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Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta


  • Author: Dianna
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 cup freekeh – A hearty, nutritious whole grain that provides texture and a nutty flavor.
  • 1 ½ cups lima beans – Fresh or frozen, they provide creaminess and a lovely contrast to the freekeh.
  • 2 large oranges – For that refreshing citrus kick that brightens up the whole dish.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves, chopped – Mint adds an unexpected pop of freshness that really elevates this salad.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil – For a smooth and healthy fat to bring it all together.
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – Adds acidity to balance the sweetness of the oranges.
  • 1 tablespoon honey – To sweeten the dressing just a touch, complementing the citrus.
  • Salt and pepper – To taste, for seasoning.
  • Optional: Feta cheese, crumbled, or a sprinkle of toasted almonds or pine nuts for an extra crunch.

Instructions

  1. Cook the Freekeh:
    • In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the freekeh and a pinch of salt.
    • Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the freekeh is tender but still chewy. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
    • Tip: If you want a more pronounced nutty flavor, toast the freekeh in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes before cooking.
  2. Cook the Lima Beans:
    • If using dried lima beans, soak them overnight and cook according to package instructions. If you’re using frozen lima beans, simply bring a pot of water to a boil, add the beans, and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender.
    • Drain and set aside to cool.
  3. Prepare the Oranges:
    • Peel the oranges and cut them into segments. Be sure to remove any seeds, and set the orange slices aside.
    • Pro Tip: For a neat presentation, you can cut the orange segments into smaller pieces, or leave them as wedges for a more rustic feel.
  4. Make the Dressing:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
    • Extra Tip: If you want a creamier dressing, you can add a dollop of Greek yogurt or tahini.
  5. Assemble the Salad:
    • In a large bowl, combine the freekeh, lima beans, and orange slices. Gently toss everything together.
    • Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss again until everything is evenly coated.
    • Add in the fresh mint and toss once more, ensuring the mint is evenly distributed.
    • Optional: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese or toasted nuts on top for added flavor and texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 150mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Protein: 14g