Description
Tuscan Salmon with Gnocchi combines tender salmon fillets cooked in a creamy plant-based cheese sauce with smoky turkey bacon, fluffy gnocchi, and fresh herbs. This comforting yet elegant dish offers a rich, indulgent flavor with fresh herbal brightness, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Main Ingredients
- 4 fresh salmon fillets, skin-on
- 500g soft potato gnocchi
- 100g smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 150g plant-based cheese
Vegetables and Herbs
- 3 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 200g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 100g fresh spinach or kale
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
Seasonings and Miscellaneous
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
- 1/4 tsp natural gelling agent
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare and Cook the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip gently and cook for another 3-4 minutes depending on thickness. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In the same skillet, add chopped smoked turkey bacon and cook until crisp. Leave the rendered fat in the pan for added depth in the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic and Vegetables: Add minced garlic, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the spinach has wilted, building the flavor base.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in apple cider vinegar, then stir in plant-based cheese and a pinch of natural gelling agent to thicken the sauce. Add vegetarian Worcestershire sauce and stir gently until smooth and creamy.
- Cook the Gnocchi and Combine: Cook gnocchi in boiling salted water according to package instructions until they float to the surface. Drain and add them to the skillet, tossing well to coat with the creamy sauce.
- Reintroduce Salmon and Finish: Nestle the salmon fillets back into the skillet to warm through for about a minute. Sprinkle with fresh basil, parsley, and thyme before serving.
Notes
- Choose fresh salmon for tender, juicy results and best flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to achieve even cooking and crispy skin.
- Use high-quality plant-based cheese for a creamy sauce without graininess.
- Cook gnocchi last so they absorb the sauce nicely when freshly cooked.
- Add fresh herbs just before serving to preserve their vibrant flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Tuscan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Tuscan salmon, gnocchi, plant-based cheese sauce, smoked turkey bacon, creamy sauce, easy dinner, gluten free, healthy seafood