When California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) opened in 1985, it became famous for putting creative twists on the traditional pizza. The chain even introduced the iconic BBQ chicken pizza to the world, showcasing their knack for innovation.
Today, CPK’s menu has evolved beyond its meaty and cheese-filled beginnings. While they’re not a fully vegan restaurant, they’ve expanded their offerings to include plant-based options.
With a few simple customizations, vegans can enjoy a variety of pizzas, pasta, soups, salads, and even kids’ meals.
Here’s your complete guide to all the vegan-friendly options available at California Pizza Kitchen.
CPK Vegan Pizzas
Gone are the days when pizza was synonymous with meat and cheese. California Pizza Kitchen has embraced the plant-based trend, offering pizzas that can be tailored to suit a vegan diet. Here are the vegan pizza options:
1. California Veggie Pizza
This pizza delivers the signature crispiness CPK is known for while offering a mix of fresh, flavorful veggies. Toppings include roasted corn kernels, grilled Japanese eggplant, baby broccoli florets, and sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and crunchy twist.
How to Customize:
- Ask to remove the cheese to make it vegan.
2. Wild Mushroom Pizza
Packed with earthy flavors, this pizza features a blend of garlic, shaved cremini mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, and other wild varieties. It’s perfect for mushroom lovers seeking a rich, savory bite.
How to Customize:
- Request no parmesan cheese to make it vegan.
CPK Vegan Pasta
CPK’s pasta selection isn’t extensive for vegans, but there’s one standout dish:
Tomato Basil Spaghetti
This classic spaghetti dish features a light and flavorful tomato-basil sauce. It’s not only vegan-friendly but also one of the healthier pasta options on the menu.
Pro Tip: Add some veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, or onions to enhance the dish and make it more filling.
CPK Vegan Soups and Salads
CPK offers several soups and salads that can be customized to fit a vegan diet. Here’s what you need to know:
1. California Field Salad
A refreshing, sweet salad that’s perfect for warm weather. It includes strawberries, watermelon, fresh basil, and pistachios for crunch.
How to Customize:
- Skip the feta cheese.
- Replace the champagne vinaigrette with oil and vinegar.
2. Dakota Smashed Pea & Barley Soup
This hearty soup is packed with greens, herbs, barley, carrots, scallions, and onions, offering a comforting mix of sweet and savory flavors.
No Customizations Needed:
This soup is fully vegan as-is, making it a stress-free choice.
3. Banh Mi Power Bowl
A vibrant bowl bursting with flavor and texture. It includes bean sprouts, avocado, cucumber, quinoa, baby kale, watermelon radish, sesame seeds, carrots, and more.
How to Customize:
- Omit the chicken and chili-lime vinaigrette.
- Substitute with oil and vinegar or spicy ginger soy sauce for a plant-based twist.
Pro Tip: Ask for extra quinoa or your favorite veggies to make up for the lack of chicken.
CPK Vegan Kids’ Menu Options
While the kids’ menu at CPK is limited for vegans, there are still a few options to choose from:
- Fresh Fruit
- Fusilli Pasta (without cheese)
Some locations also offer customizable kids’ pizzas. Be sure to ask the staff to omit any non-vegan ingredients like meat and cheese to make it suitable for a plant-based diet.
Does CPK Offer Vegan Desserts?
Unfortunately, CPK does not currently offer any vegan-friendly desserts. Most of their desserts rely heavily on dairy to achieve their creamy textures. While this may be disappointing, the increasing number of vegan options on the main menu suggests that desserts might not be far behind.
Final Thoughts
While California Pizza Kitchen isn’t entirely vegan-friendly, they’ve made great strides in offering plant-based options that are both delicious and customizable.
From the California Veggie Pizza to the hearty Dakota Smashed Pea & Barley Soup, there’s something for every vegan to enjoy.
If you’re visiting one of their 184 global locations, keep in mind that some menu items may vary depending on the region.
Always check with the staff to ensure your order meets your dietary needs. With a little customization, you can savor a satisfying meal at CPK!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Order a Vegan Pizza at CPK?
Yes! Options like the California Veggie Pizza and Wild Mushroom Pizza can be made vegan by removing the cheese.
Are CPK’s Soups Vegan?
The Dakota Smashed Pea & Barley Soup is fully vegan, while other soups may require customization.
Is the Tomato Basil Spaghetti Vegan?
Yes! It’s vegan-friendly as long as you don’t add any cheese or non-vegan extras.
