California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is an American multinational pizza restaurant chain operating in many states across the US.
Founded in 1985 by husband and wife team Larry and Ruth Silverton, CPK became famous for its innovative and freshly prepared pizza recipes.
Quickly it expanded its menu selection, creating new, unique dishes utilizing unexpected ingredients.
CPK also became renowned for its selection of flavorful, fresh salads.
Step By Steps California Pizza Kitchen Salad Recipe
California Pizza Kitchen’s famous salad is one of the most popular items on its menu.
It’s a flavorful, nutrient-rich dish that you can easily recreate at home.
Whether you’re throwing a dinner party or packing a lunch for work, this salad recipe is guaranteed to impress your guests. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 2 heads of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 3 tomatoes, diced
- 2 carrots, grated
- 1 red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, chopped
- 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, red onion, olives and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss to combine.
- Serve the salad in individual bowls or on a large platter.
The flavorful combination of crisp romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, zesty red onions and salty olives topped with a zesty dressing makes for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Whether you’re having a dinner party or a casual weeknight dinner, this salad can be easily tailored to your tastes.
Add grilled chicken for a protein boost, croutons for some crunch or roasted vegetables for even more flavor.
This salad recipe is an easy, fuss-free way to whip up a healthy, flavorful meal in no time.
Healthy Substitutions in The CPK Salad Recipe
To make a lighter version of this salad, you can swap out the feta cheese for a low-fat cheese or use a low-fat dressing instead of the olive oil and vinegar.
For a vegan option, you can replace the feta cheese with vegan cheese or omit the cheese altogether.
For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free dressing or omit the dressing completely.
You can also make this salad kid-friendly by substituting the olives for chopped cucumber, or by swapping out the romaine for spring mix lettuces.
You can make the CPK salad your own by adding roasted vegetables, grilled chicken or croutons for more flavor and texture.
Tips For Serving
With a few fresh ingredients and a simple dressing, you can easily recreate California Pizza Kitchen’s salad at home.
This flavorful salad is sure to become a favorite for your next party or weeknight dinner.
- Serve the salad on a platter or individual bowls
- Garnish with freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley or chives
- Add a finishing touch of freshly ground black pepper
- Pair the salad with a glass of chilled white wine for a refreshing lunchtime meal
- Make it a complete meal by adding grilled chicken or other proteins
Final Thoughts
The California Pizza Kitchen salad is an easy, flavorful, and nutritious meal that is guaranteed to satisfy.
With its combination of juicy tomatoes, zesty red onions, and crunchy olives, this salad is sure to please everyone at the table.
Get creative and tailor the ingredients to your own tastes. Add grilled chicken, croutons or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can quickly whip up this delicious, nutrient-rich dish.
