Philly Cheese Steak Salad: A Deliciously Different Take on a Classic

My dad, a proud Philadelphian, practically bleeds cheese steak. Growing up, it was the celebratory meal after every Little League game, the comfort food on a rainy day, and the unofficial dish of family gatherings. While I adore a good cheese steak, sometimes I crave something lighter. This Philly Cheese Steak Salad is my answer – all the iconic flavors of the original, deconstructed and served over crisp romaine, satisfying that craving without the carb overload. It’s a dish that pays homage to my Philly roots while embracing a healthier, modern twist.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Yield: 4-6 servings
• Dietary Type: Adaptable (see Variations)

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 philly cheese steaks, cheese steak beef burgers (in the freezer section)
• ½ medium onion, sliced into rings
• 1 cup button mushroom, sliced
• 1 teaspoon McCormick’s Montreal Brand steak seasoning
• ½ cup monterey jack cheese or ½ cup monterey jack pepper cheese, grated
• 4 cups romaine lettuce, shredded
• 1 large tomato, chopped (optional)

For the Dressing:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Lipton Onion Soup Mix
• ½ teaspoon McCormick’s Montreal Brand steak seasoning

Equipment Needed

• Large, non-stick skillet
• Small bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Serving platter

Instructions

1. First, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, milk, white vinegar, Lipton Onion Soup Mix, and McCormick’s Montreal Brand steak seasoning. Whisk or stir vigorously until well combined and smooth. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing until ready to use. For best results, let it sit for at least 3 hours or, even better, overnight to allow the flavors to meld.

2. Next, heat a large, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the ingredients; this will help achieve a good sear on the beef.

3. Add the philly cheese steak burgers, sliced onion, and sliced mushrooms to the hot skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef has browned and the onions and mushrooms are softened and slightly caramelized. This should take approximately 8-10 minutes.

4. During the cooking process, sprinkle the McCormick’s Montreal Brand steak seasoning over the beef, onions, and mushrooms. This enhances the savory flavor profile.

5. Once the beef is browned and the vegetables are cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat.

6. On a large serving platter, spread out the shredded romaine lettuce as the base for the salad.

7. Top the romaine lettuce with the browned meat mixture from the skillet.

8. If using, sprinkle the chopped tomatoes over the meat mixture.

9. Grate the monterey jack cheese or monterey jack pepper cheese over the salad.

10. Finally, drizzle the prepared dressing over the entire salad. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Elevate the Cheese: For an even more authentic Philly experience, consider using provolone cheese instead of Monterey Jack. Provolone melts beautifully and has that classic cheese steak flavor.
• Meat Matters: If you can’t find the frozen Philly cheese steak burgers, thinly sliced steak or even ground beef can be used as a substitute. Just be sure to season them well with steak seasoning.
• Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture while cooking or use pepper jack cheese.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to the salad, such as bell peppers, roasted red peppers, or even pickled banana peppers for a tangy kick.
• Dressing Adjustment: The dressing can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer a tangier dressing, add a little more white vinegar. For a sweeter dressing, add a touch of sugar or honey.
• Make-Ahead Prep: The dressing can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also chop the vegetables ahead of time. However, it’s best to cook the meat mixture and assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the lettuce from becoming soggy.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Philly Cheese Steak Salad is best served immediately after assembly to maintain the crispness of the lettuce and the warmth of the meat. If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, keep in mind that the lettuce may wilt over time.

It’s generally not recommended to freeze this salad due to the high moisture content of the lettuce and dressing. Leftovers will last for 1-2 days in the refrigerator. When reheating, consider reheating the meat mixture separately to maintain the best texture.

Nutritional Information

Please note that the following nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	320 kcal	16%
Total Fat	22g	34%
Saturated Fat	9g	45%
Cholesterol	60mg	20%
Sodium	600mg	25%
Total Carbohydrate	12g	4%
Dietary Fiber	3g	12%
Sugars	5g	N/A
Protein	20g	40%

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: To make this salad gluten-free, ensure the Lipton Onion Soup Mix is a gluten-free variety or substitute with a homemade onion soup mix using gluten-free ingredients.
• Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free mayonnaise and omit the cheese or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative. You can also use a dairy-free milk for the dressing.
• Lower Carb: This recipe is already a lower-carb alternative to a traditional cheese steak. To reduce the carbs further, use less dressing or choose a low-carb dressing alternative.
• Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with seasoned mushrooms or plant-based steak strips.
• Different Greens: While romaine lettuce is classic, you can experiment with other greens like iceberg, butter, or spinach, or even a mix of your favorites.
• Add some heat: Add some jalapenos for added flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, it’s recommended to make the dressing at least 3 hours in advance, or even the night before, to allow the flavors to fully meld.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Of course! Provolone is a great alternative for a more authentic cheese steak flavor. You could also use cheddar, swiss, or any cheese that melts well.

Q: How can I prevent the lettuce from getting soggy?
A: To prevent the lettuce from getting soggy, assemble the salad just before serving. Avoid adding the dressing until the last minute.

Q: Can I add other toppings to the salad?
A: Definitely! Feel free to add any toppings you like, such as bell peppers, banana peppers, or even French fries for a truly decadent treat.

Q: Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?
A: While the salad is best served fresh, you can prep some of the ingredients ahead of time, such as chopping the vegetables and making the dressing. Store the ingredients separately and assemble the salad just before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Philly Cheese Steak Salad is a fantastic way to enjoy the beloved flavors of a classic cheese steak in a lighter, more refreshing format. It’s perfect for dinner parties, weeknight meals, or anytime you’re craving a taste of Philly. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions to create your perfect version. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your feedback. Pair it with a crisp, cold beer for the ultimate Philly experience!