Cava Garlic Dressing Recipe

That unforgettable Cava garlic dressing has a way of turning a simple Mediterranean bowl into something crave-worthy.

This copycat Cava garlic dressing recipe captures the same creamy, tangy balance and bold garlic flavor fans love, all made easily at home. Designed as a simple garlic dressing, it elevates salads, wraps, and grain bowls with restaurant-quality taste using everyday ingredients.

Rich texture, bright acidity, and deep garlic notes come together in minutes, making this garlic dressing a go-to favorite. No wonder it’s considered a cult-favorite sauce among Mediterranean food lovers who want big flavor without the fuss.

What Does Cava Garlic Dressing Taste Like?

This creamy garlic dressing delivers a perfect balance of rich, tangy creaminess with a punchy garlic kick that doesn’t overpower.

The sour cream and mayonnaise create a velvety, luxurious texture while the fresh garlic provides that signature sharp bite Cava fans crave. You’ll notice subtle sweetness that rounds out the acidity, with fresh green onions (or chives) adding a mild oniony brightness.

The black pepper brings a gentle warmth to the finish. It’s bold yet balanced garlicky enough to satisfy cravings but refined enough to complement Mediterranean flavors without competing with them.

Cava Garlic Dressing Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (16 oz) sour cream
• 1 cup mayonnaise (preferably Hellmann’s for authentic taste)
• ⅔ cup milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
• 4 teaspoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic (good-sized cloves; add more if small for extra garlicky punch)
• About 4 green onions, finely chopped (or equivalent fresh chives)

Note: For a single batch, simply halve all quantities: 1 cup sour cream, ½ cup mayo, ⅓ cup milk, 2 tsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, ⅛ tsp pepper, 2 cloves garlic, 2 green onions.

Kitchen Utensils Needed:

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Garlic press or sharp knife for mincing
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Airtight jar or container for storage
• Knife for chopping green onions/chives

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 3½ cups (serves 28 as 2-tablespoon servings)
• Difficulty Level: Easy (beginner-friendly)

Cava Garlic Dressing Recipe Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of sour cream, 1 cup of mayonnaise, and ⅔ cup of milk. These three ingredients form the creamy base of your garlic dressing.

Step 2: Add 4 teaspoons of sugar, 2 teaspoons of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper to the bowl. These seasonings balance the richness and enhance the overall flavor profile.

Step 3: Prepare the garlic by pressing or finely mincing 4 cloves. Pro tip: wet your knife with water to make peeling easier and capture all the precious garlic juices when pressing. Add the garlic and all its juices to the bowl for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Finely chop about 4 green onions (or use an equivalent volume of fresh chives as a substitute). Add them to the mixture for that signature fresh, mild onion flavor.

Step 5: Whisk everything together thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined. If needed, you can use clean hands initially to help incorporate the ingredients before whisking. Continue whisking until no streaks remain and the dressing is uniformly creamy.

Step 6: Transfer your homemade garlic dressing to a clean jar or airtight container. Refrigerate immediately.

The dressing will keep fresh for 2-3 weeks when properly stored. If separation occurs, simply stir before using.

Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving

1. Mediterranean Grain Bowl Drizzle: This garlic sauce is perfect over quinoa or brown rice bowls loaded with cucumbers, tomatoes, chickpeas, feta cheese, and grilled chicken. The creamy dressing ties all the fresh ingredients together just like at Cava.

2. Greek Salad Upgrade: Transform a simple Greek salad by replacing traditional vinaigrette with this creamy garlic dressing. It pairs beautifully with romaine lettuce, kalamata olives, red onions, and crisp vegetables.

3. Sandwich and Wrap Spread: Use this garlic sauce as a spread for wraps, pitas, or sandwiches. It works wonderfully with falafel wraps, grilled vegetable sandwiches, or turkey club wraps, adding moisture and bold flavor.

4. Vegetable Dip Station: Serve as a dip alongside raw vegetables like carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The garlicky tang makes even plain veggies irresistible.

5. Protein Topping: Drizzle over grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, or lamb kebabs. The cool, creamy dressing provides excellent contrast to warm, charred proteins and adds restaurant-quality presentation.

6. Spicy Variation: For those who love heat, stir in ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a tablespoon of sriracha to create a spicy garlic dressing version that adds kick to any dish.

7. Crispy Southern Classic: Serve Gus’s Fried Chicken Recipe hot and crispy with creamy garlic dressing, fresh slaw, and buttery biscuits, creating a balanced meal with crunch, spice, and comforting Southern-style flavors everyone enjoys.

8. Herb-Infused Version: Customize by adding 2 tablespoons of fresh dill, parsley, or cilantro for an herbaceous twist. This variation pairs exceptionally well with fish dishes and cucumber-heavy salads.

Expert Tips for the Best Garlic Dressing

1. Fresh Garlic is Non-Negotiable: Always use fresh garlic cloves rather than pre-minced jarred garlic or garlic powder. Fresh garlic provides that authentic, punchy flavor that defines this Cava-style dressing. The natural oils and juices from freshly pressed garlic create depth that pre-processed alternatives simply cannot match.

2. Quality Mayo Matters: Hellmann’s mayonnaise (or Best Foods on the West Coast) is recommended because its specific balance of tang and richness most closely mimics the authentic Cava garlic sauce. Different mayo brands have varying oil contents and acidity levels that can significantly alter the final taste.

3. Let It Rest for Flavor Development: While you can use this garlic dressing immediately, refrigerating it for at least 2 hours (or overnight) allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The garlic mellows slightly, the green onions infuse throughout, and the overall taste becomes more cohesive and restaurant-quality.

4. Adjust Consistency to Preference: If your dressing is too thick, thin it with additional milk one tablespoon at a time. For a thicker, dip-like consistency (perfect for vegetables), reduce the milk by 2-3 tablespoons. The beauty of this simple recipe is its adaptability.

5. Green Onions vs. Chives: Both work wonderfully, but they provide slightly different flavor profiles. Green onions offer a sharper, more pronounced onion flavor, while fresh chives deliver a milder, more delicate taste. Choose based on your preference or what’s available.

6. Control Garlic Intensity: Start with the recommended 4 cloves for a balanced garlic flavor. If you’re a true garlic lover, gradually increase to 5-6 cloves. Conversely, if serving to garlic-sensitive guests, reduce to 2-3 cloves. Remember, raw garlic intensifies as it sits.

7. Prevent Separation: Some separation of liquids is natural over time due to the different densities of sour cream, mayo, and milk. Always give your container a good shake or stir before each use to re-emulsify the ingredients and restore that perfect creamy texture.

Storage and Reheating Guidance

Store your homemade Cava garlic dressing in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks. No reheating is necessary as this is a cold dressing. If separation occurs, simply stir or shake well before using to restore the creamy consistency.

Common Queries and FAQs

Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Cava Garlic Dressing Recipe that people often ask.

Can I make this garlic dressing dairy-free?

Yes, you can create a dairy-free version by substituting the sour cream with cashew cream or coconut cream (thick part only), using vegan mayonnaise, and replacing milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk. The flavor profile will differ slightly but still provides that creamy, garlicky experience.

What makes this a copycat Cava garlic dressing recipe?

This recipe replicates the signature creamy texture, bold garlic flavor, and tangy profile of the beloved dressing served at Cava restaurants. The combination of sour cream, quality mayo, fresh garlic, and green onions closely matches the original’s taste and consistency.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute, creating a slightly tangier, protein-rich version. Use full-fat Greek yogurt for best results, as low-fat versions may result in a thinner consistency. You might need to reduce the milk slightly when using yogurt.

How can I make this best garlic dressing recipe less garlicky?

Start with just 2 cloves of garlic instead of 4, or blanch the garlic cloves in boiling water for 30 seconds before mincing to mellow the sharpness. You can always add more garlic later, but you cannot remove it once incorporated.

Is Hellmann’s mayonnaise really necessary for this recipe?

While Hellmann’s provides the most authentic Cava-like taste, other quality mayonnaise brands work too. Duke’s, Kewpie, or homemade mayo are excellent alternatives. Avoid miracle whip or sweet dressings, as they’ll alter the flavor profile significantly.

Can I freeze this creamy garlic dressing?

Freezing is not recommended for this garlic dressing recipe. The emulsion of sour cream, mayonnaise, and milk will break when thawed, resulting in a grainy, separated texture that cannot be fully restored. It’s best made fresh and stored refrigerated.

What’s the best way to incorporate the garlic?

Using a garlic press extracts maximum flavor and creates a smooth consistency without chunks. If mincing by hand, make sure to mince extremely fine and use a rocking motion to create a paste-like texture. Capture all the garlic juices for optimal flavor.

Can I add more herbs to this simple Cava garlic dressing recipe?

Yes! Fresh dill, parsley, cilantro, or basil all complement the garlic beautifully. Add 2-3 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh herbs. Dried herbs work in a pinch but use only 1 teaspoon as they’re more concentrated than fresh.

Why does my dressing taste too tangy or sour?

Excessive tanginess usually means the ratio of sour cream to mayo is off, or your sour cream is particularly acidic. Add an extra tablespoon of sugar to balance, or increase the mayo slightly. Some sour cream brands are tangier than others.

How do I make this garlic sauce thicker for dipping?

Reduce the milk to ⅓ cup instead of ⅔ cup, or add an extra ½ cup of sour cream. For an ultra-thick dip consistency, eliminate the milk entirely and add 2-3 tablespoons of cream cheese, which also enhances the creamy richness.

Can I make this dressing ahead for meal prep?

This is actually ideal for meal prep! Make a double batch on Sunday, and it’ll stay fresh all week for salads, bowls, and wraps. The flavors improve after the first day, making it perfect for advance preparation.

What dishes pair best with Cava garlic dressing?

Mediterranean grain bowls, Greek salads, falafel, shawarma, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, pita chips, cucumber salad, gyros, and fresh veggie wraps all benefit from this versatile dressing. It’s equally excellent as a dip or drizzle.

My dressing is too thick how do I fix it?

Simply whisk in milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Alternatively, a splash of buttermilk adds tang while thinning, or use plain water if you want to maintain the current flavor balance.

Can I reduce the calories in this garlic dressing?

Replace half the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt and use light mayonnaise. Increase the milk to maintain consistency. This reduces calories while preserving the creamy texture and garlic flavor that makes this dressing special.

How long should I wait before using the dressing after making it?

You can use it immediately, but the flavor dramatically improves after at least 1-2 hours of refrigeration. For the absolute best taste that most closely mimics restaurant-quality Cava garlic sauce, let it rest overnight before serving.

This copycat Cava garlic dressing recipe proves that restaurant-quality flavor is completely achievable at home with simple ingredients and minimal effort. Whether you’re drizzling it over Mediterranean bowls, using it as a versatile dip, or elevating everyday salads, this creamy garlic sauce delivers that addictive taste you crave.

The beauty lies in its simplicity no cooking required, endless customization options, and weeks of delicious convenience stored in your refrigerator. Make a batch this week and transform your home cooking into a Cava-worthy experience!

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