Spicy Shrimp and Chickpea Salad Recipe | High Protein, Gluten-Free & Perfect for Weight Loss
Shrimp and chickpeas are both my favorites. Recipes made with them are as delicious as they are easy to make and high in protein. This Spicy Shrimp and Chickpea Salad is a clean eating, low-carb, and gluten-free lunch idea that’s perfect for weight loss, meal prep, and those following the Mediterranean diet. Packed with fiber-rich chickpeas, pan-seared shrimp, crunchy vegetables, and an awesome homemade dressing, this dish is bursting with bold flavor and nutrition, ready in just 20 minutes!
If you’re looking for low-calorie shrimp meals as easy lunch recipes for work, this protein-packed salad delivers on taste, simplicity, and performance. It’s a perfect anti-inflammatory meal for anyone following a heart-healthy or diabetic-friendly diet, making it a top choice for health-conscious foodies and busy professionals alike.
This salad also works great as part of a meal plan for fat loss, keto-friendly dinner, or a high-protein weight management recipe, making it a perfect fit for today’s trending dietary lifestyles. Also, with ingredients that are affordable and easy to find, this dish hits the sweet spot of budget-friendly recipes and premium health content.
Suggested: Gluten-Free Desserts
💖 Why You’ll Love This Spicy Shrimp and Chickpea Salad
- ✅ High in Protein & Low in Carbs: This high-protein shrimp recipe helps boost metabolism and supports lean muscle — ideal for weight loss and fitness goals.
- ✅ Gluten-Free & Gut-Friendly: Packed with fiber-rich chickpeas and fresh veggies, it’s perfect for clean eating and gut health.
- ✅ Ready in Just 20 Minutes: Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, high-protein lunches, or fast healthy meal prep ideas.
- ✅ Loaded with Flavor: The combo of lemon, garlic, smoked paprika, and chili makes every bite exciting — not your boring salad!
- ✅ Versatile & Customizable: Easily make it keto, vegan, or dairy-free — fits perfectly into Mediterranean diets and clean eating meal plans.
Related: Tomato and Rice Soup
📋 Ingredients & Smart Substitutions
This high protein shrimp and chickpea salad is crafted for clean eating, healthy shrimp recipes enthusiasts, and anyone following a low carb Mediterranean diet.
🦐 For the Spicy Shrimp
- ✔️ 200g medium shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- ✔️ 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- ✔️ 1 tsp smoked paprika (for that bold, spicy flavor)
- ✔️ ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ✔️ ½ tsp garlic powder
- ✔️ Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ✔️ Juice of ½ fresh lemon
🥗 For the Salad Base
- ✔️ 1 cup canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- ✔️ ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ✔️ ½ cucumber, diced (adds crunch and hydration)
- ✔️ ½ red bell pepper, chopped
- ✔️ ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ✔️ 2 cups fresh mixed greens or baby spinach
- ✔️ 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
🥣 For the Zesty Lemon-Garlic Dressing
- ✔️ 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (heart-healthy fat)
- ✔️ 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- ✔️ 1 tsp Dijon mustard (adds depth and emulsification)
- ✔️ 1 garlic clove, minced
- ✔️ Salt & pepper to taste
- Make it Vegan: Swap shrimp with roasted tofu or spicy chickpeas.
- Low Carb Version: Use roasted cauliflower florets instead of chickpeas.
- Extra Protein: Add hard-boiled eggs, grilled chicken, or feta cheese.
- No Mustard? Use Greek yogurt or tahini for a creamy twist.
- Low FODMAP Option: Skip garlic and onion; add green scallions instead.
Related: Budget-Friendly Pasta Recipes
🔥 How to Make Spicy Shrimp and Chickpea Salad
This high-protein shrimp salad recipe is not only easy and quick to prepare but also packed with flavor and essential nutrients.
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, mix the shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, lemon juice, and a pinch of sea salt. Let it marinate for 5–10 minutes to allow those spicy Mediterranean flavors to soak in.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated shrimp for about 2–3 minutes on each side or until they’re pink, slightly crispy, and cooked through.
- Prep the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, chopped cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and fresh parsley. These ingredients are rich in fiber and antioxidants, great for an anti-inflammatory diet.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This heart-healthy dressing enhances the bold flavors while supporting the Mediterranean diet principles.
- Combine & Toss: Add the cooked shrimp and greens (spinach or arugula) to the chickpea mixture. Drizzle the dressing and gently toss everything until evenly coated.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy immediately or portion it into airtight containers for a high-protein meal prep recipe you can take to work or enjoy post-workout.
Suggested: Low-Carb Breakfast Burrito
Tips & Tricks for the Best Shrimp & Chickpea Salad
1️⃣ Use Jumbo or Wild-Caught Shrimp
For the best shrimp salad recipe, always use fresh or wild-caught shrimp for better taste and texture. Avoid overcooking—shrimp only need 2-3 minutes per side.
2️⃣ Pat Dry Before Marinating
Remove excess moisture from shrimp before applying your shrimp marinade. This helps spices adhere better and gives you a crispy sear, enhancing low carb meal prep recipes.
3️⃣ Let the Dressing Sit for 10 Minutes
Whisk your lemon garlic salad dressing and let it sit to allow flavors to blend. This tip works well for any healthy gluten-free lunch ideas.
4️⃣ Keep Greens Separate for Meal Prep
Store your greens and shrimp separately if you’re prepping this high protein salad for weight loss. It keeps everything fresh and crisp during the week.
5️⃣ Add More Fiber for Weight Loss
Boost fiber with flaxseeds or avocado. This tip enhances the effectiveness of weight loss meals by increasing satiety and supporting digestion.
6️⃣ Chickpea Tip: Rinse and Dry
To avoid soggy textures in your chickpea salad recipe, rinse canned chickpeas well and pat dry. You can even roast them lightly for crunch!
7️⃣ Boost Flavor with Fresh Herbs
Fresh parsley, dill, or cilantro add antioxidant benefits and enhance flavor. A must-do for any Mediterranean diet recipes.
Related: White Bean Caprese Salad Recipe
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- 🥙Serve with warm pita bread or whole wheat wraps
For a fiber-rich and satisfying meal, wrap the salad in whole wheat pita. This makes a perfect healthy office lunch or protein-packed dinner. - 🍚Pair with quinoa or brown rice for added satiety
Create a complete balanced low-calorie meal by serving the salad over a bowl of warm quinoa or brown rice. - 🥑Top with sliced avocado or Greek yogurt
Add healthy fats and a creamy texture, perfect for those following a weight loss plan or the keto Mediterranean diet. - 🌮Use as a filling for lettuce wraps or soft tacos
A fun twist for a low carb dinner recipe. It’s fresh, crunchy, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for clean eating meal ideas. - 🍹Pair with a citrus mocktail or cucumber-infused sparkling water
Stay hydrated and refreshed with a low-calorie drink that complements this healthy high protein recipe.
Variations & Customizations
🥑 Keto-Friendly Version
Replace chickpeas with roasted cauliflower or sautéed zucchini for a low carb shrimp salad. This version is ideal for a keto weight loss meal plan and is packed with healthy fats and lean protein.
🌱 Vegan Alternative
Swap shrimp for crispy baked tofu or spicy roasted chickpeas. A great option for those on a plant-based diet or looking for vegan high protein recipes. Use tahini lemon dressing for extra flavor!
🌶️ Indian Spiced Version
Add garam masala, turmeric, and a pinch of chaat masala to your shrimp marinade for an Ayurvedic anti-inflammatory meal. This twist blends great with a low calorie Indian lunch.
🥥 Thai Fusion Salad
Infuse flavors of lime, fish sauce, and coconut milk to transform it into a Thai-style salad. This version is great for those exploring Asian low carb recipes that fit into gluten-free meal plans.
💪 Extra Protein Boost
Add boiled eggs, grilled chicken breast, or a scoop of quinoa to turn this into a high protein low calorie meal that’s perfect for fitness meal prep or muscle-building diets.
Spicy Shrimp and Chickpea Salad Recipe
This Spicy Shrimp and Chickpea Salad is a flavorful, high-protein, and fiber-rich dish perfect for clean eating, weight loss, and meal prep. It blends the heat of chili shrimp with the creaminess of chickpeas, fresh veggies, and a zesty lemon-garlic dressing. This 30-minute Mediterranean diet recipe is great for easy lunch ideas or a light dinner!
Ingredients
For the Spicy Shrimp:
- 200g (7 oz) medium shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
For the Salad:
- 1 cup canned chickpeas (drained & rinsed)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- 2 cups mixed greens or baby spinach
For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Notes
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store shrimp and salad separately; mix before eating.
- Spice Swap: Use chipotle powder or harissa for a flavor twist.
- Make It Vegan: Swap shrimp for grilled tofu or spicy roasted chickpeas.
- Low-Carb Tip: Replace chickpeas with roasted cauliflower florets for a keto version.
- Boost Protein: Add boiled eggs or crumbled feta cheese.
- Batch Cooking: Double the recipe for healthy weekly meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled with warm pita bread or on a bed of quinoa.
- Pairs well with tzatziki or garlic yogurt sauce.
- Perfect with a cold glass of lemon water or cucumber mint cooler.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 419Total Fat: 23gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 836mgCarbohydrates: 47gFiber: 9gSugar: 23gProtein: 9g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes! Frozen shrimp works great for this low carb shrimp recipe. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry to ensure even seasoning and perfect searing. This is ideal for anyone looking for quick high-protein meals without compromising flavor.
This is a high protein salad for weight loss, rich in fiber and healthy fats. With around 330 calories per serving, it’s ideal for a clean eating meal prep plan or anyone following the Mediterranean diet.
This salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. For best texture, store the dressing separately. It’s perfect for easy meal prep lunch ideas or packed office lunches.
Yes! This recipe is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free. It’s great for those following a gluten-free lunch plan or dealing with dietary restrictions while still enjoying a flavorful, protein-packed meal.
You can swap shrimp with grilled chicken, tofu, or roasted chickpeas. Add avocado for healthy fats or serve over quinoa for more fiber.
Yes, it’s packed with fresh veggies, lean protein, olive oil, and legumes—making it an ideal Mediterranean diet recipe for lunch. Pair with whole grain pita or hummus for extra nutrition and satiety.
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