Pittsburgh Chicken Salad

5 from 66 votes

Who says salads can't be fun? This Pittsburgh Chicken Salad has all the goods -chili-rubbed chicken, crispy fries, and creamy ranch dressing!

Prep Time10

Cook Time25

Total Time35

Servings:

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.

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.

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

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.