Gnocchi is such a crowd-pleaser, even on its own. Serve it with a tasty side, and you’ll have an even more mind-blowing meal! Gnocchi are plump, Italian dumplings iconic for their soft and chewy consistency. The dough is made with flour and boiled potatoes, which is formed into small, ridged, c-shaped dumplings. You can coat them in a variety of different sauces. On this list, I mostly feature salads and other vegetable-based dishes. These refreshing sides will balance out the decadence of the gnocchi. So what are you waiting for? Get your apron ready, and let the cooking commence!
1. Tomato Marinara Sauce
This refreshing marinara is sweet, tangy, and bursting with bright, earthy flavors. Sure, using store-bought marinara is the more effortless route, but did you know that making your own is pretty easy, too? You won’t have to go through the trouble of slicing up tomatoes yourself. A can of good-quality tomatoes will do. The secret to this shortcut, yet authentic-tasting, recipe lies in the herbs and spices. You can’t deny the deliciousness of a simple blend of onion, garlic, and dried oregano!
2. Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing
Let’s be honest, a bowl of gnocchi isn’t exactly the healthiest of dishes. You’ll want something wholesome to balance things out, such as this kale salad. It’s light and healthy, but bright and tasty at the same time. Kale, broccoli, carrots, sunflower seeds, cranberries – this salad is fully loaded! The tangy lemon dressing livens up the salad even more. Thanks to this salad, you won’t have to feel guilty about devouring that decadent gnocchi.
3. Italian Stuffed Tomatoes
You’re already serving Italian for your entree, so why not go all the way with this tasty Italian side dish? Called pomodori alla lucani, it features sweet tomatoes filled with toasted bread crumbs, capers, pine nuts, garlic, and anchovies, and baked to perfection. The sweetness of the tomatoes and the saltiness of the filling create such a playful flavor combination. The textural contrast between the soft tomatoes and crunchy filling is amazing, as well. Here’s the kicker: just like gnocchi, this side dish is also vegetarian.
4. Tuscan White Bean Salad
If a hearty meal is what you’re after, this salad has you covered. White cannellini beans, onions, mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes are coated with a dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. Smother this beauty on a toast or a cracker for a world-rocking experience! I know I said gnocchi should be paired with light sides, but you know what? This recipe has the word “salad” in it so, technically, I’m not breaking any rules!
5. Garlic Mushrooms
Mushrooms and garlic are sauteed in butter. This is one of those dishes that are so basic, yet so divine. Toss those pillowy gnocchi dumplings with this dish and thank me later! This recipe gives the classic dish a new twist. It doesn’t add anything fancy, though, just some parsley and thyme. But my God, the difference these two herbs make! The earthiness complements the meaty mushrooms and rich butter incredibly well.
6. Cacio e Pepe Brussels Sprouts
Cacio e Pepe is an Italian pasta dish with a grated Pecorino Romano and black pepper sauce. It’s ridiculous to serve two types of pasta in one meal, so this classic gets a healthier spin. This version of Cacio e Pepe features Brussels sprouts – the world’s most misunderstood vegetable. I know it sounds like a downgrade, but do give it a try! Using shredded sprouts instead of pasta makes the dish low-carb and high in nutrition. They even give the dish a nice crunch!
7. Parmesan Cookies
Let’s pause from all the salads for a second and focus our attention on these cookies. They deserve it! These savory cookies offer a crunchy textural variety to your soft and fluffy gnocchi. The best part? The dough requires no chilling, so these cookies are ready in just 20 minutes!
8. Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
Nothing complements the flavor and texture of gnocchi better than these garlic parmesan green beans. They’re light and crunchy with a very mild flavor, which is exactly what those decadent and pillowy dumplings need. Together, they create perfect harmony. Green beans are super nutritious, to boot! They’re loaded with fiber, antioxidants, and every nutritious element you can think of.
9. Green Peas with Butter
Here’s another nutritious side dish to go with your sinful gnocchi! Green peas and onions are sauteed with just a little bit of butter. Seasoned with salt and pepper, it’s a light and simple dish perfect for gnocchi. I just love the contrast between the crunchy peas and tender gnocchi! What I love more, however, is how ridiculously easy the dish is to make.
10. Garlic Parmesan Broccoli
While broccoli offers a nice crunch, let’s be honest, it doesn’t rank high when it comes to flavor. In fact, on its own, it has a grassy and slightly bitter taste that no one really wants. But with just a few seasonings, you can transform the boring veggie into a delicious dish even kids won’t say no to! All it needs is salt, pepper, garlic, lemon, olive oil, and parmesan.
11. Cheesy Baked Tomatoes
Any recipe with the word “cheesy” and I’m sold. I may be biased, but these cheesy baked tomatoes are definitely a must-try. Sweet and juicy tomatoes are stuffed with mozzarella and parmesan cheese and roasted to perfection. How on earth can you resist? The different flavors and textures make such a delightful harmony! The color contrast between the cheese and the tomatoes is gorgeous, to boot.
12. Eggplant Parmesan Poppers
This dish is the love child of eggplant parmigiana and fritters. Eggplant slices are coated with breadcrumbs and parmesan and deep-fried until crunchy and golden brown. Served with a sweet marinara sauce, these poppers are definitely a winner. They’re crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect in every bite. These poppers are fun, creative, and give a classic Italian dish a new twist. Whoever came up with this recipe deserves an award!
13. Italian Tomato Salad
Sure, they’re only tomatoes, but the marinade gives it a serious explosion of flavors! Made up of olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, red onion, garlic, basil, and parsley, this marinade means business. The tanginess and earthiness of the ingredients give the sweet tomatoes such a lovely makeover. The tomatoes absorb all these lovely flavors, giving them the most drool-worthy transformation. It pairs really well with gnocchi, but I also love adding it to burgers and sandwiches. The best part? This side dish is super healthy! It’s high in flavor and low in calories, which is my kind of recipe.
14. Italian Peas with Mushrooms
First of all, let’s take a moment to appreciate the lovely contrast of colors between the green peas and brown mushrooms. I don’t know about you, but that alone makes my mouth water. Despite its simplicity, this dish is bursting with delicious flavors. The textures create such an interesting mouthfeel as well. The sweetness of the peas combined with the meatiness of mushrooms makes this simple dish such a star. Onions, garlic, olive oil butter, Italian seasoning, and a savory broth complete the ensemble.
15. Italian Stuffed Mushrooms
From the name itself you can already tell how phenomenal this dish is. Mushrooms are already flavorful and meaty, so just picture how even more awesome they’ll be when stuffed with cheese, garlic, shallots, and herbs! They’re super-fresh, earthy, and simply delicious.
16. Italian Roasted Cauliflower
Cauliflower isn’t exactly known for its flavor, which is why this recipe seasons it with Italian flavors and roasts it to crunchy perfection. A combo of tomato paste, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and parmesan cheese make these florets purely stunning. I’ve said it many times before, and I’ll say it again. When it comes to vegetables, roasting is the best method. It gives the veggies such a lovely char and sweet caramelization. Best of all, it requires no babysitting. The oven takes care of everything!
17. Mushroom Sauce
Ending this list is a delectable sauce that will make your gnocchi a thousand times more delightful! There’s something about mushrooms that make me go wild. The sauce is soft but has a nice chew to it, and it’s also earthy, savory, meaty, and delicious. And that gravy? Oh wow! Rich, creamy, and buttery to the max! Click on a star to rate it!
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