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    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes

    Pittsburgh Chicken Salad

    Published: Jul 13, 2023 Modified: Jul 13, 2023 by Kristin King / This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe | Pin Recipe
    Side shot of a fork picking up a bite of Pittsburgh salad drizzled with ranch in a white plate on a pale yellow cloth.
    Side shot of ranch being drizzled out of a glass jar onto Pittsburgh salad in a white plate on a pale yellow cloth.
    Overhead shot of two white plates with Pittsburgh salad drizzled with ranch with a small glass jar of ranch, tomatoes, and cucumbers on the side on a white surface.

    Who says a salad can’t be fun and delicious? This Pittsburgh Chicken Salad is a take on a regional classic and has all the goods.

    Enjoy the combination of chili-rubbed chicken, crispy fries, and creamy ranch dressing! This salad is a party in your mouth with a slightly healthier twist that will ensure no regrets.

    Overhead shot of two white plates with Pittsburgh salad drizzled with ranch with a small glass jar of ranch, tomatoes, and cucumbers on the side on a white surface.
    Crunchy, fresh, and savory, this Pittsburgh salad is the perfect balance between healthy and delicious!
    Jump to:
    • 💚 Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • 🧂 Ingredients Needed
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • ❔ FAQs
    • 💭 Expert Tips and Tricks
    • 💡 Substitutions and Variations
    • 🥫 Storage and Reheating
    • 🍴 What To Serve With This Dish
    • ✔️ More Salad Recipes You'll Love
    • 📋 Recipe Card
    • 💬 Reviews and Comments

    💚 Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Easy to Make: With only a few steps involved, this Pittsburgh Salad recipe can be made quickly and easily, making it a great option for a complete meal any night of the week.
    • Flavorful: The cajun rub on the chicken and the addition of sliced cucumbers, grape tomatoes, cheese, and ranch dressing provide a range of flavors and textures to the dish.
    • Satisfying: With the addition of chicken, veggies, and french fries, this salad is a filling meal that leaves you satisfied.
    • Customizable: If you have personal preferences or dietary restrictions, you can easily customize this recipe by swapping out ingredients or adjusting the seasoning to your liking.
    • Balanced meal: This recipe includes a variety of vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates, making it a well-rounded and balanced meal option.

    🧂 Ingredients Needed

    Overhead shot of ingredients - grape tomatoes, lettuce mix, ranch dressing, red onion, blackening seasoning, chicken cutlets, cucumber, frozen French fries, and shredded cheese.
    With only a few ingredients, you will love how simple it is to make this Pittsburgh salad!
    • Chicken Cutlets: Chicken cutlets are thin, boneless pieces of chicken that have been pounded or sliced to an even thickness. Chicken cutlets cook quickly and are leaner than other cuts of chicken, making them a healthier choice. If you can't find chicken cutlets in the grocery store, buy chicken breasts and slice them in half lengthwise to make cutlets.
    • Cajun Rub: The cajun rub is used to season the chicken cutlets and adds a blend of spices and herbs that give the chicken a distinctive and flavorful taste. Use your favorite store bought cajun rub or make your own.
    • French Fries: French fries are added to the salad to provide a crispy and crunchy texture. Frozen fries work great here.
    • Lettuce Mix: The lettuce mix serves as the base of the salad and provides a variety of leafy greens that are high in nutrients and low in calories. I used a mixture of romaine lettuce and iceberg lettuce with a little bit of kale for added health benefits.
    • Cucumber: The sliced cucumber adds a refreshing crunch to the salad and provides a source of vitamins and minerals.
    • Grape Tomatoes: The grape tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and juiciness to the salad, as well as providing a source of vitamins and antioxidants.
    • Red Onions: Red onions are sweeter and milder making them perfect to enjoy in a salad.
    • Shredded Cheese: Shredded cheese adds a rich and creamy flavor to the salad. Shred your favorite cheddar cheese or use a prepared shredded cheese mix.
    • Ranch Dressing: I prefer a homemade ranch dressing on this salad as it adds a tangy and creamy flavor to the dish, but feel free to use your favorite dressing. Don't be afraid to experiment with different dressings to change up the flavors!

    🔪 Instructions

    Four panel grid of process shots 1-4 - air frying chicken cutlets and French fries, and beginning to assemble salad.
    With only ten minutes of prep time, you will love making this super simple Pittsburgh salad!
    1. Rub chicken cutlets with oil and Cajun seasoning, then air fry at 400 degrees F for 4 minutes on each side.
    2. Season french fries with salt and pepper if desired, then air fry at 400 degrees for 15 to 18 minutes or until crispy and golden brown. Give the air fryer basket a shake once or twice while cooking.
    3. Evenly divide lettuce between bowls.
    4. Add cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions to salad bowls and sprinkle with cheese.
    Two panel grid of process shots 5-6 - adding chicken and French fries to salad and drizzling with ranch.
    Ready in 25 minutes, this delicious Pittsburgh salad is perfect to make on a busy weeknight!
    1. Slice each chicken cutlet into strips and add to the top of each salad, then follow with hot fries.
    2. Drizzle with ranch dressing or any dressing of choice.

    ❔ FAQs

    What is a Pittsburgh salad?

    This famous regional dish is a type of salad that originated in western Pennsylvania. Basically it is a house salad with chicken and topped off with crispy french fries! The fries make a delicious addition instead of traditional croutons.

    The addition of fries to the Pittsburgh salad is a tasty twist that's said to be a nod to Pittsburgh's love of french fries, which are commonly served sandwiches and as a side dish with meals in the city of Pittsburgh.

    Can I make Pittsburgh Chicken Salad vegetarian or vegan?

    Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version of Pittsburgh Chicken Salad by replacing the chicken with plant-based alternatives like tofu, tempeh, or seitan. Additionally, you can use vegan mayonnaise or yogurt-based dressings instead of traditional mayonnaise and choose vegan cheese or omit it altogether.

    Can I substitute the frozen french fries with homemade ones?

    Absolutely! If you prefer homemade french fries, you can peel and cut potatoes into strips, season them to your liking, and bake or fry them until crispy. This is the best way to have control over the flavor and texture of the fries.

    Can I use a different dressing instead of ranch?

    Yes, you can certainly use a different dressing of your choice. Some popular alternatives to ranch dressing for Pittsburgh Chicken Salad include balsamic vinaigrette, honey mustard, Caesar dressing, or even a tangy French dressing. Choose a dressing that complements the flavors in the salad and suits your taste preferences.

    Can I grill the chicken instead of air frying it?

    Absolutely! Grilled chicken would be an excellent choice to replace the air fried chicken. A rotisserie chicken, cast iron skillet chicken, or baked chicken will also go well on this salad.

    Side shot of ranch being drizzled out of a glass jar onto Pittsburgh salad in a white plate on a pale yellow cloth.
    Made quickly in the air fryer, the crispy chicken and French fries complement the fresh vegetables in this Pittsburgh salad!

    💭 Expert Tips and Tricks

    • Chicken breasts can be cut in half to make chicken cutlets if you're not able to find them in the store.
    • Ore Ida Zesty Straight Fries are a great option if you don't want to worry about seasoning your fries!
    • Slice your onions super thin for the best results.
    • You can prepare the chicken and fries in the oven if you don't have an air fryer or prefer to bake them.

    📌 French fries on a salad is an unexpected twist that makes having this Pittsburgh salad for dinner a lot more fun! The fries add a crunchy texture and they're much tastier than plain croutons.

    💡 Substitutions and Variations

    • Use sliced steak instead of chicken breast to make a Pittsburgh Steak Salad.
    • Add a hard-boiled egg for added flavor and protein.
    • Use waffle fries or another kind of fries if you like.
    • Instead of using Cajun rub, try using a different spice blend or marinade to season the chicken. You could use lemon pepper seasoning, garlic and herb marinade, or even a spicy chipotle rub.
    • You can customize the salad by adding additional vegetables like sliced green peppers, shredded carrots, or chopped broccoli. This will add more color, flavor, and texture to the dish.
    • Instead of using a standard bag of mixed greens, try using a different type of lettuce like arugula, spinach, or kale. This will add more nutrients and different flavors to the salad.
    • If you don't like shredded cheese, try using crumbled feta or blue cheese instead. This will add a tangy and salty flavor to the salad.
    • Instead of using ranch dressing, try using a balsamic vinaigrette, honey mustard dressing, or a homemade avocado salad dressing. This will add different flavors and textures to the salad.
    • If you like heat, add sliced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the salad. This will add a spicy kick to the dish.
    • To add some crunch, try adding sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, or chopped walnuts to the salad. This will also add some healthy fats and protein to the dish.

    🥫 Storage and Reheating

    I recommend eating this salad right away if possible. If you do need to store leftovers, separate the chicken and fries from the other ingredients and store in an airtight container.

    When it comes time to eat your Pittsburgh salad leftovers, reheat your chicken and fries in the oven or air fryer and re-assemble the dish.

    🍴 What To Serve With This Dish

    While this salad is a full and round meal in and of itself, here are a few options for additional sides you could pair for a true feast! Serve with Roasted Red Pepper Soup for a classic soup and salad combo, add a Cornbread Casserole on the side, or pair your salad with Air Fryer Corn Ribs or Stovetop Mac and Cheese.

    ✔️ More Salad Recipes You'll Love

    • Avocado Mango Salad - This filling and refreshing salad has the perfect blend of hearty and sweet flavors for an excellent summer meal.
    • Buffalo Chicken Cobb Salad - Fans of buffalo chicken will love this super healthy and tasty salad!
    • Easy Halloumi Salad - This distinctly Mediterranean salad is a great option for a sophisticated appetizer or side dish.
    • Orzo Arugula Salad - This recipe from Cocktails and Appetizers features crisp arugula and delicious orzo!
    Side shot of a fork picking up a bite of Pittsburgh salad drizzled with ranch in a white plate on a pale yellow cloth.
    The perfect nutritious dinner, this flavorful Pittsburgh salad will become a favorite in your household!

    Pittsburgh Salad Recipe

    Love this recipe? Awesome! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram. You can find me at DizzyBusyandHungry or #dizzybusyandhungry!

    ⭐ Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below! ⭐

    📋 Recipe Card

    Overhead shot of two white plates with Pittsburgh salad drizzled with ranch with a small glass jar of ranch, tomatoes, and cucumbers on the side on a white surface.

    Pittsburgh Chicken Salad

    Recipe Author: Kristin King
    Who says salads can't be fun? This Pittsburgh Chicken Salad has all the goods -chili-rubbed chicken, crispy fries, and creamy ranch dressing!
    5 from 62 votes
    Print Recipe Share by Email Bookmark Saved!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 25 minutes mins
    Total Time 35 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 2
    Calories 400 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    • 2 chicken cutlets
    • 1 tablespoon blackening seasoning (aka cajun seasoning)
    • 2 servings frozen French fries (seasoned or unseasoned)
    • 6 cups lettuce mix
    • ½ cup sliced cucumber
    • ½ cup sliced grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
    • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
    • 2 tablespoon shredded cheese (or more to taste)
    • ranch dressing
    US Customary - Metric
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    For the Chicken

    • Rub chicken cutlets with blackening seasoning and spray with olive oil on both sides.
      2 chicken cutlets, 1 tablespoon blackening seasoning
    • Oil air fryer basket lightly. Air fry chicken at 400 degrees F for 4 minutes on each side or until internal temp is 150 degrees in the thickest part of chicken. Air fryer cooking times will vary.

    For the French Fries

    • If the French fries are unseasoned, sprinkle them with salt and pepper to your liking.
      2 servings frozen French fries
    • Oil air fryer basket lightly. Air fry the French fries at 400 degrees for 15-18 minutes or until crispy to your liking, shaking the basket twice during cooking. Air fryer cooking times will vary.

    Assemble the Salad

    • Divide lettuce mix evenly between two salad bowls, then divide the cucumber, tomatoes, and sliced onions evenly between the two serving bowls.
      6 cups lettuce mix, ½ cup sliced cucumber, ½ cup sliced grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
    • Sprinkle each salad with shredded cheese.
      2 tablespoon shredded cheese (or more to taste)
    • Slice each chicken cutlet and place on top of each salad, then distribute the French fries as well.
    • Serve with a drizzle of homemade ranch dressing or dressing of your choice.
      ranch dressing

    Notes

    • If you can't find chicken cutlets in the grocery store, buy chicken breasts and slice them in half lengthwise to make cutlets.
    • Use your favorite store bought blackening seasoning, cajun rub, or make your own (here's a recipe for blackening seasoning.)
    • Instead of the air fryer, the chicken and fries can also be baked in the oven. Or use leftovers and heat them up prior to adding them to the salad.
    • I recommend Ore Ida Zesty Straight Fries.
    • I used a mixture of romaine and iceberg lettuce with a little bit of kale for added nutrition.
    • I recommend using a hothouse cucumber (also known as an English cucumber or seedless cucumber) as it is sweeter than a traditional cucumber with thinner skin.
    • For best results use grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes. My favorite little tomatoes to use on a salad are the NatureSweet Cherubs tomatoes. They are so tasty!!
    • I recommend slicing the onions very thin for best results.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 400kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 123mg | Sodium: 1083mg | Potassium: 1126mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1539IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 112mg | Iron: 2mg

    Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.

    Want to make cooking even easier?Sign up here to receive FREE DBH exclusive content, including my favorite kitchen shortcuts and hacks, and unlock access to the DBH resource library with many other free downloads!

    Thanks so much for reading! I also invite you to follow me on FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, or INSTAGRAM to keep up with what's going on in my kitchen.

    And you might want to check out my Dizzy Busy and Hungry store on Amazon for a whole bunch of great kitchen products I love!

    Happy cooking!

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Amy Liu Dong

      July 24, 2023 at 2:15 am

      5 stars
      This is a winning recipe for my family. I made this last night and they loved it!

      Reply
    2. Jamie

      July 23, 2023 at 8:25 am

      5 stars
      This is such a great-looking chicken salad dish! An amazingly delicious salad recipe that will be loved and enjoyed by many! A perfect healthy salad meal for everyone!

      Reply
    3. sophie

      July 13, 2023 at 5:31 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you for sharing this fantastic recipe! IThe flavors of Pittsburgh was perfect in every bite!

      Reply
    4. Angela

      July 13, 2023 at 5:20 pm

      5 stars
      This salad is genius! Love the combination of veggies, chicken, and the french fries are so good. Definitely a new favorite!

      Reply
    5. Mahy

      July 13, 2023 at 4:24 pm

      5 stars
      I can never say no to a good chicken salad. This is the perfect recipe - thank you!

      Reply
    6. Elizabeth

      July 13, 2023 at 4:12 pm

      5 stars
      French fries on a salad? Yes, please! It makes me feel less guilty about eating them! The ranch dressing pairs so well with all three components of the salad - the greens, the chicken, and the fries.

      Reply
    7. Nikki

      July 13, 2023 at 3:52 pm

      5 stars
      What fantastic flavors and textures in this salad. I can't wait to try this Pittsburgh classic.

      Reply

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    👋 Hey there, I'm Kristin! As a full-time working wife and mom, my life is such a whirlwind, it makes me dizzy sometimes! So I have been working to develop quick, easy, family-friendly recipes for 20+ years, and this site is where I share them with you! Happy cooking!

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