Name: Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach, Feta, and Fresh Herbs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 5 ounces baby spinach; 1 lemon, halved; 2 scallions, thinly sliced; Big handful of chopped dill; Big handful of chopped mint; 6 ounces Greek feta, crumbled (about 1 cup); 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; ¼ to ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper; 1 (16- to 17-ounce) package potato gnocchi (shelf-stable, fresh or frozen)

There’s something so satisfying about the golden, crispy texture you get when pan-frying gnocchi, especially when it’s paired with fresh, vibrant ingredients like spinach, feta, and herbs. This Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach, Feta, and Fresh Herbs Recipe strikes that perfect balance between indulgent comfort food and a bright, fresh meal that feels like a hug from the Mediterranean. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering, this dish never fails to impress with minimal effort.

What really makes this Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach, Feta, and Fresh Herbs Recipe stand out for me is the way the salty feta crumbles melt just slightly over the warm gnocchi while the fresh herbs and lemon zest add layers of brightness. It’s a simple recipe that feels special, and it’s perfect when you want something fast but not boring. If you’re the type who loves a little crunch combined with fresh greens and creamy cheese, this is definitely a must-try.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients all come together in a way that’s super harmonious — the creamy feta pairs beautifully with tender spinach, and the fresh herbs give everything a pop of flavor. When shopping, don’t forget to choose firm gnocchi and bright, fragrant herbs for the best results.

Baby spinach: Use fresh baby spinach because it wilts quickly and adds a delicate freshness without overpowering the dish.
Greek feta, crumbled: Full-fat feta gives that perfect creamy, salty bite that complements the crispy gnocchi beautifully.
Lemon: Adds a necessary zing — fresh lemon juice brightens everything up just before serving.
Extra-virgin olive oil: For frying and drizzling, pick a good-quality olive oil for richer flavor.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning — the feta is salty, so adjust salt carefully.
Potato gnocchi: Fresh, frozen, or shelf-stable works – just be sure to choose a quality brand that holds together when pan-fried.
Crushed red pepper: Adds a gentle heat that balances the creaminess and freshness.
Scallions: Thinly sliced for a mild onion flavor that’s fresh and crisp.
Dill: A big handful chopped — the slightly tangy herb really lifts the flavor of the dish.
Mint: Also a big handful chopped — mint adds a surprising fresh note that pairs perfectly with feta and lemon.

Variations

I love how flexible this Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach, Feta, and Fresh Herbs Recipe is, so don’t hesitate to customize it to your liking. Whether you want it spicier, heartier, or more herbaceous, there’s room to play with the ingredients.

Vegetarian Boost: Adding toasted pine nuts or walnuts gives a lovely crunch and an extra layer of flavor. I often sprinkle these on top when I want some texture contrast.
Vegan Twist: Swap out feta for a crumbled tofu or vegan cheese option and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. This way, you still get the tang without dairy.
Seasonal Greens: Try kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach when you want a heartier green; just sauté a bit longer to tenderize them.
Extra Protein: Toss in some grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a more filling meal. I’ve done this on busy nights when I want one pan dishes that cover all my bases.

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

Step 1: Get Your Gnocchi Beautifully Crispy

Heat 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s shimmering, add the gnocchi in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan — you want each piece to have contact with the surface to crisp up perfectly. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown, then flip or stir gently and crisp the other side. The key here is patience; don’t stir too early or they won’t get that satisfying crunch!

Step 2: Sauté the Spinach and Aromatics

Once the gnocchi is nicely browned, add the baby spinach to the pan along with the sliced scallions and crushed red pepper. Give everything a good toss to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach just wilts but still keeps its bright green color. This quick cooking keeps the spinach tender without turning it soggy, which I find crucial for texture.

Step 3: Finish with Feta, Herbs, and Lemon

Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle the crumbled feta evenly over the gnocchi and spinach. The residual warmth will slightly soften the feta, making it oh-so-creamy. Then, toss in the chopped dill and mint — these fresh herbs add that magical lift to the dish. Right before serving, squeeze the lemon juice over everything for a bright finishing touch. Give it one gentle toss and it’s ready to enjoy.

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

The image shows a black frying pan filled with golden-brown gnocchi pieces that look crispy on the outside. Mixed with the gnocchi are wilted dark green spinach leaves, small white chunks of soft cheese, and scattered light brown pine nuts. There are tiny bits of red chili flakes and black pepper speckled all over the dish. The pan is resting on a white marbled surface, and a small part of the blue handle is visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love adding a little extra drizzle of good olive oil just before serving, plus a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to bring out the flavors. If you like a touch of crunch, a handful of toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds works wonders as a garnish. Fresh lemon zest is another way I like to brighten this delicious dish.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach, Feta, and Fresh Herbs Recipe pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to keep the meal balanced. A crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon on the side really elevates the dinner vibe, too—perfect for casual yet classy gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve the gnocchi in individual shallow bowls, layered with a bit more fresh herb garnish and a lemon wedge on the side. Setting the table with colorful napkins and a rustic loaf of bread completes the experience. It’s simple, but it feels thoughtful and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The spinach can release some water, so I recommend reheating the gnocchi separately in a pan to keep it crispy, then stir in the greens and cheese just before serving again.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked gnocchi before, but with the spinach and feta, I find the texture changes after freezing and reheating. For best results, freeze just the gnocchi uncooked on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag — cook fresh and add the spinach, feta, and herbs last minute.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the gnocchi back into a hot skillet with a drizzle of olive oil. Gently warm until crisp again, then add leftover spinach and feta just long enough to warm without losing texture. Microwaving tends to make it soggy, so I steer clear of that method.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

While fresh spinach works best for this recipe to maintain texture and vibrant color, you can use frozen spinach in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out as much water as possible before sautéing to avoid sogginess.
What’s the best way to get gnocchi crispy without it sticking?

Use a good nonstick pan and enough olive oil. Heat the pan well before adding the gnocchi, then don’t stir too often—allow them space and time to create a crispy crust.
Can I prepare this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the feta with a vegan cheese or marinated tofu for creaminess, and skip any animal-based ingredients. Fresh herbs and lemon will keep the dish flavorful and fresh.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

Most gnocchi is gluten-free since it is primarily made from potato, but always check the package label to be sure. Using gluten-free gnocchi ensures this dish works for gluten-sensitive diets.
How do I prevent the spinach from becoming mushy?

Add the spinach at the very end of cooking and toss it just until wilted. Cooking it quickly over medium heat helps retain color and texture.

Final Thoughts

I can honestly say this Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach, Feta, and Fresh Herbs Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to dishes for both lazy nights and casual entertaining. It’s quick, straightforward, and packed with layers of flavor that always feel fresh and nourishing. I hope you enjoy making it and that it finds a happy spot in your recipe rotation like it has in mine—sometimes the simplest meals are the most memorable.