Name: French Lentil, Prosciutto, and Pepper Salad
Yield: Serves 6 to 8
Ingredients: 1/3 cup/75 ml extra-virgin olive oil, plus 1 tbsp; 6 paper-thin slices prosciutto di Parma, finely chopped; 2 shallots, finely chopped; 1/2 cup/140 g finely diced carrots; 1/2 cup/140 g finely diced red bell pepper/capsicum; 2 cups/400 g green French lentils, rinsed and drained; 1/4 cup/10 g finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley; 2 tsp finely chopped fresh thyme; 2 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper

I adore lentils, particularly the green French variety, as well as the little black ones, sometimes known as beluga lentils because of their resemblance to caviar. Both of these types hold their shape better than the typical brown lentil, and their nutty texture and flavor are divine. This is my favorite fall salad, made a bit indulgent with the addition of prosciutto. I first made this for an autumnal baby shower, and it was a major hit. The earthiness of the lentils and prosciutto plays wonderfully off the color and sweetness of autumn's bounty of peppers. This salad works equally well with meat, chicken, or fish. Best of all, it can be served at room temperature, and tastes even better the next day. So, make the salad the day before, heat up the grill, pop a few corks, and enjoy the sunshine!

Serve this earthy salad alongside the duck breasts with a glass of Russian River Pinot Noir.

Recipe notes

Chocolate Guinness Cake

A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.

Super Seedy Power Cookies

As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.