Shrimp Pasta Salad with Asparagus and Sun-dried Tomatoes

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the asparagus and finish cooking. Drain well and set aside.

2. Meanwhile, heat an indoor or outdoor grill pan until smoking hot. Season the shrimp with sea salt, black pepper and half of the olive oil and add it to the grill pan. Grill until shrimp are curled and lightly charred on both sides, about 3 minutes total. Remove to a bowl.

3. Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet. Add the shallots, garlic, cherry tomatoes, and red chili flakes to the pan. Cook until the shallots are soft and the tomatoes are beginning to release their juices, about 5 minutes. Season generously with sea salt.

4. Remove the pan from the heat and add the cooked shrimp, pasta-asparagus mixture, sun-dried tomatoes, balsamic, and half the mint and hemp seeds, if using. Toss to combine and season to taste.

5. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with the remaining mint and hemp seeds, if using. Eat warm or at room temperature.