Pittsburgh Salad

Name: Pittsburgh Salad with Steak and French Fries
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Romaine lettuce or mixed greens; Steak (sirloin or ribeye), cooked and sliced; French fries; Tomatoes; Shredded cheese; Homemade ranch dressing

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Pittsburgh salad is a hearty, filling salad topped with sliced steak, crispy french fries, and homemade ranch dressing—a regional classic that blurs the line between salad and entrée.

🌍American 🏷️Pittsburgh salad 🏷️Pittsburgh 🏷️Steel city 🏷️Steak salad French fry salad

🏷️

🏷️Ranch dressing

Total

30 min

Servings

2

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From The Yummy Muffin

Ingredients

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6 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Cook steak to desired doneness and slice into strips.
2
Prepare french fries according to package or homemade method.
3
Assemble a bed of romaine lettuce or mixed greens in a large bowl or plate.
4
Top with tomatoes and shredded cheese.
5
Add sliced steak on top of the salad.
6
Place hot french fries over the salad.
7
Drizzle with homemade ranch dressing and serve immediately.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Cook steak to your preferred doneness before slicing; resting the cooked steak for a few minutes makes slicing cleaner and easier.
Add hot french fries immediately before serving to maintain crispness and prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
Layer the salad components in order (greens, tomatoes, cheese, steak, then fries) for the best presentation and texture in each bite.
Drizzle ranch dressing just before eating; if made ahead, keep it separate until the last moment to prevent the greens from wilting.

Substitutions

Sirloin → Ribeye (richer marbling, higher fat content)
Homemade ranch → Store-bought ranch (saves time, slight flavor difference)
Romaine lettuce → Iceberg lettuce (crunchier but less nutritious)
Shredded cheese → Blue cheese crumbles (adds tanginess, common Pittsburgh variation)

Storage & make-ahead

This salad is best served immediately after assembly. Leftovers are not recommended as fries will soften and greens will wilt.

Common Questions

What cut of steak works best for Pittsburgh salad?

Sirloin or ribeye are recommended; choose based on your budget and preference for tenderness. Cook to your desired doneness before slicing into strips.

Should the french fries be hot when added to the salad?

Yes, the recipe specifies placing hot french fries over the salad. This keeps them crispy and warms the greens slightly.

Can I make the ranch dressing ahead of time?

Homemade ranch can be made 1–2 days in advance and refrigerated. Drizzle just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting.

Is this salad easily scaled for a crowd?

Yes, multiply the ingredients proportionally. Assemble individual plates or a large platter just before serving to keep fries crispy and greens fresh.