Wedge Salad with Steak Tips

 

4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

3/4 cup plain yogurt

3 ounces Stilton cheese, crumbled (1/4 cup), divided

1 tsp. red wine vinegar

1 garlic clove, minced

3/4 tsp. table salt, divided

1/2 tsp. pepper, divided

1 ½ pounds sirloin steak tips, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

1 head iceberg lettuce (9 ounces), cored and cut into 8 wedges

10 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved

2 T. minced fresh chives

 

Cook bacon in 12-inch skillet over medium heat until crispy, 5 to 7 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towel-lined plate and remove skillet from heat (do not wipe out skillet). Whisk yogurt, 1/2 cup Stilton, vinegar, garlic, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper in bowl until combined. Pat steak dry with paper towels and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 tsp. salt and remaining 1/4 tsp. pepper. Heat bacon fat in skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Add steak and cook until well browned on all sides and meat registers 125 degrees (for medium-rare), about 7 minutes. Transfer to plate, tent with aluminum foil, and let rest. Arrange lettuce wedges and steak tips on individual serving plates and drizzle with dressing. Top with tomatoes, bacon, and remaining l/4 cup Stilton. Sprinkle with chives and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve.