Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that transforms ordinary pasta into an extraordinary Mediterranean masterpiece! This Pasta Salad with Lima Beans and Anchovies is not just another side dish – it's a flavor explosion that will transport you to the sun-drenched coastal regions of Italy. With its unique combination of creamy lima beans, briny anchovies, and zesty lemon dressing, this recipe is about to become your new summer obsession. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself to something extraordinary, this dish promises to elevate your meal from mundane to magnificent!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1 can lima beans, drained
- 4 anchovy fillets, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Drain and rinse the can of lima beans under cold water to remove any excess sodium. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Whisk together until well blended. This will be your dressing.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down. Allow it to drain well.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, drained lima beans, chopped anchovy fillets, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion.
- Pour the olive oil and lemon juice dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the anchovies will add some saltiness, so taste before adding too much salt.
- Let the pasta salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. You can serve it immediately or refrigerate it for later.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick toss and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Enjoy your Pasta Salad with Lima Beans and Anchovies!
Tips
- Always cook pasta al dente to prevent a mushy texture in your salad
- Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping
- Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together
- Use high-quality olive oil and fresh lemon juice for the best dressing
- If you're not a fan of anchovies, you can substitute with capers for a similar briny flavor
- For extra freshness, consider adding some chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley
- This salad tastes even better the next day, so don't be afraid to make it in advance
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for optimal taste and texture
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
