Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Step 2

For the dressing: Place the tomatoes, olives, capers, garlic, and rosemary sprig on a sheet pan. Drizzle with ½ cup of olive oil, and toss to evenly coat. Season with black pepper. Place in the oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes (the tomatoes should have released their juices but still hold their shape). Discard the rosemary sprig and set aside to cool for 10 minutes.

Step 3

Set a large fine mesh strainer over a large bowl. Strain the tomatoes, olives, and capers, reserving the liquid for the dressing and the tomatoes, olives, and capers to stir into the salad. Remove the garlic from the tomato mixture and add it to the accumulated liquid. To a blender, carefully add the liquid mixture, remaining ¼ cup of olive oil, roasted red peppers, almonds, and more black pepper. Blend until smooth, and set aside. Keep the large bowl to mix the pasta salad; no need to dirty another bowl.

Step 4

For the crispy chickpeas: Spread the chickpeas out on a large kitchen towel and thoroughly rub dry, discarding any loose skins. Transfer the chickpeas to a sheet pan. Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss the chickpeas to evenly coat and roast until they turn a deep golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove the chickpeas from the oven, sprinkle with the crushed red pepper, and carefully toss with a spatula to combine. Set aside to cool.

Step 5

For the pasta salad: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, 2 to 3 minutes less than the package directions. Drain the pasta, and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Transfer to the large bowl that held the accumulated tomato juices and olive oil, and set aside (it’s okay if a little water collects in the bowl; it will mix with the dressing). Add the reserved tomato mixture, giardiniera, smoked mozzarella, basil, and the dressing to the bowl with the pasta, tossing gently to coat. Transfer to a serving bowl and top with extra giardiniera, smoked mozzarella, and basil. Sprinkle on the crispy chickpeas, and serve immediately.