Colourful gnocchi and asparagus salad: A feast for the senses

This salad tastes so good that I make it all the time. It works great as a side dish to grilled dishes but can shine as the main course. A lot is going on in every bite. It's a salad that I never worry about having leftovers after a party.

Salads don’t have to be boring; they can be filling when appropriately prepared. In my salad, asparagus and gnocchi play essential roles. Although gnocchi is mainly associated with hot dishes, it also works superbly in this salad. With so much happening and its divine taste, this is the kind of dish I like the most.

Colourful 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 with plenty of green, a bit of red, and white accents. It is combined with a simple green pesto sauce and plain yogurt sauce.

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

Ingredients:

• 400 grams cooked gnocchi,
• olive oil,
• salt and pepper to taste.

Remaining ingredients:

• 280 grams asparagus,
• 120 grams mini mozzarella,
• 150 grams cherry tomatoes,
• 80 grams of arugula,
• chopped parsley.

Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons green pesto,
• 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt,

Preparation:

Step 1. I cook the gnocchi according to the instructions on the package, 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 175°C, and bake them 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. Then, I mix the sauce, chopped parsley, and gnocchi thoroughly.

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