Authentic Pittsburgh Steak Salad

Name: Pittsburgh Steak Salad With Crispy Fries
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 10-12 ounce cooked steak (ribeye, sirloin, picanha) sliced into strips (warm the steak up); 2 cups frozen French fries (regular cut); 1 large head Romaine lettuce; 1/2 cup matchstick carrots; 2 mini cumumbers or 1 medium cuumber, sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes (you can slice them in half if you want); 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese; 4 strips crispy bacon, chopped; 2 Hard-boiled eggs *trust me on this; Parmesan Peppercorn or Ranch Dressing (we measure this with our heart)

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Pittsburgh Steak Salad is a hearty Steel City classic that layers warm, seared steak strips and crispy golden fries over fresh romaine, vegetables, and cool ranch. The contrast of warm steak and fries against crisp lettuce makes it substantial enough to serve as a complete weeknight dinner.

🏷️Pittsburgh steak salad 🏷️Fries on salad 🏷️Steel city recipes 🏷️Hearty steak salad Steak and potato salad

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🏷️Romaine salad

Total

30 min

Servings

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Thekitchenwhisperer · by Lori

Ingredients

Check what you already have. We'll leave it off your shopping list.

10-12 ounce cooked steak (ribeye, sirloin, picanha) sliced into strips (warm the steak up)
2 cups frozen French fries (regular cut)
1 large head Romaine lettuce
1/2 cup matchstick carrots
2 mini cumumbers or 1 medium cuumber, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes (you can slice them in half if you want)
1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese
4 strips crispy bacon, chopped
2 Hard-boiled eggs *trust me on this
Parmesan Peppercorn or Ranch Dressing (we measure this with our heart)

10 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Bake the fries according to the package instructions. As soon as they come out, lightly salt them with kosher salt.
2
While the fries are baking, chop up the Romaine lettuce per my Chef’s Tip section above (and in the video). You want to slice it in half, then half again lengthways, and then cut it into ribbons.
3
To 2 large salad bowls or plates, evenly divide the Romain lettuce. Next, evenly distribute the carrots, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and the cheese across both plates. *This is where you’ll add the sliced eggs. Add the crispy bacon and warm steak strips.
4
Top with the crispy, hot fries, drizzle on the dressing, and enjoy!

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Slice romaine in half lengthwise, then half again lengthwise, then cut into ribbons for even texture and easier eating.
Add fries to the salad immediately after baking and salting while they're still hot—this ensures the contrast between warm crispy fries and cold lettuce.
Warm the cooked steak before slicing and adding so it doesn't cool the salad. A quick pan sear or oven warm-up keeps it at the right temperature.
Divide ingredients evenly across two large bowls or plates to ensure each serving has balanced amounts of steak, cheese, eggs, and vegetables.

Substitutions

Frozen French fries → steak fries or crinkle-cut fries (adjust baking time per package)
Cheddar cheese → Parmesan or blue cheese (complements steak and ranch well)
Ranch dressing → blue cheese dressing or Caesar (shifts flavor but maintains the classic pairing)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooked components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days; assemble fresh to prevent wilting. Reheat steak gently before serving.

Common Questions

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes. The recipe calls for ribeye, sirloin, or picanha. Any tender cut that's good for quick searing works. Avoid tough cuts like chuck.

Should the steak be hot or warm when added?

Warm the steak up before serving. This keeps the salad warm and helps the dressing emulsify slightly with the steak's heat.

Can I make this ahead?

Prep vegetables and cook steak in advance, but assemble just before eating. Warm the steak, bake fries fresh, and dress immediately so lettuce stays crisp.

What dressing works best?

Parmesan Peppercorn or Ranch are the creator's choice. Ranch is classic; Parmesan Peppercorn adds tang. Measure generously—the creator measures 'with our heart.'