Craving that tangy, herb-packed Greek dressing from Cava? This easy copycat recipe recreates the restaurant's signature flavor in just 5 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
Cava's Greek dressing has become a cult favorite for good reason. This creamy, zesty Mediterranean-style dressing combines the perfect balance of tangy red wine vinegar, bright lemon juice, and aromatic oregano. Unlike many store-bought versions, Cava's dressing has a rich, emulsified texture and bold flavor that transforms any salad into a restaurant-quality meal.
You might also like our Good Seasons Italian Dressing recipe!
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Ingredients
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- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ⅓ cup Dijon mustard
- 3 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups neutral oil (vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions
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- Combine the base ingredients: In a blender or using an immersion blender, combine the red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and minced garlic. Blend well until the mixture is smooth and the oregano is evenly distributed.
- Emulsify with oil: With the blender running on medium speed, slowly drizzle in the neutral oil in a thin, steady stream. This gradual process is crucial for creating the creamy, emulsified texture that makes this dressing so special.
- Check consistency: Continue blending until the dressing is thick and creamy, similar to mayonnaise. The mixture should hold together without separating.
- Taste and adjust: Sample the dressing and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more salt for depth, lemon juice for brightness, or oregano for herbaceous flavor.
Pro Tips for Perfect Greek Dressing
Use room temperature ingredients for better emulsification. Cold ingredients can cause the dressing to break or separate.
Add oil slowly - rushing this step will result in a broken, oily dressing instead of the creamy texture you want.
Quality matters - use good red wine vinegar and fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. The oregano should be aromatic, not stale.
How to Use Cava-Style Greek Dressing
This versatile Mediterranean dressing works beautifully on:
Roasted potato salad for a Mediterranean twist could use this. This is also a great idea to link out to another blogger with a similar recipe that fits a different diet.
Greek salads with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese
Grain bowls with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and chickpeas
Marinated vegetables - let them soak up the flavors for 30 minutes
Grilled chicken or lamb as a finishing sauce
Storage and Freshness
Store your homemade Cava Greek dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The oil may solidify when cold - simply let it come to room temperature or give it a good shake before using.
Since this recipe contains fresh garlic, it's best used within 5-7 days for optimal flavor and food safety.
Why Make Greek Dressing at Home?
Creating this copycat Cava Greek dressing at home offers several advantages:
Fresh taste - homemade always beats store-bought for flavor
Cost savings - make restaurant-quality dressing for a fraction of the price
Control ingredients - no preservatives or artificial additives
Customize flavor - adjust herbs, acidity, and salt to your preference
Variations to Try
Herb-Forward Version: Add 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley for extra Mediterranean flavor.
Lighter Version: Replace half the oil with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich dressing.
Extra Garlicky: Add another clove of garlic for those who love bold flavors.
Top Tip
Share something here that you think is key to making this recipe well, such as: Don't overcook the burgers! Sear the outside and cook to a minimum internal temperature, but they should still be juicy for best results.
FAQ
Yes, use an immersion blender or even a jar with a tight lid - shake vigorously while slowly adding oil.
Neutral oils like vegetable or canola work best. Olive oil can be substituted but may create a stronger flavor and thicker consistency.
This usually happens when oil is added too quickly. Try blending again while slowly adding a tablespoon of warm water.
Related Recipes
This copycat Cava Greek dressing recipe brings the beloved Mediterranean restaurant flavors straight to your kitchen. With just seven simple ingredients and five minutes of prep time, you can enjoy that signature tangy, creamy Greek dressing whenever you want. Whether you're recreating your favorite Cava bowl at home or elevating a simple garden salad, this homemade version delivers authentic flavor that rivals the original.
Try this recipe today and discover how easy it is to make restaurant-quality Greek dressing at home. Your salads (and your wallet) will thank you!
Copycat Cava Greek Dressing
Ingredients
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ⅓ cup Dijon mustard
- 3 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups neutral oil vegetable or canola oil
Instructions
- In a blender or using an immersion blender, combine the red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and minced garlic. Blend well until the mixture is smooth and the oregano is evenly distributed.
- With the blender running on medium speed, slowly drizzle in the neutral oil in a thin, steady stream. This gradual process is crucial for creating the creamy, emulsified texture that makes this dressing so special.
- Continue blending until the dressing is thick and creamy, similar to mayonnaise. The mixture should hold together without separating.
- Sample the dressing and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more salt for depth, lemon juice for brightness, or oregano for herbaceous flavor.
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