Homemade Cava Bowls

These copycat Homemade Cava Bowls are inspired by my favorite Mediterranean-style fast-casual restaurant. With fresh ingredients, so many bold flavors, and everything made from scratch—I can genuinely say this is my favorite type of bowl to make. Grains, greens, grilled chicken, tomato salad, lentil tabbouleh, oil-free hummus, Greek vinaigrette, Kalamata olives, pickled onions—the joy is in the details! ☀️🌿

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How To Make Homemade Cava Bowls

These Homemade Cava Bowls combine tender chicken, vibrant salads, creamy sauces, and flavorful grains, offering a healthy and satisfying Mediterranean-style meal. Perfect for meal prep or as a fresh dinner idea, this copycat recipe delivers on both flavor and nutrition! Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the Bowl Base

• 2 Cups White Rice or grain of choice
• 4 Cups Arugula or greens of choice

Grilled Chicken Marinade

• 8 Chicken Thighs 
• ¼ Cup Red Wine Vinegar
• ¼ Cup Lemon Juice
• 2 Tablespoons Honey
• 4 Cloves Garlic minced
• 1 Tablespoon Paprika
• 1 Tablespoon Oregano dried
• ½ Tablespoon Thyme dried
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 Teaspoon Salt
• 1 Teaspoon Pepper

Tomato & Onion Salad

• 1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
• ½ Small Red Onion thinly slices
• 1 Tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
• 1 Teaspoon Salt & Pepper

Lentil Tabbouleh

• 1 Cup Black Lentils
• 5 Roma Tomatoes diced
• 1 Large English Cucumber diced
• ½ Red Onion diced
• 1 Cup Fresh Parsley chopped
• 1 Tablespoon Fresh Dill chopped
• 2 Lemons juiced
• 2 Cloves Garlic minced
• 1 Teaspoon Salt & Pepper

Homemade Tzatziki 

• 1 Cup Greek Yogurt
• ½ English Cucumber diced
• 2 Tablespoons Fresh Dill chopped
• 2 Cloves Garlic minced
• 1 Lemon juiced
• 1 Teaspoon Salt & Pepper or to taste

Cava Hummus

• 2 Cans Chickpeas
• 3 Tablespoons Tahini
• 2 Lemons juiced
• 4 Cloves Garlic
• 1 Teaspoon Salt & Pepper

Greek Vinaigrette

• ¼ Cup Red Wine Vinegar
• ¼ Cup Olive Oil
• 2 Tablespoons Lemon juice
• 2 Teaspoons Dijon Mustard
• 2 Tablespoons Honey
• 1 Clove Garlic minced
• 1 Tablespoon Oregano dried
• ¼ Teaspoon Salt & Pepper

Additional Toppings

• English Cucumbers diced
• Kalamata Olives
• Feta
• Pickled Onions

Step-By-Step Instructions for Homemade Cava Bowls

Start by cooking 2 cups of white rice (or your preferred grain). Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then add it to a pot with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool. For your Cava bowls, you can also use quinoa, farro, or bulgur as a nutritious alternative. Set aside 4 cups of arugula or greens of choice in for a fresh base.

Grill or Pan-Sear the Chicken

Marinate 8 chicken thighs in a mixture of ¼ cup red wine vinegar, ¼ cup lemon juice, 2 tablespoons honey, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, ½ tablespoon dried thyme, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Pan-Searing Instructions: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and place them in the pan in a single layer. Sear for 6–7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is golden brown with a crispy exterior. Chicken is generally safe to eat when it’s reached this temperature. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

Grilling Instructions: If you prefer to grill the chicken, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the thighs for 6–8 minutes per side, until fully cooked and charred. Slice and set aside.

Make the Tomato & Onion Salad

In a small bowl, toss together 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and ½ thinly sliced red onion. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, season with 1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, and mix well. This simple, tangy salad is a fresh topping for your Mediterranean Cava bowls.

Prepare the Lentil Tabbouleh

Rinse 1 cup of black lentils thoroughly. Add them to a pot with 3 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess water and allow the lentils to cool.

Once cooled, combine the cooked lentils with 5 diced Roma tomatoes, 1 diced large English cucumber, ½ diced red onion, 1 cup chopped parsley, and 1 tablespoon fresh dill. Dress the mixture with the juice of 2 lemons, 2 minced garlic cloves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.

Make Homemade Tzatziki

For a refreshing tzatziki sauce, combine 1 cup of Greek yogurt, ½ diced English cucumber, 2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill, 2 minced garlic cloves, and the juice of 1 lemon in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir until smooth and creamy. This tangy sauce brings balance and creaminess to your Cava bowls.

Blend the Hummus & Make the Greek Vinaigrette

To make your creamy hummus, place 2 cans of drained chickpeas, 3 tablespoons tahini, the juice of 2 lemons, 4 cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper in a food processor. Blend in a food processor or blender until smooth. Hummus can be customized by adding roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup red wine vinegar, ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This vinaigrette is the perfect finishing touch, adding brightness to your Mediterranean Cava bowls.

Assemble the Cava Bowls

To assemble your homemade Cava bowls, begin with a layer of white rice and greens. Top with slices of grilled or pan-seared chicken, spoonfuls of tomato and onion salad, and lentil tabbouleh. Add generous dollops of tzatziki and hummus. Finish with diced cucumbers, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta, and pickled onions for extra Mediterranean flair. Drizzle with the Greek vinaigrette, and enjoy a fresh, flavorful meal!

What Is A Cava Bowl?

Cava is a Mediterranean-style, fast-casual restaurant. One of their signature items are Cava Bowls. They have bowl recipes to choose from, or you can choose your favorite type of grain, green, protein, and toppings to make a delicious Cava Bowl of your own!

Alternative Ingredients and Fun Customizations for Your Cava Bowl

One of the best things about Homemade Cava Bowls is how customizable they are! You can mix and match ingredients to fit your preferences, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand. Here are some creative and fun ways to modify your Cava Bowl, inspired by popular Mediterranean-style bowl recipes!

Alternative Protein Options

Grilled Lamb: Swap out the grilled chicken for lamb to give your bowl a richer, heartier flavor. Marinate lamb with similar Mediterranean spices and sear or grill for a delicious protein alternative.

Falafel: For a vegetarian or vegan option, falafel is a popular and highly searched addition to Cava Bowls. You can make crispy homemade falafel or use store-bought for a quicker option.

Shrimp: Grilled or sautéed shrimp can add a light, refreshing twist. Season with garlic, lemon, and Mediterranean herbs for a coastal-inspired bowl.

Beef Kofta: If you’re craving something different, try beef kofta skewers seasoned with cumin, coriander, and parsley to add a unique flavor to your bowl.

Grains & Greens

Quinoa: For a protein-packed, gluten-free option, swap white rice with quinoa. It’s light, fluffy, and blends well with Mediterranean flavors.

Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb alternative, use cauliflower rice instead of traditional grains. It's light and absorbs the flavors of the sauces and proteins perfectly.

Spinach: Substitute or mix in baby spinach with arugula for extra nutrients and a mild flavor.

Kale: If you prefer a more robust green, massage kale with olive oil and lemon juice to soften the leaves, making it a healthy base for your bowl.

Romaine Lettuce: For a lighter, crunchier texture, use romaine lettuce or mixed greens to give your bowl a fresh and crisp vibe.

Sauce and Dip Ideas

Spicy Harissa Hummus: Give your hummus a spicy kick by blending in harissa paste, a popular Mediterranean chili pepper paste, for those who love heat.

Red Pepper Hummus: For a flavorful twist, roasted red pepper hummus is a highly searched and delicious alternative to traditional hummus. It adds a smoky, sweet flavor to the bowl.

Avocado Tzatziki: For a creamier, dairy-free tzatziki, blend in avocado to replace Greek yogurt. This creates a silky sauce with a fresh twist that pairs well with all the ingredients.

Unique Toppings

Roasted Vegetables: Add some roasted veggies like eggplant, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Pickled Vegetables: Aside from pickled onions, consider adding pickled radishes or pickled carrots for a crunchy, tangy topping.

Sun-dried Tomatoes: Swap fresh tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes if you’re looking for a more intense, tangy flavor.

Fun Flavor Combinations

Greek Bowl: Create a Greek-inspired bowl by adding kalamata olives, feta cheese, grilled halloumi, and a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice.

Spicy Mediterranean Bowl: If you enjoy a little heat, add spicy toppings like a sprinkle of crushed red pepper, jalapeños, or a drizzle of sriracha.

Mediterranean Power Bowl: Combine quinoa, falafel, avocado tzatziki, roasted vegetables, and a handful of spinach for a nutrient-dense power bowl that’s rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of rice is best for Cava Bowls?
White rice is a classic choice for Cava Bowls, but you can also use brown rice, quinoa, farro, or cauliflower rice.

Can I make Cava Bowls vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! To make these bowls vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and increase the plant-based protein by adding more lentils or chickpeas. For a vegan version, swap the Greek yogurt in the tzatziki for a dairy-free alternative.

How long does it take to prepare Homemade Cava Bowls?
The total prep and cooking time is about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how many components you're making. Cooking the rice, chicken, and preparing the lentil tabbouleh can be done simultaneously to save time.

Can I meal prep Cava Bowls?
Absolutely! Cava Bowls are great for meal prep. You can cook the rice, chicken, and lentils ahead of time and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble the bowls when you're ready to eat, add the fresh toppings at the last minute.

What toppings can I add to my Cava Bowl?
Cava Bowls are highly customizable! Some popular toppings include cucumbers, Kalamata olives, pickled onions, crumbled feta, roasted vegetables, sweet potatoes, baba ganoush, and even falafel.

Is this Homemade Cava Bowl recipe healthy?
Yes! These bowls are packed with lean protein, healthy fats, fiber, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. The grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and homemade sauces make it a nutritious meal that is much healthier than typical fast food options.

Enjoy!

These Homemade Cava Bowls are a delicious and healthy copycat recipe, featuring a balance of grains, greens, and Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for meal prep or a fresh weeknight dinner! Have the sweetest day & tag me on Instagram when you make this recipe! @entirelyemmy