Name: Spicy Shrimp Chickpea Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp olive oil; ½ tsp cumin; ½ tsp coriander; ½ tsp dry dill; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 cup cooked chickpeas; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cucumbers, chopped; 1 tomato, thinly chopped; 1 small pepper or ½ large pepper, chopped; 1 scallion, chopped; ⅓ cup chopped herbs (basil, arugula, parsley); 1 tbsp olives, pitted and chopped; 1 tsp olive oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

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Introduction

This Spicy Shrimp Chickpea Salad combines tender, spiced shrimp with hearty chickpeas and fresh, crisp vegetables. It’s a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner on warm days.

A white bowl filled with a colorful layered salad featuring grilled shrimp as the top layer, with a charred orange and black texture that looks juicy and spiced. Beneath the shrimp, bright green chopped herbs and celery pieces add freshness and crispness, mixed with dark purple sliced olives scattered around. The base layer includes light brown chickpeas creating a hearty base, and on the side, pale green pepper rings with a smooth texture. The salad sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp olive oil
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp coriander
½ tsp dill, dry
1 tsp chili powder
1 cup chickpeas, cooked
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cucumbers, chopped
1 tomato, thinly chopped
1 small pepper or ½ big one, chopped
1 scallion, chopped
⅓ cup chopped herbs like basil, arugula and parsley
1 tbsp olives, pitted
1 tsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Mix the shrimp with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, coriander, dill, and chili powder. Let it marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 2: Heat a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Sauté the shrimp for 3-4 minutes on each side until nicely browned. After flipping the shrimp, move them to the side of the pan to make room for the chickpeas.
Step 3: Add the chickpeas to the pan beside the shrimp and toast them for a few minutes. They will soak up some of the spices and gains a nice texture.
Step 4: Chop cucumbers, tomato, peppers, olives, herbs (basil, arugula, parsley), and scallions. Combine all the chopped vegetables in a large bowl.
Step 5: Add the cooked shrimp and chickpeas on top of the vegetables. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Toss the salad gently to mix all ingredients well. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, spicy flavors.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or fresh chopped chili to the shrimp marinade.
Swap chickpeas with white beans or black beans for a different texture.
Use fresh dill if available for a brighter herb flavor instead of dry dill.
Add avocado slices for creaminess and extra nutrition.
If you prefer a milder taste, reduce or omit the chili powder.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep shrimp and salad components together for best flavor. Reheat shrimp briefly in a pan or enjoy the salad cold for a refreshing meal.

How to Serve

A white bowl with a thin brown rim holds a colorful layered salad. The bottom layer has chopped green cucumber pieces and bright red tomato bits. On top, there are light brown chickpeas mixed with dark purple sliced olives. Grilled shrimp with a charred orange-brown surface are placed evenly over the chickpeas. Fresh green chopped herbs are scattered all over the bowl, adding a fresh look. The bowl is set on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just thaw completely and pat dry before marinating to ensure even cooking.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. Prepare all ingredients in advance and keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness and texture.