ORECCHIETTE, CELERY, AND OLIVE SALAD WITH RICOTTA SALATA

Orecchiette, Celery, and Olive Salad with Ricotta Salata image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Time 45m

Yield Serves 6 to 8

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 small clove garlic, minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 cups chopped celery
1 pound orecchiette
1 fennel bulb, cored and chopped (1 1/2 cups)
1/2 cup pitted and sliced Castelvetrano olives and 1 to 2 tablespoons olive brine
1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Ricotta salata, crumbled (3/4 cup)
1 ounce Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated (1/4 cup)
1/2 cup chopped celery leaves

Steps:

Using the side of a chef's knife, mash garlic with 1 teaspoon salt into a paste. Transfer to a small bowl; whisk in lemon juice, vinegar, oregano, and oil. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper.
Cook pasta in generously salted water according to package directions until cooked all the way through. Drain (but don't rinse, which would waterlog the noodles), then spread on a rimmed baking sheet and toss with half of vinaigrette. Let cool completely, about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, toss fennel, capers and brine, chickpeas, ricotta salata, and celery with remaining vinaigrette. Add pasta; toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate up to a day ahead; let stand at room temperature at least 30 minutes before serving. (Cold pasta salad is too firm and less flavorful.) Toss with Parmigiano-Reggiano and celery leaves; serve.