chopped parsley, and gnocchi and mix thoroughly.

Step 4: The salad is now ready to eat. It works great as a side dish or a light lunch. Enjoy!