ANAHEIM, CALIF.--Anaheim GardenWalk, 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA 92802. Phone: (714) 991-0305.  cpk.com

I'm a salad nut. I like walnuts and almonds in my salad, but mostly the lettuce must be quality greens, cold, crisp, fresh and absolutely clean. I

California Pizza Kitchen delivers on its salads, making them one of the best bets for both daytime faire and dinner selections.

The picture shows a BBQ chicken  chopped salad. It is really tasty.  The Original BBQ Chicken Chopped starts with a base of chopped lettuce and sprinkles black beans, sweet corn, jicama, cilantro, basil, crispy corn tortilla strips and Monterey Jack cheese tossed together in herb ranch dressing. The blended mix is topped with chopped BBQ chicken breast, diced tomatoes and green onions.

A mainstay of California salads is the Cobb Salad, possibly the most popular and most-ordered entree in American dinging. It begins with chopped lettuce, pieces of well cooked applewood smoked bacon, slices of  tender avocado, grilled chicken, diced tomatoes, chopped egg, basil and Gorgonzola cheese. The ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing are standard options, and fresh beets can be added on request.

Chinese Chicken Salad - Includes a base that combines crisp iceberg lettuce with shredded Napa cabbage. Tossed in for more crunch factor are  crispy wontons, julienne carrots, red cabbage, green onions, toasted sesame seeds and cilantro in spicy sweet & sour sesame dressing. Topped with chilled-grilled chicken breast, the overall effect of this meal is sweet, crunchy and a tiny bit of salt from the chicken breast.

Waldorf Chicken Salad - Begins with a plate of field greens, chilled-grilled chicken breast, seedless grapes, Granny Smith apples, candied walnuts, celery and Gorgonzola cheese. Tossed with your choice of Dijon balsamic vinaigrette or blue cheese dressing, the California version of a NYC favorite is actually much fresher and tastier. (California is the home of the Salad Bowl in Salinas Valley near Monterey.)

Classic Caesar - Crisp Romaine leaves, shaved Parmesan cheese and garlic-herb croutons tossed in our Caesar dressing. Whole or half size. Add grilled chicken breast, grilled shrimp, or sautéed salmon.

Original Chopped - This traditional favorite is great, and is the comfort food that many know and love. We generally opt for the California version with chicken, but don't let that deter you from getting a great selection. It includes salami, chilled roast turkey breast, diced tomatoes and Mozzarella cheese tossed in our herb-mustard Parmesan vinaigrette and topped with green onions. Chopped garbanzos added upon request. This version of an Italian salad that goes well with pizza and pasta is actually worth a drive to Anaheim to savor.

The California Pizza Kitchen in Anaheim is beautifully decorated, consistently good in quality and well worth visiting.

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