Salad Bowl
$11.55 || 240-1330 Cal
Cava Salad Bowl
If you’re craving a fresh, flavorful, and customizable meal, the Cava Salad Bowl is your go-to option.
Inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, this bowl offers a harmonious blend of greens, grains, proteins, and vibrant toppings, all drizzled with zesty dressings.
Whether you’re dining in or preparing a homemade version, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What Is the Cava Salad Bowl?
The Cava Salad Bowl is a build-your-own salad experience offered by Cava, a fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant chain.
It allows customers to select from a variety of bases, proteins, toppings, and dressings to create a personalized meal that caters to individual tastes and dietary preferences.
Ingredients Breakdown
Base Options:
Greens:
- Arugula
- SuperGreens
- Baby Spinach
- Romaine
- SplendidGreens
Grains:
- Saffron Basmati Rice
- Brown Basmati Rice
- Black Lentils
- RightRice
Protein Options:
- Grilled Chicken
- Steak
- Harissa Honey Chicken
- Falafel
- Roasted Vegetables
Toppings:
- Cucumber
- Tomato
- Red Onion
- Kalamata Olives
- Pickled Onions
- Fire-Roasted Corn
- Broccoli
- Cabbage Slaw
- Feta Cheese
Dips & Dressings:
- Hummus
- Tzatziki
- Crazy Feta
- Red Pepper Hummus
- Roasted Eggplant Dip
- Tahini Caesar
- Greek Vinaigrette
- Harissa Vinaigrette
- Balsamic Date Vinaigrette
Nutrition Facts
Understanding the nutritional profile of the Cava Salad Bowl can help you make informed choices:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360–1495 |
| Total Fat | 4–31g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.6–7g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 221–1965mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 21–61g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2–8g |
| Sugars | 0.7–7g |
| Protein | 4.9–49g |
Allergens Information
The Cava Salad Bowl may contain the following allergens:
- Sesame: Present in tahini used in hummus and dressings.
- Milk: Found in feta cheese and tzatziki.
- Wheat: May be present in pita chips and certain dressings.
For the most accurate and up-to-date allergen information, consult Cava’s allergen guide or speak with their staff.
How to Make a Homemade Cava Salad Bowl
Recreating the Cava Salad Bowl at home is simple and allows for customization to suit your preferences.
Ingredients:
Base:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup mixed greens (arugula, spinach, kale)
Protein:
- ½ cup grilled chicken breast, sliced
- ¼ cup roasted chickpeas
Toppings:
- ½ cup diced cucumber
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives
- ¼ cup fire-roasted corn
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon water (to thin)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Base: In a bowl, combine the cooked quinoa and mixed greens.
- Add Protein: Top the base with grilled chicken and roasted chickpeas.
- Add Toppings: Arrange the cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, corn, and feta cheese over the protein.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, water, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble the Bowl: Drizzle the dressing over the assembled ingredients.
- Serve: Toss gently and enjoy your homemade Mediterranean-inspired bowl.
FAQs
What makes the Cava Salad Bowl unique?
Its customizable nature allows for a personalized meal that caters to various dietary preferences and tastes.
Can I substitute the grains with a different base?
Yes, you can opt for other bases like couscous or farro, depending on availability.
Is the bowl suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes! Choose plant-based proteins like falafel and load up on vegetables for a hearty vegetarian meal.
How can I make the bowl vegan?
Omit dairy-based ingredients like feta and tzatziki, and ensure all dips and dressings are plant-based.
What are some gluten-free options?
Opt for gluten-free grains like quinoa and ensure that all toppings and dressings are gluten-free.
Can I make the bowl spicy?
Yes, add spicy elements like harissa, skhug, or red pepper hummus to introduce heat.
How can I reduce the sodium content?
Request less dressing, skip salty toppings like olives, and choose lower-sodium protein options.
Is the bowl suitable for a keto diet?
For a keto-friendly option, choose low-carb greens and avoid high-carb grains.
Can I add fruits to the bowl?
Yes, fruits like pomegranate seeds or citrus segments can add a sweet contrast to the savory ingredients.
How long does the bowl stay fresh?
It’s best enjoyed immediately, but components can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Can I make the bowl ahead of time?
Prepare components in advance and assemble the bowl just before serving to maintain freshness.
What can I serve with the bowl?
Pair it with warm pita bread, a side of hummus, or a refreshing cucumber salad.
Is the bowl kid-friendly?
Yes, especially if you customize the toppings to suit children’s tastes, such as omitting onions or olives.
Can I use store-bought dips and dressings?
Yes, using store-bought versions can save time, but homemade options often taste fresher.
How can I make the bowl more filling?
Add extra protein, grains, or healthy fats like avocado to increase satiety.
Final Thoughts
The Cava Salad Bowl is more than just a meal; it’s a customizable culinary experience that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your plate.
Whether you enjoy it at Cava or recreate it at home, this bowl offers a nutritious and delicious option for any occasion. With its emphasis on whole, nutrient-dense ingredients, it’s designed to fuel your body and delight your senses.