Craving a restaurant-quality salad that's both healthy and incredibly delicious? Look no further! This California Pizza Kitchen Salad recipe is surprisingly easy to make at home, offering a vibrant mix of textures and flavors that will transport you straight to sunny California. It's the perfect quick dinner idea, a satisfying lunch, or a delightful side dish for any occasion. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking at its finest! This easy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks.
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 4-6. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs.
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For the Salad:
- 5 oz mixed greens (baby spinach, romaine, and arugula are great choices)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta, for a tangier flavor)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
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For the Chicken (Optional):
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
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For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken (Optional):
- Season chicken breasts with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook chicken in a skillet over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Let cool slightly, then slice or dice.
Assembling the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado, and cilantro.
- Add the cooked chicken (if using) to the salad.
- Sprinkle cotija cheese over the salad.
Making the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, honey/maple syrup, Dijon mustard, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Combining and Serving:
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious California Pizza Kitchen-inspired salad!
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing or chicken seasoning.
- Add some crunch: Toasted pepitas or sunflower seeds make a fantastic addition.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add black beans or roasted sweet potatoes for extra protein and flavor.
- Prep ahead: You can prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights.
- Customize your greens: Feel free to experiment with different types of lettuce and greens.
Nutritional Information (per serving, without chicken):
This is an approximate value and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Fiber: 5-7g
This California Pizza Kitchen Salad recipe is a testament to how easy it is to create healthy and delicious meals at home. It’s a quick dinner solution, perfect for a light lunch, or a vibrant addition to any meal. Enjoy the fresh flavors and the satisfying crunch – it’s a true taste of California sunshine!