Healthy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi (Printable)
Tender gnocchi with smoked salmon, fresh greens, and a creamy lemon sauce in a light, flavorful main dish.
# What You Need:
→ Gnocchi
01 - 1.1 pounds whole wheat or potato gnocchi, store-bought or homemade
→ Sauce & Vegetables
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 small shallot, finely chopped
05 - 3.5 ounces baby spinach, roughly chopped
06 - 0.4 cup low-fat crème fraîche or Greek yogurt
07 - Zest and juice of 1 lemon
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Smoked Salmon
10 - 5.3 ounces smoked salmon, sliced into strips
→ Garnish
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
12 - Extra lemon wedges
# How-To Steps:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and shallot, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
03 - Add spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until just wilted, about 1 minute.
04 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in crème fraîche or Greek yogurt, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt, pepper, and half the dill, mixing until smooth and heated through.
05 - Add cooked gnocchi to the skillet, tossing gently to coat evenly in the sauce. Warm through for 1-2 minutes, ensuring everything is heated evenly.
06 - Remove from heat. Fold in smoked salmon strips, allowing residual heat to gently warm the salmon without overcooking it.
07 - Divide among serving plates. Sprinkle with remaining dill and chives. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The creamy sauce comes together in minutes but tastes like it simmered for hours
- Smoked salmon adds luxury without the effort of cooking fresh fish
- Whole wheat gnocchi keeps it wholesome while still feeling indulgent
02 -
- Never cook the smoked salmon directly—it turns tough and loses its silky texture
- The sauce thickens quickly off heat, so remove the pan from the burner before adding the cream
03 -
- Reserve a splash of gnocchi cooking water to thin the sauce if it gets too thick
- Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly than cold ones straight from the fridge