Pittsburgh Salad

When I first learned about this salad, I learned a few things via my internet research. 1. Like most famous meals, there's some controversy and folklore over who first invented the salad, but the most popular story seems to involve a man that ordered a bunless burger with fries and his wife that ordered the same but put it on top of a salad. 2. People that grew up in Pittsburgh don't know that nobody else puts french fries on their salads.

Can anyone confirm or deny either of those two statements?

Anyways, the rules for a Pittsburgh salad are simple: take a basic salad, top it with grilled steak of chicken, top it with french fries, then drizzle it with ranch dressing. Easy peasy!

Since the original is a simple yet classic idea, that's exactly how we're going to approach our salad.

Let's talk salad. Our base salad will be similar to what most people know as a house salad. We just need some chopped lettuce (I prefer romaine), some cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and cheese. Toss them in a bowl, and step one is finished!

Now, let's talk protein. In my research, I learned that steak is more traditional for this salad, though many places offer it with grilled chicken. In the name of authenticity, I went with steak for this recipe. And, it was the right move. Now, here's the thing about steak. We all prefer different cuts and cook temperatures, so this is not a lesson on how to cook steak. I prefer my steak way more cooked than most people find acceptable, and that's ok. That's my choice! So, cook your protein for this salad the way you like it. That's the only direction here.

The next item for our salad is the french fries. I chose to use a store bought, frozen french fry for this one. All of the work is already done for us, and that's in tune with the rest of the simplicity of this salad. So, you have have some authority with this ingredient too. I chose to use a thin “fast food” style fry that I cooked in my air fryer. But, a crinkle fry would be nice here. And, a curly fry would be fun too! Bake, air fry, or deep fry...your choice.

The last element that we need to finish our salad is the dressing. The thing that seemed to be the same across the board when I was researching this salad is that it's always dressed with ranch dressing. So, we're going to make a quick and delicious ranch dressing with some mayo, sour cream, milk, and dried herbs. Stir, chill, done!

Let me tell you...for a salad that is so simple and made with the most basic ingredients, it's freaking delicious! The warm steak and fries compared with the cool veggies and dressing provide this interesting temperature contrast that really feels nice in the mouth. And, the fresh ranch dressing just makes everything taste better. The fries are crisp. The steak is hearty. The vegetables remind us of simpler times. The whole situation is just so darn good!

This is one of those meals that I'd call humble and fancy all at the same time. And, those meals are always the best kind.

I may hate your Steelers and your terrible towels; but I sure love your salads, Pittsburgh!

Tell me all about the foods that are special where you're from. Introduce me to something new!

For now, enjoy! And, let's eat!