PARTNER POST – Get inspired with creatively crafted Castello Blue Cheese as we celebrate a Summer of Blue with #BluesdayTuesday.
Iceberg is topped with heirloom cherry tomatoes, crispy bacon and sliced sirloin. What sends this classic salad over the edge is homemade blue cheese dressing with sweet raw honey and figs.
By Justine Sulia
Happy Tuesday, everyone! It brightens my rainy spring day to be able to share this classic wedge salad with warm honey fig blue cheese. It’s a little bit of sunshine on an otherwise icky day. 
It should come as no surprise that I love to grill (and eat) outdoors. I mean that’s what summer is all about, right?! While grilled foods are number one when it comes to outdoor eating and picnics, the side dishes are a close second. This is where this classic wedge salad comes into play. It seriously is the perfect side dish. Iceberg wedges are topped with fresh heirloom cherry tomatoes, crispy bacon and sliced sirloin. Pretty traditional (less the steak of course), right? What sends this classic wedge salad over the edge is the homemade blue cheese dressing. You guys, it’s amazing. A traditional blue cheese dressing recipe is combined with sweet raw honey and finely chopped figs.
As I basically become obsessed with blue cheese in the summertime, Castello has become my new go-to brand for blue cheese. The tangy characteristics are balanced with delicious sweet and salty flavors that are ideal to top a grilled burger or to transform into the perfect dressing to pour on top of this classic wedge salad. From crumbled, soft, and spreadable, to a sliced blue cheese perfect for melting with floral notes, Castello has a wide range of unique blue cheeses. Check out Castello’s website for more information on their cheeses.
Recipe for this classic wedge salad with warm honey fig blue cheese is below! Pair it with a pale ale and have a wonderful day everyone! xo
Castello Summer of Blue — Wedge Salad with Warm Honey, Figs, and Blue Cheese
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Iceberg lettuce wedges are topped with heirloom cherry tomatoes, crispy bacon, and sliced sirloin, all elevated by a homemade blue cheese dressing with sweet raw honey and figs.
Ingredients
Warm Honey Fig Blue Cheese Dressing
- 1/3 cup mayo
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 2 tablespoons raw honey
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces Crumbled Blue Cheese
- 4 dry Mission figs, finely chopped
Classic Wedge Salad
- 8 ounce petite sirloin steak
- salt and black pepper
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 large head of iceberg lettuce, cut into 4 equal-sized wedges
- 1 cup heirloom cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- 4 strips of bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped
- 2 ounces Crumbled Blue Cheese
- 5 dry Mission figs, sliced
- fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, whole milk, honey, white wine vinegar, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the crumbled blue cheese and finely chopped figs. Cover and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, then crumble.
- Season the sirloin steak with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear over medium-high heat until cooked to your desired doneness. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly.
- To assemble the salad, place the iceberg wedges on a serving platter. Top with halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled bacon, and sliced sirloin.
- Drizzle the warm honey fig blue cheese dressing over the salad just before serving.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, omit the steak and bacon. The dressing can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Pair this salad with a pale ale for a refreshing combination. Use Castello blue cheese for the best flavor balance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 12 grams
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 35 grams
- Carbohydrates: 18 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 20 grams
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of blue cheese should I use for the dressing?
It’s recommended to use Castello Blue Cheese for the dressing, as its tangy characteristics complement the sweetness of the honey and figs.
Can I substitute the crispy bacon with another ingredient?
Yes, you can use crispy tofu or a plant-based bacon alternative if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
How do I prepare the figs for the dressing?
The figs should be finely chopped before being mixed into the homemade blue cheese dressing to ensure they blend well with the other flavors.
