Easy & Delicious Cava Garlic Dressing Recipe

Cava Garlic Dressing is a bold and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired sauce that elevates any dish with its rich, garlicky taste. Known for its creamy texture and zesty notes, this dressing combines the sharpness of fresh garlic with the smoothness of olive oil and the tang of lemon juice. Whether you’re drizzling it over salads, using it as a dip, or adding it to grain bowls, this versatile dressing brings a burst of flavor that is both refreshing and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this Cava Garlic Dressing recipe. Not only is it packed with robust flavors that complement a variety of dishes, but it’s also incredibly easy to make at home using simple ingredients. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe: 

• Bold garlic flavor: Perfect for garlic lovers, this dressing offers a strong, authentic taste that pairs well with a variety of meals. 
• Quick and easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up this dressing in no time. 
• Versatile: Use it as a dressing, dip, or even a marinade to enhance the flavor of your favorite dishes. 
• Healthy and homemade: Made from fresh ingredients, it’s a healthier alternative to store-bought dressings, without any artificial additives or preservatives.

Key Notes

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• Cutting board & Chef’s knife (for mincing garlic) 
• Measuring cups and spoons 
• Whisk & Mixing bowl 
• Small airtight jar or container (for storing)

Cava Garlic Dressing Ingredients

Making Cava Garlic Dressing Recipe

• Prep the ingredients: Mince the garlic, juice the lemons, and measure out the rest of the ingredients. 
• Combine ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. 
• Adjust consistency: If the dressing is too thick, whisk in 1–2 tablespoons of water until you reach your desired consistency. 
• Sweeten (optional): For a slightly sweeter flavor, add 1–2 teaspoons of honey and whisk again. 
• Taste and adjust seasoning: Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your taste. 
• Store: Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep for up to a week.

Secret Tips for Better Results 

To take your cava garlic sauce recipe to the next level, there are a few tricks that can enhance both the flavor and texture of the dressing. By making small adjustments or adding key ingredients, you can customize this recipe to suit your taste even better. Here are some secret tips to improve the recipe: 

• Roast the garlic: For a milder, sweeter garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves before adding them to the dressing. Simply wrap them in foil, drizzle with olive oil, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes. 
• Infuse the olive oil: Heat the olive oil on low with garlic cloves for 5–10 minutes, then let it cool. This will give the dressing a deeper garlic essence. 
• Use high-quality olive oil: Opt for cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil to enhance the richness of the dressing. 
• Fresh oregano: Swap dried oregano for fresh if available, or even add a few leaves of fresh basil for extra herbaceousness. 
• Add yogurt or tahini: For a creamier texture, mix in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or tahini. This adds both creaminess and extra richness. 
• Use lemon zest: Grate a bit of lemon zest into the dressing for a brighter, more intense citrus flavor. 
• Let it marinate: After mixing, let the dressing sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Flavor Variations

To add variety to your Cava Garlic Dressing, you can experiment with different ingredients to create unique flavor profiles. These variations can complement different dishes and add an exciting twist to the original recipe. Here are some flavorful variations you can try: 

• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy garlic dressing. 
• Herby delight: Mix in finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill to give the dressing a fresh, green flavor. 
• Smoky paprika: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a subtle smokiness that enhances the garlic flavor. 
• Creamy avocado: Blend in half an avocado for a creamy, smooth texture and a richer flavor. 
• Tangy balsamic: Replace the red wine vinegar with balsamic vinegar for a deeper, sweeter tang. 
• Citrus twist: Swap the lemon juice with lime juice or orange juice for a more zesty, fruity note. 

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage of your Cava Garlic Dressing ensures it stays fresh and flavorful for as long as possible. Here’s how you can store it: 

• Refrigeration: Store the dressing in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to one week. 
• Separation: Since the ingredients can naturally separate, especially the oil and vinegar, be sure to shake or whisk the dressing before each use. 
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture and flavor may be compromised after thawing, particularly due to the fresh garlic and lemon juice. 
• Garlic safety: If using raw garlic, avoid storing it for more than a week to prevent any risk of bacterial growth, such as botulism. For longer storage, roasted garlic is a safer option.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic dressing cava pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, adding a burst of flavor to each one. Here are some serving suggestions that work well with this recipe:

• Tuna Pizza
• Pan Seared Shrimps
• Chavindecas
• Panes con Pollo
• Aurelio’s Pizza

Conclusion

Cava Garlic Dressing is a simple yet flavorful recipe that can elevate a variety of dishes with its bold, Mediterranean-inspired taste. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and fresh ingredients make it a must-have for anyone who enjoys homemade dressings. Whether you use it for salads, grain bowls, or as a dip, this garlicky dressing is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With the added tips and flavor variations, you can customize it to suit your preferences, making every meal more vibrant and delicious.

Cava Garlic Dressing Recipe

Cava Garlic Dressing is a popular Mediterranean-style dressing from the fast-casual restaurant chain, Cava. It typically features a creamy blend of garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings, delivering a robust, garlicky flavor that's perfect for salads, bowls, or as a dip.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 0 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Condiments

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 1 Cup

Calories 110 kcal

Equipment

• Cutting Board & Chef’s Knife (for mincing garlic) 
• Measuring Cups And Spoons
• Whisk & Mixing bowl 
• Small airtight jar or container (for storing)

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice about 2 lemons
• 3 –4 garlic cloves minced
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt adjust to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1–2 teaspoons honey optional, for sweetness

Instructions

 

• Mince the garlic, juice the lemons, and measure out the rest of the ingredients.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
• If the dressing is too thick, whisk in 1–2 tablespoons of water until you reach your desired consistency.
• For a slightly sweeter flavor, add 1–2 teaspoons of honey and whisk again.
• Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your taste.
• Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep for up to a week.

Keyword Cava Garlic Dressing