This post has been sponsored by Bertolli Olive Oil. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Gently grilled fresh figs; crispy bacon; crumbled blue cheese; and a savory-sweet vinaigrette of honey, balsamic, and Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil make this salad a stunning way to start any meal. When you’re looking for something easy to make in a pinch but fancy enough that your guests will be wowed, here’s what you have to try—this grilled fig salad recipe!

Figs are stunning in a rustic sort of way and behind those deep hues, they have an earthy, sweet flavor that pairs well with salads.

In this salad, I grilled the figs in a cast iron skillet to add a caramelized layer of sweetness which also brings out their almost cinnamon-like scent. To grill them, all you all you have to do is dip the fresh fig halves in a quality extra virgin olive—my favorite go-to is by Bertolli! After they’ve been lightly coated in Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil, cook them in a cast iron skillet, griddle, or on a grill for a few minutes until they start to turn a golden caramel color. 

Save now with $1 off any Bertolli item, and pick up the NEW bottle at your closest Kroger store.

Whenever you’re shopping, the key to incredible flavors is using quality products. That’s why I’m adamant about using the best quality produce in addition to using Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Not only is it a quality extra virgin olive oil that has been cold pressed for a naturally full-bodied fruity flavor but it is the world’s #1 olive oil brand. Bertolli was founded in Lucca, Tuscany and has over 150 years of expertise.

Bertolli has a new look, the same great taste and robust flavor, yet the recipe is simple. I love it!

Do you have that neighborhood store that when you walk in, you know where everything is and everyone that works there knows you? My local favorite store happens to be Kroger and yes, they know me! I enjoy the friendly staff and being able to find all the ingredients I need. Walking down the aisle with all the baking ingredients, oils and vinegars, I can find Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil dead center on the left. To find a Kroger store near you, check out their store locator here.

When to buy fresh figs?

Although they are in season for part of the summer and even into the early fall (August through early October), you can find them all year round in their dried form. When eaten fresh, there is nothing like the crunchiness of the seeds against that slight chewiness of the skin that should be enjoyed. This is the time of year to enjoy fresh fig recipes. I’ve always loved figs but didn’t have fresh figs until I was very much an adult. During my years living overseas, we had a massive fig tree that would become ladened with figs. Fairly often, you would find me climbing up that tree just to grab enough figs to make various recipes, including jams, baked treats, and in salads. If restaurant-inspired salads are your thing, my Columbia House 1905 salad is one I keep coming back to, a legendary tableside classic that translates beautifully to the home kitchen.

If I can’t find fresh figs, what can I substitute them for?

This salad, albeit all about grilled figs, can also be made with other stone fruits such as peaches, nectarines, or plums. Of course, grilled pears would also be gorgeous in this salad. Want to make it more of a meal? Add chicken or some lentils to make it more satisfying. Either way, it’s a simple and easy to prepare a salad that tastes amazing. Don’t forget to check out this store locator to find a Kroger near you!