Description
Tuscan Salmon with Gnocchi is a richly flavored, vibrant dish combining tender salmon fillets with soft gnocchi, smoky turkey bacon, fresh herbs, and creamy plant-based cheese sauce. This comforting yet elegant meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a wholesome balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats with an authentic Tuscan flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 4 fresh salmon fillets
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
Carbohydrates
- 500g potato gnocchi
Vegetables & Herbs
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Aromatics & Flavorings
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dairy Alternatives
- 100g plant-based creamy cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry, season with salt and pepper, then sear them skin-side down in a hot skillet with olive oil for 4-5 minutes until crisp. Flip gently and cook for another 3 minutes until just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In the same skillet, add smoked turkey bacon and cook until crispy, releasing its smoky aroma. Remove and chop into bite-sized pieces to sprinkle over the final dish.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Sauté minced garlic in a touch more olive oil until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften. Stir in fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted, creating a vibrant base for the sauce.
- Make the Creamy Tuscan Sauce: Add plant-based creamy cheese and a splash of apple cider vinegar to the skillet, stirring until melted into a silky sauce. Pour in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) and sprinkle fresh herbs (basil, rosemary, parsley). Let everything meld for a couple of minutes on low heat.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Meanwhile, boil gnocchi in salted water until they float to the surface, usually 2-3 minutes. Drain and add them directly to the sauce, tossing gently to coat each pillowy dumpling with flavor.
- Combine and Serve: Place the seared salmon on plates, spoon the creamy gnocchi mixture alongside, and finish with crispy smoked turkey bacon and an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs for a stunning presentation.
Notes
- Use room temperature salmon for even searing and to prevent sticking.
- Do not overcook gnocchi as they can become mushy quickly.
- Reserve a small splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to maintain their bright flavors and aroma.
- Use medium-low heat when making the sauce to keep it silky and creamy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and sautéing
- Cuisine: Tuscan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Tuscan, salmon, gnocchi, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, creamy sauce, Italian, healthy dinner, weeknight meal, gluten free
