Pittsburgh Steak Salad: A Classic Motor City Comfort Dish

Key Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Total Time: 30-40 minutes
Servings: 2-4
Difficulty: Easy
Diet: Meat-based

Why You’ll Love This Pittsburgh Steak Salad

Forget boring salads. This Pittsburgh Steak Salad is a full-blown meal that combines crispy fries, perfectly seared steak, and fresh vegetables in one killer dish. It’s not just a salad—it’s a culinary experience that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

Equipment You’ll Need

Essential Tools

• Large serving bowls
• Skillet or grill
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Baking sheet

Nice-to-Have

• Meat thermometer
• Mandoline slicer
• Food processor (for dressing)

Ingredients

For the Steak

• 8-16 oz striploin or ribeye steak
• Montréal Steak Spice
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder (optional)

Salad Base

• 4-6 cups mixed lettuce (Romaine or iceberg)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup sliced red pepper
• 1 cup sliced cucumber
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion

Crispy Fries

• 1-2 cups french fries (homemade or frozen)
• Rosemary (optional seasoning)

Cheese & Extras

• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar or blue cheese
• Optional: Hard-boiled egg
• Optional: Garbanzo beans

Cooking Method

Steak Preparation

1. Season steak generously with Montréal Steak Spice
2. Bring steak to room temperature
3. Sear in hot skillet 5 minutes per side
4. Rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing

Pro Tip: Steak Doneness

• Medium-rare: 130°F
• Medium: 140°F
• Well-done: 160°F

Salad Assembly

1. Spread lettuce on plates
2. Arrange sliced vegetables
3. Add crispy fries
4. Top with sliced steak
5. Sprinkle cheese
6. Drizzle with your favorite dressing

Critical Tips

Avoid These Mistakes

• Don’t overcook the steak
• Add fries just before serving to maintain crispiness
• Let steak rest to retain juices

Storage Hacks

• Store components separately
• Reheat fries in air fryer
• Gently warm steak in skillet

Variations

Dietary Swaps

• Vegetarian: Replace steak with grilled tofu
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free fries
• Low-carb: Skip fries, add more vegetables

Dressing Options

• Ranch
• Blue cheese
• Italian vinaigrette
• Homemade Dijon mustard dressing

Nutrition Snapshot

• High in protein
• Rich in healthy fats
• Packed with vegetables
• Customizable macronutrients

Final Thoughts

This Pittsburgh Steak Salad isn’t just a meal—it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and regional culinary tradition. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this recipe delivers every single time.

Bon appétit!