If you find yourself craving the vibrant, fresh, and flavorful bowls from Cava, you’re not definitely not alone! These customizable Easy Copycat Cava Bowls are packed with Mediterranean goodness, bold flavors & tons of healthy, wholesome ingredients. The good news? They’re crazy healthy and great for meal prep with perfectly marinated harissa honey chicken, a Greek cucumber and tomato salad, and all the crave-worthy toppings Cava offers. This dish will become a staple in your weekly meal plan. 🌿

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How to Make Easy Copycat Cava Bowls

When you make Cava bowls at home vs. going out, there are several benefits. First, you have full control over the ingredients. This allows you to customize the bowl to your preferences. Whether you prefer more harissa chicken or extra creamy dill dressing, you get to decide. It’s also a great way to save money while you enjoy a fresh, restaurant-quality meal. Plus, these bowls are perfect for meal prep, making healthy eating during busy weeks more manageable. Let’s get started!

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Ingredients for Easy Copycat Cava Bowls

2 Cups Rice cooked
4 Chicken Breasts

Harissa Honey Chicken Marinade/Seasoning

1 Tablespoon Harissa Paste optional
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
2 Lemons juiced
2 Tablespoons Honey
2 Tablespoons Granulated Garlic
1 Tablespoon Cumin
1 Tablespoon Paprika
1 Teaspoon Salt

Greek Cucumber & Tomato Salad

1 English Cucumber diced
2 Cups Cherry Tomatoes diced
¼ Cup Red Onion diced
1 Bunch Parsley minced
1 Lemon juiced
½ Teaspoon Salt

Toppings

Corn Kernels browned
Feta Cheese
Kalamata Olives
Pickled Onions
Creamy Dill Dressing or dressing of choice

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Harissa Honey Chicken

The key to this homemade Cava bowl recipe is the harissa honey chicken. The marinade is a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, thanks to the honey and harissa seasoning. It infuses the chicken breasts with rich, bold flavors that transport you straight to the Mediterranean.

Ingredients for Harissa Honey Chicken Marinade:

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 lemons, juiced
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons granulated garlic
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt

Combine all the ingredients and let the chicken marinate while you prep the other ingredients. If desired, you can marinate the chicken overnight.

How to Cook Harissa Honey Chicken: Pan-Sear, Grill, or Broil

Once your harissa honey chicken has marinated and absorbed all those bold flavors, it's time to cook it to perfection. Here are three easy methods to achieve tender, juicy chicken with a slightly caramelized exterior!

Pan-Searing Harissa Honey Chicken

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and place it in the hot pan. Don’t overcrowd the skillet—cook in batches if necessary.
Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the outside is golden brown with slightly crispy edges.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.

Tip: For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating.

Grilling Harissa Honey Chicken

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 5–7 minutes on each side, flipping only once. Look for those beautiful grill marks!
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Tip: If you're using a charcoal grill, cook the chicken over direct heat for a nice char, then move it to indirect heat to finish cooking.

Broiling Harissa Honey Chicken

Preheat your oven’s broiler and place a rack about 6 inches from the heating element.
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Lay the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they're not touching.
Broil for 5–7 minutes per side, watching closely to prevent burning. Flip the chicken halfway through and ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Remove the chicken and let it rest before slicing.

Tip: Keep a close eye while broiling, as the honey in the marinade can caramelize quickly.

Each method brings out the bold, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors of the harissa honey chicken, making it the perfect protein for your Easy Copycat Cava Bowls! Choose the method that suits your kitchen setup or cooking style

2. Building the Perfect Base: Rice or Grain Options

A good bowl starts with a hearty base. While Cava typically uses rice, you can use any grain you prefer. Try options like:

White or brown rice for a classic flavor.
Quinoa for a protein-packed alternative.
Cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a low-carb option.

Cook your grain according to the package instructions. If you’re using brown rice, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra hint of flavor!

3. The Greek Cucumber and Tomato Salad

This Greek cucumber and tomato salad adds brightness and freshness to the bowl. It’s simple to make but packs a punch of flavor with the combination of lemon juice, parsley, and a hint of salt.

1 English cucumber, diced
2 cups cherry tomatoes, diced
¼ cup red onion, diced
1 bunch parsley, minced
1 lemon, juiced
½ teaspoon salt

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl, and let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This salad isn’t just a great addition to your bowl; it’s also a fantastic side dish on its own.

4. Cava Bowl Toppings

The toppings are where you can truly make your copycat Cava bowl your own. Here are some must-haves, but of course feel free to customize your Cava Bowls!

Corn kernels: Charred or browned for a smoky-sweet flavor. To make this, simply heat a skillet on medium heat with a splash of olive oil. Add the can of corn and sauté for about 10 minutes, or until browned (or charred if you prefer).
Feta cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess and tang.
Kalamata olives: For a salty, briny kick.
Pickled red onions: These add a zesty pop of flavor and a beautiful color contrast.
Creamy dill dressing: Use Trader Joe’s creamy dill dressing or make your own. You can also substitute it with tzatziki, harissa vinaigrette, garlic sauce, hummus, or a simple drizzle of EVO!

5. Assemble Your Homemade Cava Bowls!

Once all your components are ready, it’s time to assemble your homemade Cava bowl. Follow these steps for a bowl that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious:

Start with a generous scoop of rice or your preferred grain.
Add a serving of harissa honey chicken, sliced or shredded.
Top with a few spoonfuls of Greek cucumber and tomato salad.
Layer on your favorite toppings: charred corn, crumbled feta, pickled onions, and Kalamata olives.
Drizzle with creamy dill dressing or harissa vinaigrette for the final touch.
Enjoy!

Cava Bowls with harissa honey chicken, corn, cucumber salad, & Dill dressing.

Meal Prep Tips for Easy Copycat Cava Bowls

One of the best things about this recipe is how well it works for meal prep. Here’s how to keep it lasting & fresh through the week!

Cook in batches: Double the recipe so you have enough for several meals.
Store components separately: Keep the chicken, rice, salad, and toppings in individual containers to maintain freshness.
Reheat smartly: Warm the chicken and rice before assembling your bowl, but add the salad and dressing fresh to preserve their flavors and textures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cava bowl?

Cava bowl is a Mediterranean-inspired meal that typically includes a base like rice or greens, a protein like grilled chicken or falafel, a variety of fresh toppings, and a flavorful dressing. This recipe allows you to recreate the famous Cava experience at home.

Is this Copycat Cava Bowl recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the ingredients you use, like dressings or marinades, don’t contain hidden gluten. Double-check store-bought dressings or substitutes for gluten-free labeling.

What can I use instead of harissa in the harissa honey chicken?

If you don’t have harissa, you can substitute it with a mix of smoked paprika, chili powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. You could also use sriracha or a spicy chili paste as an alternative.

Can I make these Cava Bowls vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the harissa honey chicken for gluten falafel, roasted chickpeas, or grilled vegetables like eggplant or zucchini for a vegetarian-friendly option.

Can I use a different dressing instead of creamy dill?

Yes, you can customize your bowl with your favorite dressing. Tzatziki, harissa vinaigrette, lemon tahini sauce, or even hummus.

Enjoy Your Easy Copycat Cava Bowls!

This recipe for homemade Cava bowls combines all the vibrant flavors you love in a restaurant-quality dish. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or serving dinner to friends, these bowls are a surefire hit. With tender harissa honey chicken, refreshing Greek cucumber salad, and all the toppings, you’ll have a meal that’s as healthy as it is delicious. Give this recipe a try and bring some Mediterranean magic to your kitchen!

If you loved this recipe—try my other Homemade Cava Bowls recipe! Have the sweetest day & tag me on Instagram when you make this recipe! @entirelyemmy ✨