Name: Healthy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi: 20 Minute Easy Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 500 grams potato gnocchi; 150 grams smoked salmon; 200 grams fresh spinach; 150 grams greek yogurt; 1 lemon; 1 garlic clove; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pinch black pepper

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I am telling you right now that this Healthy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi is the absolute secret weapon for your busy weeknights. I am usually running around like a total whirlwind but I can still get this restaurant quality meal on the table in less than twenty minutes. I remember the first time I whipped this up for my family and they were completely shocked at how light and flavorful it was. By swapping out heavy cream for a bit of Greek yogurt and using fresh lemon we keep the calories low while making the flavor pop. You get all that cozy pasta comfort with the great benefits of high quality protein and fresh greens.

Why You Will Love This Healthy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi

You are going to love this dish because it hits every single flavor note you want. It is smoky and salty and has that bright citrus kick that makes everything feel fresh. It is also a one pan wonder which is great because I absolutely hate doing dishes. This recipe is also super flexible. You can use regular potato gnocchi or grab the cauliflower kind if you want to keep the carbs lower. The smoked salmon is packed with those good fats so you can feel really good about serving this for dinner.

Ingredients Needed for Healthy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi

Here is what you need to grab from the store. This list is simple and keeps things fresh and light.

500g Fresh or frozen gnocchi
200g Smoked salmon sliced into thin ribbons
2 cups Fresh baby spinach
3 cloves Garlic minced
1/2 cup Vegetable broth instead of wine
1/2 cup Plain Greek yogurt or light cream cheese
1 Lemon for zest and juice
1 tablespoon Olive oil
Fresh dill for garnish
Black pepper to taste

Substitution Tips

If you do not have spinach on hand you can use kale or even frozen peas. For a version without any dairy just use a splash of coconut milk instead of the yogurt. If you want a different protein you can use cooked chicken breast but I really think the smoky flavor of the fish is what makes this dish so special.

How to Make Healthy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi Step-by-Step

I promise this is so easy to pull together. Just follow these steps and you will have a perfect dinner ready in no time.

Get a large pot of salted water boiling and cook the gnocchi according to the package. They usually float to the top when they are done. Drain them and keep them nearby.
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Throw in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute until it smells amazing.
Pour in the vegetable broth to get all those tasty bits off the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about two minutes so it reduces a bit.
Stir in your Greek yogurt and the lemon juice. Keep the heat nice and low so the yogurt stays smooth and does not curdle.
Add the spinach to the skillet and stir it around until the leaves wilt down into the sauce.
Toss your cooked gnocchi into the pan and make sure every single piece is coated in that creamy sauce.
Take the pan off the heat. This is important. Gently fold in the smoked salmon ribbons and the lemon zest.
Add some black pepper and a bunch of fresh dill on top before you serve it up.

Preparation and Timing

It only takes about 5 minutes to prep everything and 10 to 12 minutes to cook. You are looking at about 17 minutes total from start to finish. One thing that people get confused about is when to add the salmon. You really want to wait until the very end after you turn off the stove. Smoked salmon is already cured and ready to eat. If you cook it too long it gets tough and way too salty.

Expert Tips for the Best Healthy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi

If you want to take this to the next level I recommend pan searing the gnocchi after you boil them. Just throw them in a hot pan with a tiny bit of oil for a few minutes. It gives them a crispy outside that feels so good with the creamy sauce. Also make sure your Greek yogurt is not cold from the fridge when you add it. Let it sit out for a bit so it stays creamy. And please use a real lemon. The bottled stuff just does not have that same zing.

Nutritional Information for Healthy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi

This is a great balanced meal that fits perfectly into a healthy lifestyle. Here is the breakdown per serving.

Calories: 340 kcal
Protein: 18g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 650mg

Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Smoked Salmon Gnocchi

Can I store leftovers?

Yes you can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about two days. When you want to eat it again just heat it gently on the stove and add a little splash of broth to make the sauce creamy again.

Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?

Fresh dill is definitely the best choice here but if you only have dried just use a small amount. Dried herbs are much stronger so a little goes a long way.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It is very easy to make this gluten-free. Just make sure you buy gluten-free gnocchi at the store. The rest of the ingredients like the salmon and spinach are naturally gluten-free anyway.