1-Step 1: Preparing the Gnocchi First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven heats, bring a pot of water to boil and cook the gnocchi according to package directions. This typically takes just a few minutes you’ll know they’re done when they float to the surface. Once cooked, drain the gnocchi well. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the cooked gnocchi evenly in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil about 2 tablespoons should do the trick and season with salt. Toss gently to coat all the gnocchi pieces. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the gnocchi is crisp and golden brown, turning halfway through for even cooking. Set aside once done.

2-Step 2: Preparing the Vegetables and Herbs While the gnocchi is baking, it’s time to prepare the fresh vegetables. Quarter and chop the Persian cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. Shell the snap peas and set aside the peas for another use (they’re great in stir-fries!). Slice the snap pea shells diagonally into small slivers this creates more surface area for the dressing to cling to and adds visual appeal. Add the cucumbers and sliced snap pea shells to a large bowl. This will be the base of your salad.

3-Step 3: Creating the Flavorful Dressing This is where the magic happens! Take your lemon and zest it directly into the bowl with the vegetables. Then cut the lemon in half and squeeze all its juice into the same bowl. The combination of zest and juice gives a double punch of bright, fresh citrus flavor. Grate the three garlic cloves directly into the bowl using a microplane or fine grater. This technique helps the garlic integrate seamlessly into the dressing rather than leaving harsh raw bits. Now, take your fresh herbs both the mint and basil and finely chop them. The finer you chop, the more flavor they’ll release into the salad. Add the chopped herbs to the bowl.

4-Step 4: Seasoning and Tasting Season the bowl contents with salt, black pepper, and the 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Add a generous amount of olive oil about 3 tablespoons to start. Stir everything well to combine all the flavors. This next step is crucial: taste your salad! Adjust seasoning and acidity as needed by adding more salt, pepper, olive oil, or white wine vinegar. The right balance should be bright, herbal, and slightly spicy, with the vegetables well-coated but not drowning in dressing.

5-Step 5: Combining and Serving Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add your crispy baked gnocchi to the salad bowl. Stir well to coat the gnocchi thoroughly with the dressing and vegetables. The warm gnocchi will absorb some of the delicious flavors while adding its wonderful crispy texture to the salad. Serve the salad immediately while the gnocchi is still warm and crispy. Optionally, top each serving with a dollop of the vegan feta or cashew cheese and an extra sprinkle of black pepper if desired. The creamy cheese balances the tartness of the dressing and adds another layer of texture to the dish.