Cava Garlic Dressing Recipe

If you’re a fan of bold Mediterranean flavors, this Cava Garlic Dressing Recipe is about to become a staple in your kitchen. 

Inspired by the popular fast-casual chain, this creamy, garlicky, and zesty dressing brings restaurant-level flavor right to your homemade salads, grain bowls, and wraps. 

What sets this garlic dressing apart is its rich texture, balanced tanginess, and the powerful punch of fresh garlic that perfectly complements roasted vegetables, proteins, and greens.

Made with simple pantry staples like Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and olive oil, this dressing is both nourishing and delicious. 

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—ideal as a marinade, dipping sauce, or sandwich spread. 

Whether you’re on a health journey or simply enjoy robust Mediterranean fare, this Cava Garlic Dressing Recipe delivers flavor and function. 

Let’s dive into how you can recreate this iconic dressing in under 10 minutes from start to finish.

When I First Tried Cava’s Garlic Dressing

The first time I tasted Cava’s garlic dressing, I was hooked. It was creamy, pungent, and had that irresistible Mediterranean zing. 

I knew I had to recreate it at home. After several test batches, I crafted a version that’s just as bold and flavorful as the original—if not better. 

This Cava Garlic Dressing Recipe has now become a go-to for elevating everyday meals.

Equipment You’ll Need

• High-speed blender or food processor
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Citrus juicer
• Garlic press (optional)
• Airtight jar or bottle for storage

Ingredients List

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full fat or low fat)
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar (optional for added tang)
• 3 to 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced or pressed
• ½ teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon water (to thin, if needed)

Cava Garlic Dressing Recipe – Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1:

Prepare Ingredients: Mince the garlic finely or use a garlic press for a smoother texture. Juice your lemon and measure all ingredients.

Step 2:

Blend: Add Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper to a high-speed blender or food processor.

Step 3:

Process: Blend until smooth and creamy—about 30–45 seconds. If it’s too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 4:

Taste and Adjust: Check for seasoning. Add more lemon juice or salt if needed.

Step 5:

Store: Pour into a clean jar and refrigerate. Shake well before each use. It lasts up to 7 days in the fridge.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor—pre-minced garlic won’t yield the same punch.
• Let it chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully.
• Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a richer, creamier consistency.
• Adjust acidity based on your taste; some prefer a stronger lemon note.
• Thin it slowly with water or additional olive oil to avoid diluting the flavor too much.

Variations

1. Add herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro for a herbed twist on the classic Cava Garlic Dressing Recipe.
2. Make it vegan by substituting Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative.
   Add tahini for a nuttier, more robust depth of flavor.
3. Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne.
4. Include roasted garlic for a sweeter, mellow garlic flavor.

Conclusion

This Cava Garlic Dressing Recipe is everything you love about Mediterranean cuisine: bold, tangy, and irresistibly creamy. 

It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to elevate any dish. 

Whether you’re meal prepping or making a quick salad, this dressing is a flavorful must-have. Try it once, and you’ll want to keep a batch on hand at all times.

FAQs

Can I freeze the Cava Garlic Dressing?

It’s not recommended to freeze yogurt-based dressings, as the texture may separate when thawed.

For best quality, prepare smaller batches and store them in the fridge.

Is the Cava Garlic Dressing Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the basic Cava Garlic Dressing Recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t contain any wheat, barley, or rye products.

Just be sure all your ingredients, especially store-bought yogurt or vinegar, are labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

Can I double or triple the Cava Garlic Dressing Recipe?

Yes! This recipe scales up easily. Simply multiply all ingredients proportionally and blend.

Just make sure your blender or food processor has enough capacity to avoid spills or uneven blending.

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