Crispy Gnocchi Spinach Feta is a vibrant, Italian-inspired vegetarian dish that combines pillowy potato gnocchi with fresh, massaged spinach, tangy feta, bright lemon, and fragrant herbs like dill and mint. Golden, crispy gnocchi provide texture, while the fresh spinach and herbs balance richness with brightness.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual entertaining, or even meal prep, this recipe is quick to make, packed with flavor, and entirely adaptable. Inspired by the flavors of Greek spanakopita, this dish turns simple pantry ingredients into a restaurant-quality vegetarian meal.
Why This Recipe Works
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Crispy Gnocchi: Pan-frying the gnocchi creates a golden, crunchy exterior while keeping the interior soft and pillowy.
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Massaged Spinach: Gently massaging spinach with lemon juice and feta softens the leaves while infusing flavor.
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Balanced Flavors: Tangy feta, bright lemon, and fresh herbs harmonize with the richness of the crispy gnocchi.
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Quick and Simple: Minimal ingredients, short cooking time, and no complicated steps make this ideal for busy nights.
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Texture Contrast: The crisp gnocchi paired with tender spinach and creamy feta delivers a satisfying bite in every forkful.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course / Vegetarian / Italian-Inspired
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredient Breakdown
Potato Gnocchi
Gnocchi provides the base of the dish. Shelf-stable, fresh, or frozen all work; pan-frying ensures crispiness.
Baby Spinach
Adds fresh green flavor and nutrients. Massaging softens the leaves and blends them with feta and lemon.
Feta Cheese
Brings tangy, creamy richness that complements the spinach and contrasts with the crispy gnocchi.
Lemon Juice
Brightens the dish, adds acidity, and balances the richness of the cheese and olive oil.
Olive Oil
Used for crisping gnocchi and finishing the dish with flavor. Extra-virgin olive oil adds richness and depth.
Red Pepper Flakes
Optional, adds mild heat for depth and contrast.
Scallions, Dill, and Mint
Fresh herbs and aromatics add complexity, freshness, and color.
Salt and Black Pepper
Season to taste; enhances all flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Massage the Spinach
In a large bowl, combine half of the feta, juice of half a lemon, 1 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of salt, and baby spinach. Massage vigorously until leaves soften and wilt slightly. Set aside while cooking gnocchi.
Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add gnocchi, separating any clumps. Cook 8–10 minutes, tossing every 2 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove from heat and allow to cool 5 minutes for extra crispiness.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add the crispy gnocchi to the massaged spinach mixture. Toss with remaining feta, red pepper flakes, scallions, dill, and mint. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and squeeze remaining lemon juice over the top. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Serve while warm, ensuring gnocchi retains its crisp texture. This dish is best enjoyed fresh.
Texture and Flavor Profile
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Gnocchi: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.
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Spinach: Soft, lightly wilted, and herbaceous.
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Feta: Creamy and tangy, contrasting with the crisp gnocchi.
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Herbs: Dill and mint add freshness and brightness.
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Flavor Balance: Tangy, savory, herbaceous, slightly spicy (if using red pepper flakes), and citrusy.
Tips for Best Results
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Thoroughly dry the spinach after massaging if water accumulates.
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Use medium-high heat when pan-frying gnocchi for maximum crispiness.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook gnocchi in batches if needed.
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Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
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Serve immediately for the best textural contrast.
Variations
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Cheese Swap: Replace feta with goat cheese or ricotta salata.
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Vegetable Add-In: Add cherry tomatoes, roasted peppers, or artichoke hearts.
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Vegan Version: Use plant-based feta or cashew cream.
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Protein Addition: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy chickpeas.
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Herb Swap: Try parsley or basil instead of mint and dill for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve as a main course with a side salad or crusty bread.
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Pair with a light white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
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Serve as a vegetarian entrée at dinner parties.
Storage and Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Re-crisp gnocchi in a hot skillet for a few minutes; avoid microwaving to retain crunch.
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Do not freeze once combined with spinach, as the texture of both gnocchi and spinach will be compromised.
Nutrition Overview
Approximate per serving (4 servings):
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Calories: 360 kcal
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Total Fat: 22g
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Saturated Fat: 7g
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Carbohydrates: 33g
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Fiber: 3g
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Protein: 12g
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Sodium: 460mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture before massaging.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free gnocchi; cooking time may vary slightly.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can cook gnocchi ahead but toss with spinach and herbs just before serving.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely—cherry tomatoes, roasted peppers, or zucchini work well.
Crispy Gnocchi Spinach Feta is a quick, vibrant, and vegetarian-friendly dish that balances golden, crunchy gnocchi with fresh greens, tangy feta, and bright herbs. It’s a versatile recipe perfect for weeknights, casual entertaining, or an easy yet impressive Italian-inspired meal.
Crispy Gnocchi Spinach Feta
Ingredients
- 5 oz baby spinach
- 6 oz crumbled feta cheese about 1 cup
- 1 lemon halved
- 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 16 –17 oz potato gnocchi shelf-stable, fresh, or frozen
- ¼ –½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 scallions thinly sliced
- Large handful fresh dill chopped
- Large handful fresh mint chopped
Instructions
- Massage the spinach: In a large bowl, combine spinach with half of the feta, juice of ½ lemon, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Massage vigorously until leaves soften and wilt slightly. Set aside while cooking the gnocchi.
- Cook the gnocchi: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add gnocchi, breaking apart any clumps. Cook 8–10 minutes, tossing every 2 minutes, until golden and crispy. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes, which will further crisp the gnocchi.
- Combine and serve: Add crispy gnocchi to the spinach mixture. Toss in the remaining feta, red pepper flakes, scallions, dill, and mint. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and squeeze the remaining lemon juice over the top. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
