Are you ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience? Imagine succulent shrimp dancing with zesty garlic, perfectly nestled on a bed of creamy cannellini beans and peppery arugula - all ready in just 25 minutes! This Garlic Scampi and Bean Salad isn't just a recipe; it's a flavor explosion that will transport your taste buds straight to the sunny coastlines of Italy, promising a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups arugula
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Rinse and drain the cannellini beans, and mince the garlic cloves. Wash the arugula thoroughly and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed cannellini beans and arugula. Drizzle with half of the olive oil and half of the lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink, then flip them over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side until fully cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the skillet from heat and drizzle the remaining lemon juice over the shrimp. Stir to combine.
- To serve, divide the bean and arugula salad among four plates. Top each serving with the garlic shrimp. Optionally, garnish with additional lemon wedges or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
- Enjoy your Garlic Scampi and Bean Salad warm as a delightful and nutritious meal!
Tips
- Shrimp Perfection: Always cook shrimp just until they turn pink and curl slightly. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.
- Garlic Wisdom: Sauté garlic quickly on medium heat to release its flavor without burning, which can create a bitter taste.
- Bean and Arugula Prep: Let the bean and arugula salad sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor profile.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra gourmet touch, garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve with a crisp white wine.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 180mg
