Pasta Salad with Shrimp and Chickpeas

Indulge in a delightful fusion of flavors and textures with our Pasta Salad with Shrimp and Chickpeas. This recipe brings together the best of fresh vegetables, protein-rich chickpeas, and succulent shrimp tossed with a creamy and zesty dressing. Perfect as a stand-alone dish or as a complement to your favorite meals, this pasta salad is both nourishing and satisfying. Ideal for a light lunch, a picnic gathering, or a wholesome side dish, it promises to please even the pickiest of eaters. With its vibrant colors and refreshing taste, this dish is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Simple to prepare yet remarkably rich in flavor, it's a culinary treat that fits any occasion. Whip it up in just 30 minutes and enjoy a medley of satisfying ingredients. Whether you're a pasta lover, a seafood enthusiast, or a healthy eater, this recipe is sure to become a favorite on your menu.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

150 g penne rigate pasta
200 g cooked and rinsed chickpeas
1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced
150 g cherry tomatoes, washed and halved
1/2 long cucumber, sliced
100 g olives, halved (optional)
200 g shrimp (optional; thawed if frozen)
1/2 blue onion, finely chopped
Dill or other herbs

Sauce

3 tbsp plain yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp French mustard
Parsley, dill, or other herbs to taste
Pinch of salt, ground black pepper

Preparation Time

Total: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Start by cooking 150 g of penne rigate pasta according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is cooked to your desired level, drain it, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process, and place it in a large bowl.
Add 200 g of cooked and rinsed chickpeas to the bowl with the pasta.
Slice 1/2 of a yellow bell pepper into thin strips and add it to the bowl.
Take 150 g of cherry tomatoes, wash them, and cut each in half, mixing them into the pasta and chickpeas.
Include 1/2 a sliced long cucumber into the salad mix for a refreshing crunch.
If you like olives, add 100 g of halved olives for a touch of Mediterranean flavor, though this step is optional.
For seafood lovers, add 200 g of shrimp. Ensure they are thawed if previously frozen.
Add 1/2 of a finely chopped blue onion into the mixture for a subtle sharpness.
Chop some dill or any other fresh herbs of your choice, and sprinkle them over the salad for a burst of green aroma and taste.
For the dressing, take a small bowl and combine 3 tbsp of plain yogurt with 1 tbsp of lemon juice.
Add 1 tsp of French mustard to the yogurt mixture for a tangy touch.
Stir in some finely chopped parsley, dill, or any preferred herbs into the dressing mix.
Season the dressing with a pinch of salt and some freshly ground black pepper according to your taste.
Mix the dressing ingredients thoroughly to ensure they are well combined.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad in the large bowl.
Gently toss all the ingredients together until the salad components are evenly coated with the dressing.
At this point, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or lemon juice as needed.
The salad can be served immediately for a fresh experience, or it can be placed in the refrigerator to chill for a couple of hours for enhanced flavors.
If making ahead of time, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge to retain freshness.
Enjoy your colorful and flavorful pasta salad as a standalone meal or a delightful side.

Tips

For added flavor, consider grilling the shrimp before adding them to the salad.
Try substituting yogurt with a creamy dressing of your choice for a richer taste.
Add a few slices of avocado for an extra creamy texture and healthy fats.

Nutrition

Approximate Values per Serving:

Calories: 300
Protein: 15 g
Fats: 7 g
Carbs: 42 g

Variations

For a vegetarian version, simply omit the shrimp and increase the variety of vegetables.
For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crusty whole-grain bread for a more substantial meal.
Garnish with additional fresh herbs before serving for added color and flavor.

Best Places

Café Niche - Known for its fresh artisan salads. Location: 779 S 500 E, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
Seafood Bar - Offers a diverse range of seafood salads. Location: 1 Caruso Drive N101, Bethesda, MD, USA.
La Pasta Fresca - Famous for handmade pasta dishes. Location: Via della Condotta, 85, Florence, Italy.
The Shrimp Lover - Specializes in shrimp-based dishes. Location: 1848 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Greenhouse Canteen & Bar - Offers plant-based and seafood options. Location: Shop 5/191-193 Beaudesert Rd, Moorooka, Australia.
Salad House - Vegan-friendly with creative salad combinations. Location: 1075 Bloomfield Ave, Clifton, NJ, USA.
The Healthy Choice - Specializes in health-concious meals. Location: 1500 Lake Woodlands Dr, The Woodlands, TX, USA.
Urban Plates - Known for fresh and sustainably sourced dishes. Location: 2692 Via de la Valle, Del Mar, CA, USA.
Green Eats - A menu rich with organic and fresh ingredients. Location: 3001 Industrial Hwy, Phillipsburg, NJ, USA.
The Gourmet Pasta Bar - Offers an array of pasta choices. Location: 4916 N University Dr, Lauderhill, FL, USA.