Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach, Feta, and Fresh Herbs Recipe

I’m excited to share this Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach, Feta, and Fresh Herbs Recipe — it’s one of those dishes I turn to when I want something that feels indulgent but comes together so quickly. The gnocchi gets irresistibly golden and crispy on the outside, while the tender spinach and creamy feta bring fresh, vibrant flavors that brighten every bite.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or craving a dish that impresses without fuss, this Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach, Feta, and Fresh Herbs Recipe fits the bill perfectly. Plus, it’s packed with herbs that make it taste like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, even when you haven’t. Trust me, you’re going to love it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe blends simple, fresh ingredients that play beautifully off each other — creamy feta meets bright lemon and fresh herbs, all wrapped around crispy pillows of gnocchi. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand to make it shine.

• Baby spinach: Use fresh baby spinach for a tender texture and sweet, mild flavor that wilts perfectly.
• Greek feta: Crumbled feta adds a tangy creaminess that complements the crispy gnocchi wonderfully.
• Lemon: The zest and juice bring brightness — don’t skip it, it’s a game changer.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Quality olive oil gives richness and helps crisp up the gnocchi beautifully.
• Salt and pepper: Season thoughtfully to balance the dish.
• Potato gnocchi: Fresh or shelf-stable gnocchi both work — just watch cooking times slightly.
• Crushed red pepper: Adds a subtle kick, but adjust to your heat preference.
• Scallions: Thinly sliced for a gentle onion flavor and pretty green color.
• Dill: Fresh dill brightens the dish with its herby, almost citrusy notes.
• Mint: A big handful of chopped mint lifts and freshens, adding a lovely unexpected twist.

Variations

I love making this Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach, Feta, and Fresh Herbs Recipe my own by swapping in whatever fresh herbs I have on hand or adjusting the heat level. It’s a flexible base that welcomes a few twists, so feel free to personalize it!

• Variation: I often swap mint with basil when it’s summer — it gives a slightly sweeter, aromatic note I adore.
• Variation: For a vegan twist, omit the feta and sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the finished dish for texture and flavor.
• Variation: Adding sun-dried tomatoes brings a tangy, chewy pop that pairs perfectly with the creamy feta and gnocchi.
• Variation: If you like it spicy, crank up the crushed red pepper or toss in a dash of smoked paprika to deepen the flavor.

How to Make Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach, Feta, and Fresh Herbs Recipe

Step 1: Crisp the Gnocchi to Perfection

Start by heating about 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add your gnocchi in a single layer — no overcrowding, or they won’t crisp up properly. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes until the bottoms turn golden brown and crispy. Then, gently toss or flip them to crisp the other sides. This step is key for getting that amazing texture contrast — crisp outside, fluffy inside — so be patient and watch closely to avoid burning.

Step 2: Sauté Spinach and Build Flavor

Once the gnocchi are crisped, gently push them to the side and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss in the baby spinach, stirring often until just wilted — this only takes a minute or two. Then sprinkle in the crushed red pepper, scallions, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together so those flavors blend, and the spinach gets nicely coated in the fragrant oil.

Step 3: Add Feta, Herbs, and Lemon Brightness

Turn off the heat and fold in the crumbled Greek feta, chopped dill, and mint. Then squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the top for a fresh zing. Taste and adjust seasoning with a little more salt or pepper if needed. That fresh lemon juice makes a huge difference, cutting through the richness and lifting the whole dish.

How to Serve Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach, Feta, and Fresh Herbs Recipe

Garnishes

I love garnishing this dish with an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs — particularly a bit more chopped dill — and a light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil for shine and smoothness. If you want a pop of crunch, I sometimes add toasted walnuts or pine nuts on top.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach, Feta, and Fresh Herbs Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes. I also love serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a more substantial meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party, I’ve plated this gnocchi in shallow bowls topped with microgreens and edible flowers for a pop of color. It also makes a great vegetarian main served family-style, inviting everyone to dig in and enjoy the herbs and textures.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers of this Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach, Feta, and Fresh Herbs Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The gnocchi can soften overnight, so I recommend reheating to bring back some crispiness.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this dish once cooked because the texture of gnocchi changes and the crispy element fades. Instead, freeze uncooked gnocchi separately if you want to prep in advance, then cook fresh when ready.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently pan-fry the leftovers over medium heat with a splash of olive oil. This revives the crisp edges and warms the spinach and herbs without turning the dish mushy. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach, Feta, and Fresh Herbs Recipe really feels like a kitchen win every time I make it. It’s got that perfect balance of comfort and freshness, and with such simple ingredients, it’s surprisingly quick to pull together. I hope you try it soon — I promise it’ll become a go-to for those nights when you want something tasty without spending hours cooking.

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