CAVA Garlic Dressing Recipe [Creamy, Bold, and So Easy at Home]

CAVA is one of those places where food feels fresh but also comforting. Their Mediterranean bowls and wraps are loaded with flavor, yet it’s the garlic dressing that always steals the show.

It’s smooth, creamy, and filled with garlic taste without being too heavy. People love it so much that many try to get extra on the side.

This dressing comes from the Middle Eastern sauce called toum. Toum is thick, fluffy, and strong, but CAVA makes theirs a little looser so it can drizzle over greens, rice, or grilled meat.

The twist is in the aquafaba—the liquid from canned chickpeas. It works like egg whites and keeps the sauce light, vegan, and creamy at the same time.

I started making CAVA copycat garlic dressing at home because I wanted that same fresh kick in my salads and bowls. Now, let’s see difference between this & other dressing…

How Does Cava’s Creamy Garlic Dressing Differ Ingredient-wise From Traditional Toum

CAVA’s garlic dressing is not the same as classic toum. The difference comes down to ingredients and texture.

• Aquafaba – CAVA uses the liquid from canned chickpeas to keep the sauce light and creamy. It also makes the dressing vegan.
• Oil choice – Instead of olive or sunflower oil, CAVA uses canola oil. This keeps the flavor mild and the color bright.
• Texture – Traditional toum is thick and fluffy, almost like a spread. CAVA’s version is smoother and looser, perfect for drizzling.
• Flavor balance – Both use garlic, lemon juice, salt, and oil. But the aquafaba in CAVA’s dressing softens the raw garlic bite, making it easier to enjoy with many dishes.

Cava Garlic Dressing Ingredients

• 5 cloves garlic – I use fresh garlic because it gives the dressing that strong, bold flavor you can’t fake. Once blended, it smooths out and makes every bite taste alive. Garlic is the heart of this recipe.
• ½ teaspoon salt – I keep the salt simple. It pulls all the flavors together and makes the garlic and lemon shine brighter. Without it, the dressing would taste flat. A little bit goes a long way here.
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice – I always squeeze fresh lemons for this dressing. The juice cuts through the garlic and adds a bright, tangy kick. It balances the richness from the oil and makes the sauce taste super fresh.
• 3 tablespoons aquafaba – This is the liquid from canned chickpeas. It may sound odd, but it works like magic. It helps bind everything, keeps the texture creamy like mayo, and makes the dressing completely vegan.
• 1 cup avocado oil – I like using avocado oil because it blends smoothly and doesn’t weigh the dressing down. It’s light, healthy, and lets the garlic flavor stay in the spotlight without overpowering the taste.

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Blender or food processor
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Airtight jar or container for storing

How To Make Cava Garlic Dressing

Step 1 – Prep Garlic
Peel the garlic cloves and add them to a blender or food processor.

Step 2 – Add Base Flavors
Add salt, lemon juice, and aquafaba (the chickpea liquid) into the blender with the garlic.

Step 3 – Blend Until Smooth
Blend the mixture until the garlic is completely broken down and smooth.

Step 4 – Emulsify
With the blender running on low speed, slowly stream in the avocado oil. This gradual blending helps the dressing emulsify and turn creamy.

Step 5 – Taste and Adjust
Check seasoning. Add a little more salt or lemon juice if needed.

Step 6 – Store
Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. Use within 5–7 days.

Tips To Make Perfect Cava Garlic Dressing

• I always use fresh garlic — the jarred stuff just doesn’t hit the same.
• Chilling the lemon juice first gives the dressing a brighter, fresher taste.
• I pour the oil in slowly while blending so it stays creamy, not greasy.
• If it ever feels too thick, I stir in a splash of cold water to fix it.
• I keep mine in a glass jar because it stays fresher and tastes cleaner than plastic.
• Before using, I give it a quick shake since the oil can rise to the top.

What to Serve with This Cava Garlic Dressing

• Salads – Fresh greens taste so much better with this creamy garlic drizzle. It turns a plain bowl into something I actually look forward to eating.
• Grain Bowls – I like pouring it over rice or quinoa bowls. The tangy lemon and garlic bring all the toppings together in one bite.
• Roasted Veggies – The bold garlic flavor makes earthy veggies pop. Even simple roasted carrots or potatoes feel special with a spoonful of this sauce.
• Pita or Wraps – I spread it inside my wraps or use it as a dip for pita bread. It adds that extra kick that keeps me coming back.
• Grilled Chicken – Juicy chicken with this smooth dressing is a match I never get tired of. The creaminess balances out the smoky flavor so well.
• Seafood – Shrimp, salmon, jambalaya, or even fish tacos get an instant upgrade when I drizzle this dressing on top. It’s light, garlicky, and delicious, and it blends right in with those bold flavors.

Cava garlic dressing brings a touch of creamy, garlicky magic to any meal. Its smooth texture and bright flavor make simple dishes feel special. The balance of fresh garlic, lemon, and aquafaba creates a dressing that feels both light and indulgent.

I hope this recipe inspires you to try it at home, enjoy every drizzle, and share your experience with us. Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more tasty ideas.