Salads don’t have to be boring! Cava Garlic Dressing is here to transform your meals with its bold, garlicky flavor. This easy-to-make dressing blends fresh garlic, tangy lemon, rich olive oil, and aromatic herbs, creating a savory experience that brings out the best in any dish. With just a few simple ingredients, this dressing is ideal for salads, marinades, grain bowls, and more.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this delicious dressing from scratch.

What Is Cava Garlic Dressing and Why It’s Special

Cava Garlic Dressing is inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, combining classic flavors like fresh garlic, zesty lemon juice, and earthy herbs. Unlike many store-bought dressings, this homemade recipe doesn’t have preservatives or added sugars, giving you pure and vibrant flavors. This dressing stands out with its bold taste, making it a favorite for those who love intense, savory flavors. It’s versatile enough to use on salads, in wraps, or even as a marinade, elevating any dish with a fresh, tangy kick.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients needed to make this delicious dressing:

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps blend the ingredients smoothly.
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: Gives a zesty tang and helps balance the richness of the oil.
3 cloves garlic, minced: For that bold, fresh garlic flavor.
1 tablespoon vinegar (white, red wine, or balsamic): Adds acidity and depth to the dressing.
1 teaspoon honey (or agave for a vegan option): A touch of sweetness that balances the acidity.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing while adding a subtle tang.
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an earthy, herbal note.
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Complements the oregano with a delicate, woodsy flavor.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Enhances all the flavors and brings everything together.

Each ingredient has a specific role, creating a harmonious blend that’s rich, tangy, and flavorful.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per 2 Tablespoons)

Knowing what’s in your dressing is important, especially if you’re monitoring certain nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition in a typical 2-tablespoon serving:

Calories: 100
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 80mg
Total Carbohydrates: 2g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 0g
Vitamin C: 4% DV (Daily Value)
Calcium: 1% DV (Daily Value)
Iron: 2% DV (Daily Value)

Tools and Equipment

To make this Dressing, gather these basic kitchen tools:

Blender or immersion blender: For smooth blending and easy emulsification.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Mixing bowl: Handy if you’re mixing by hand or need to combine ingredients.
Knife and cutting board: For mincing the garlic and prepping ingredients.
Whisk or spoon: For stirring the dressing if you’re mixing by hand.
Storage jar or bottle: To store the dressing for easy pouring and keeping fresh.

Detailed Step-by-Step Recipe

Now, let’s make this Dressing. Follow each step carefully for the best results.

Step 1: Gather and Prep Ingredients

Measure out each ingredient before you start. This includes mincing the garlic cloves, juicing the lemon, and setting out all seasonings. Having everything prepped beforehand makes the process smooth.

Step 2: Blend the Main Ingredients

If you have a blender or an immersion blender, add the garlic, lemon juice, vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard to the container. Blend until the garlic is finely mixed and the dressing is smooth. This step ensures the garlic distributes evenly and infuses the dressing with its bold flavor.

Step 3: Gradually Add Olive Oil for Emulsification

With the blender running on low speed, slowly pour in the olive oil. Gradually adding the oil helps it emulsify, creating a creamy, well-blended dressing. If you’re whisking by hand, pour in the oil slowly as you whisk continuously.

Step 4: Season with Herbs, Salt, and Pepper

Add the dried oregano, thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the blended mixture. Blend briefly to mix the herbs and seasoning evenly. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. The seasoning can be adjusted based on your preferences, so feel free to add more salt or a bit more lemon if you like a tangier flavor.

Step 5: Store the Dressing Properly

Pour the dressing into a clean jar or bottle. Seal it tightly with a lid and store in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before using, give the jar a good shake as ingredients may separate over time.

Creative Uses

The possibilities with Cava Garlic Dressing are endless! Here are some fun and creative ways to incorporate it into your meals:

Salad Dressing: Toss with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers for a bright, flavorful salad.
Marinade for Proteins: Marinate chicken, fish, or tofu for 20-30 minutes before cooking for extra flavor.
Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle over vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms before roasting to bring out a rich flavor.
Grain Bowls: Mix it into quinoa, couscous, or farro for a Mediterranean-inspired bowl.
Sandwich Spread: Spread a thin layer on bread for sandwiches or wraps—it adds a delicious kick.
Pasta Salad: Toss with cold pasta and veggies for a light, flavorful pasta salad.
Seafood Pairing: Drizzle over shrimp or grilled fish for a garlicky, tangy accent.

Storing Your Dressing for Freshness

To keep your Dressing tasting fresh and flavorful, follow these storage tips:

Airtight Container: Store the dressing in a tightly sealed glass jar or bottle to prevent exposure to air.
Refrigeration: Keep it in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to a week.
Shake Before Each Use: The ingredients might separate as it sits, so give the jar a good shake before using.
Avoid Freezing: Since olive oil can change texture when frozen, freezing is not recommended.

Pro Tips

Achieve the best results with these simple tips:

Finely Mince the Garlic: To ensure a smooth dressing, mince the garlic finely so it blends well.
Add Oil Slowly: Gradually pouring the oil while blending helps emulsify the dressing, creating a smooth, creamy consistency.
Taste as You Go: Adjust salt, pepper, and acidity to your liking for a balanced flavor.
Experiment with Herbs: Swap out oregano or thyme for basil, rosemary, or parsley to customize the flavor.
Choose Quality Vinegar: Try red wine vinegar, white balsamic, or even apple cider vinegar for different notes.
Let It Marinate: For meats or vegetables, let them marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make Cava Garlic Dressing vegan?

Yes! Replace the honey with a plant-based sweetener like agave or maple syrup to keep it vegan without compromising flavor.

How long does Cava Garlic Dressing last?

Stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it can last for up to 7 days.

Can I use a different type of oil?

Certainly! Avocado oil or flaxseed oil can replace olive oil, though it may slightly change the flavor.

Is Cava Garlic Dressing keto-friendly?

Yes, as long as you avoid any high-carb sweeteners, this dressing fits well with a low-carb or keto diet.

How many calories are in Cava Garlic Dressing?

Each 2-tablespoon serving contains about 100 to 120 calories, mostly from the olive oil.

Can I reduce the tanginess?

To make the dressing less tangy, reduce the vinegar or lemon juice slightly, or add a touch more honey for balance.

Is this dressing gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels if you’re sensitive to gluten, especially for condiments.

Conclusion

Cava Garlic Dressing is a simple yet flavorful addition to any kitchen, bringing a zesty, garlicky flair to a wide variety of dishes. With just a few ingredients, you can make a delicious dressing that is perfect for salads

More Recipes to try:

Homemade Dave’s Hot Chicken Sauce Recipe