This Cava Greek Vinaigrette is going to become your go to salad dressing! It's made with red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, and a Greek inspired spice blend that will have your taste buds tingling. It whips up in minutes and is great on more than salads!
Ever hear of Cava? It's a fast-casual restaurant chain that focuses on Mediterranean food and way of life, according to their website. Some folks say it's the Mediterranean version of Chipotle. However you see them, it's a great place to get flavorful meals like pasta salads and grain bowls.
When we got one here, I have to admit that I was addicted to their crazy feta! This Cava signature is feta cheese whipped with jalapeños and olive oil. I could not get enough of it! But if you have been to Cava, you know that it's not cheap! And while we love Cava, we miss our Zoe's Kitchen! So, that's why I came up with this copycat Greek vinaigrette that's inspired by both.
Everyone needs a go-to Greek dressing recipe in their repertoire. It needs to be easy (duh) and made with pantry staples so no one needs to dash out to the grocery store at the last minute. And it has to be delicious and versatile. It's a good thing you landed on this post, because this Cava Greek vinaigrette recipe is just that, and more! If you love homemade dressings, you'll want to add this recipe to the mix.
You can check out all my Mediterranean inspired recipes right here!
Ingredients
- Red wine vinegar
- Extra virgin olive oil - use Greek olive for the most authentic flavor, but what you have on hand will work too.
- Water
- Garlic powder - or granulated garlic. I am using garlic powder so the vinaigrette will last longer.
- Oregano - I used dried for convenience
- Basil - I used dried for convenience
- Salt and black pepper
- Honey - I only add honey when I want to add a touch of sweetness. Classic Greek vinaigrette is not sweet.
How to make Cava Greek vinaigrette
This is an overview of the recipe. Please scroll to the bottom of the post for precise amounts and printable recipe card.
1) Add red wine vinegar, water, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to a mason jar. You can use a bowl as well. Shake or mix to blend.
2) Add the olive oil and honey (if using) and shake the mason jar vigorously until vinaigrette is well combined. If using a bowl, slowly add the olive oil in a thin steam and whisk until well blended.
Can be served immediately or cooled in the refrigerator for later use. Makes about one cup.
How to store
This Cava Greek Vinaigrette recipe can be left out at room temperature for a couple weeks if made as written (using garlic powder and dried herbs). If you make changes, such as adding fresh lemon juice, fresh herbs, dijon mustard, etc., then it will need to be refrigerated.
To refrigerate: store leftover dressing in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed mason jar, air tight container, or salad dressing cruet. Olive oil will solidify, so allow 30 minutes at room temperature before serving. Shake well before serving.
Freezing isn't recommended.
How to make a greek salad
One of our favorite ways to serve this Greek vinaigrette is on a salad: add some chopped or torn fresh romaine leaves along with some thinly sliced red onion, chopped or whole Kalamata olives, sliced Persian cucumbers, cherry tomatoes (or chopped tomatoes) and some sliced red bell peppers to a large salad bowl. Drizzle greek vinaigrette over and toss well. Top with some red pepper hummus, feta crumbles, and serve with warm pita bread.
I used this Cava Greek Vinaigrette recipe to make my Greek Potato Salad!
More serving ideas
- Toss with cabbage slaw, toasted walnuts, and sliced red peppers for a Greek coleslaw
- Incorporate into your meal prep routine for tasty salads all week long
- Serve with brown rice, roasted veggies, chopped red peppers, and cucumber slices for a healthy grain bowl.
- Use for Greek Pasta Salad
More Mediterranean recipes
- Air Fryer Pita Chips
- Mediterranean Bread Salad (Panzanella)
- Instant Pot Greek Chicken
- Easy Homemade Tzatziki
- Greek Pasta Salad
- Greek Potato Salad
Thank you for checking out this Cava Greek Vinaigrette recipe post! I hope you give it a try and would love to hear how it turns out!
📖 Recipe
Cava Greek Vinaigrette Recipe Copycat
Ingredients
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup olive oil from Greece
- 2 teaspoon honey optional
Instructions
- Add red wine vinegar, water, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to a mason jar. You can use a bowl as well. Shake or mix to blend.
- Add the olive oil and honey (if using) and shake the mason jar vigorously until vinaigrette is well combined. If using a bowl, slowly add the olive oil in a thin steam and whisk until incorporated.
- Can be served immediately or cooled in the refrigerator for later use.
Notes
- This Cava Greek Vinaigrette recipe can be left out at room temperature for a couple weeks if made as written (using garlic powder and dried herbs). If you make changes, such as adding fresh lemon juice, fresh herbs, dijon mustard, etc., then it will need to be refrigerated.
- To refrigerate: store leftover dressing in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed mason jar, air tight container, or salad dressing cruet.
- Olive oil will solidify, so allow 30 minutes at room temperature before serving. Freezing isn’t recommended.
Nutrition
The post The Best Greek Vinaigrette (Cava Inspired) appeared first on The Travel Palate.