Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese, Pecans and Bacon

Contributed by Grace Parisi

In a large saucepan, combine the lentils with the bacon, halved shallot and bay leaf. Add the water and a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Simmer over low heat until the lentils are tender, about 25 minutes. Drain, discarding the bay leaf, shallot and slab bacon. Let cool.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°. Spread the pecans in a pie plate and toast until fragrant, about 8 minutes. Let cool, then coarsely chop.
In a large bowl, whisk the oil with the vinegar and season with salt and pepper. Add the lentils, pecans, minced shallot, celery and goat cheese and toss well. Serve right away.

Make Ahead The salad can be kept at room temperature for up to 6 hours. Stir in the toasted pecans just before serving.