Cava Tahini Caesar Dressing Recipe

Craving the creamy, tangy flavor of tahini caesar dressing from Cava brings plant-based comfort straight to your kitchen. This copycat Cava tahini caesar dressing recipe reimagines the classic favorite as a bold, dairy-free upgrade that doesn’t sacrifice richness.

Smooth tahini blends with fresh lemon juice and umami-packed capers to create a homemade caesar dressing recipe that comes together in minutes using simple pantry staples.

Perfect for salads, bowls, or wraps, this vegan caesar dressing recipe proves a tahini-based caesar dressing can deliver indulgent texture and savory depth while staying completely plant-forward and satisfying.

What Does Cava Tahini Caesar Dressing Taste Like?

This tahini caesar dressing offers a beautifully balanced flavor profile that’s both familiar and refreshingly different.The nutty richness of tahini creates a creamy, velvety base that’s tangy from fresh lemon juice and apple cider vinegar.

Briny capers and their liquid add that essential salty, umami punch reminiscent of traditional anchovies, while nutritional yeast provides a subtle cheesy depth. Dijon mustard and vegan Worcestershire sauce layer in complexity with their sharp, savory notes.

The garlic paste delivers aromatic intensity without overwhelming the palate. Together, these ingredients create a dressing that’s creamy, tangy, garlicky, and deeply satisfying a true testament to what makes the best caesar dressing recipe.

Cava Tahini Caesar Dressing Recipe Ingredients

• ⅓ cup tahini (smooth, pourable, high-quality)
• 1–2 cloves garlic (made into a paste)
• 1–2 teaspoons minced capers
• 1 teaspoon caper brine
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
• 1–2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 1–2 teaspoons vegan Worcestershire sauce (or tamari)
• 1–2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2–3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup water (plus more as needed)

Optional Serving Additions:

• Vegan Parmesan cheese
• Crispy buffalo tofu
• Homemade croutons

Kitchen Utensils

• Mixing bowl or mason jar
• Garlic press or mortar and pestle
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Citrus juicer (optional)
• Sharp knife and cutting board

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 servings (about 1 cup dressing)

Cava Tahini Caesar Dressing Recipe Instructions

Step-1: Add ⅓ cup of smooth, high-quality tahini to a medium mixing bowl or wide-mouth mason jar. Using a pourable tahini will make the mixing process much easier.

Step-2: Make a garlic paste by crushing 1–2 cloves of garlic with the flat side of a knife, then mincing finely with a pinch of salt until it becomes a smooth paste. Add this to the tahini.

Step-3: Mince 1–2 teaspoons of capers finely and add them to the bowl along with 1 teaspoon of caper brine. The brine adds essential briny flavor that mimics traditional anchovies.

Step-4: Squeeze the juice of 1 fresh lemon into the bowl, straining out any seeds.

Step-5: Add 1–2 teaspoons each of apple cider vinegar, vegan Worcestershire sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option), and Dijon mustard to the mixture.

Step-6: Sprinkle in 2–3 tablespoons of nutritional yeast for that signature cheesy, umami flavor. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step-7: Mix everything together vigorously with a whisk or fork until thoroughly combined. It’s important to do this before adding water to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated and to avoid splashing.

Step-8: Gradually add water, starting with about 3 tablespoons. Mix well after each addition until you reach your desired consistency. The dressing should be pourable but still coat the back of a spoon. Remember that it will thicken significantly in the refrigerator, so aim for a slightly thinner consistency than you ultimately want.

Step-9: Taste and adjust the seasoning. Add more lemon juice for brightness, salt for depth, nutritional yeast for cheesiness, or water for consistency.

Step-10: Serve immediately over your favorite salad, or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.

Customization and Pairing for Serving Ideas

1. Classic Cava-Style Salad Bowl

Drizzle this tahini caesar dressing over crisp romaine lettuce, add roasted chickpeas, diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, shredded cabbage, and top with vegan parmesan and homemade garlic croutons for an authentic Cava experience at home.

2. Buffalo Tofu Caesar Wrap

Press and cube extra-firm tofu, toss in buffalo sauce, bake until crispy, then wrap with romaine, this dressing, and vegan parmesan in a large tortilla for a protein-packed lunch that’s bursting with flavor.

3. Mediterranean Grain Bowl

Use this vegan caesar dressing recipe as a creamy sauce over quinoa or farro bowls loaded with roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and chickpeas for a heartier meal.

4. Creamy Pasta Salad

Toss cooled pasta with this tahini caesar dressing, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped artichoke hearts, olives, and fresh herbs for a crowd-pleasing potluck dish with a Middle Eastern twist.

5. Veggie Dip Platter

Serve this dressing slightly thicker as a dip alongside raw vegetables like carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cauliflower florets for a healthy appetizer that’s packed with flavor.

6. Grilled Vegetable Drizzle

Brush this dressing over grilled portobello mushrooms, zucchini, asparagus, or eggplant just before serving to add a creamy, tangy element that complements the smoky char beautifully.

7. Kale Caesar Variation

Massage this tahini dressing into hearty kale leaves to soften them, then top with roasted sweet potato cubes, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, and a squeeze of fresh lemon for a nutrient-dense fall-inspired salad.

Tips for the Best Tahini Caesar Dressing

1. Choose Quality Tahini

The foundation of this homemade caesar dressing recipe is high-quality tahini. Look for brands that are smooth, pourable, and not bitter. Well-stirred tahini that’s been stored properly will blend more easily. Avoid tahini that’s separated with a thick layer of oil on top, as it can affect consistency.

2. Make a True Garlic Paste

Don’t just mince your garlic create an actual paste by sprinkling minced garlic with coarse salt and using the flat side of your knife to smear it across the cutting board. This technique breaks down the garlic cells, releasing maximum flavor and preventing harsh, chunky bits in your dressing. Fresh garlic is essential; jarred minced garlic won’t provide the same aromatic intensity.

3. Don’t Skip the Caper Brine

The liquid from the caper jar is liquid gold in this recipe. It provides the briny, slightly funky flavor that traditionally comes from anchovies in classic caesar dressing recipes. If you don’t have capers, you can substitute with a small amount of olive brine, but capers truly are the superior choice for authenticity.

4. Add Water Gradually

Tahini has a unique property where it seizes up and becomes thick when liquid is first added, then gradually loosens. Add water in small increments, mixing thoroughly between additions. This gives you complete control over the final consistency. Remember, you can always add more water, but you can’t take it away.

5. Account for Refrigeration Thickening

This tahini caesar dressing will thicken considerably once refrigerated due to the tahini’s natural oils solidifying slightly. Make your dressing thinner than your target consistency about the texture of heavy cream. When you’re ready to use it after refrigeration, you can thin it with a splash of water or lemon juice.

6. Balance Your Flavors

The best caesar dressing recipe achieves perfect harmony between tangy, salty, creamy, and umami elements. Taste as you go and adjust boldly. If it’s too thick, add water. Too bland? More salt and nutritional yeast. Not tangy enough? Add lemon juice or vinegar. The beauty of homemade dressing is customization to your exact preferences.

7. Let Flavors Meld

While this dressing is delicious immediately, it becomes even better after sitting for 30 minutes to an hour. The garlic mellows slightly, the seasonings distribute evenly, and all the flavors marry together beautifully. Make it ahead when possible for the most cohesive, restaurant-quality taste.

Storage and Reheating Guidance

Store this tahini caesar dressing in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. The dressing will thicken when chilled, so simply stir in a tablespoon or two of water to return it to a pourable consistency before serving.

Common Queries and FAQs

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

What is tahini caesar dressing?

Tahini caesar dressing is a plant-based twist on traditional caesar dressing that replaces dairy and anchovies with tahini (sesame seed paste) as the creamy base. It maintains the classic tangy, garlicky, umami-rich flavor profile while being completely vegan and often more nutritious than conventional versions.

How is this different from classic caesar dressing?

A classic caesar dressing recipe typically contains raw egg yolks, anchovies, parmesan cheese, and olive oil. This vegan caesar dressing recipe uses tahini for creaminess, capers and their brine for the briny umami flavor, nutritional yeast for cheesy notes, and vegan Worcestershire or tamari for depth all while achieving a remarkably similar taste.

Can I use any type of tahini?

Not all tahini is created equal. For the best results in this copycat Cava tahini caesar dressing recipe, choose a smooth, well-stirred, pourable tahini from a reputable brand. Avoid tahini that’s bitter, grainy, or has separated oil sitting on top, as these characteristics will negatively affect your dressing’s flavor and texture.

What can I substitute for nutritional yeast?

Nutritional yeast provides the cheesy, umami flavor in this vegan caesar dressing. If you don’t have it, you can use finely grated vegan parmesan cheese, miso paste (start with 1 teaspoon), or even a small amount of white miso mixed with a pinch of garlic powder, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Is this tahini caesar dressing gluten-free?

This recipe can easily be gluten-free. Simply use tamari instead of vegan Worcestershire sauce (which often contains gluten), and verify that all your other ingredients, including the Dijon mustard and nutritional yeast, are certified gluten-free. The tahini itself is naturally gluten-free.

Why did my dressing become too thick?

Tahini naturally thickens when refrigerated and can also seize up when liquid is first added. If your dressing is too thick, simply whisk in water one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. This is completely normal and easily adjustable.

Can I make this dressing oil-free?

This recipe is already lower in oil than traditional caesar dressing since tahini is the primary fat source rather than large amounts of olive oil. While tahini does contain natural oils from sesame seeds, the overall oil content is moderate. For a truly oil-free version, you might experiment with silken tofu as a base, though the flavor profile will change.

How do I make the garlic less intense?

If you’re sensitive to raw garlic, you can reduce the amount to just one small clove, or briefly sauté the minced garlic in a tiny amount of oil for 30 seconds to mellow its sharpness before adding it to the dressing. Alternatively, use roasted garlic for a sweeter, milder flavor.

What’s the best way to serve this like Cava does?

To recreate the Cava experience, use this tahini caesar dressing cava-style by drizzling it over a base of mixed greens or grains, then add your choice of roasted vegetables, chickpeas or falafel, diced cucumbers and tomatoes, pickled onions, hummus, and top with vegan parmesan and crispy pita chips or croutons.

Can I use this dressing for meal prep?

Absolutely! This homemade caesar dressing recipe is perfect for meal prep. Make a batch on Sunday and use it throughout the week on salads, grain bowls, wraps, and as a vegetable dip. Just remember to store it separately from your salad ingredients to prevent sogginess.

What if I don’t have vegan Worcestershire sauce?

Tamari or soy sauce makes an excellent substitute for vegan Worcestershire in this recipe. You can also use a combination of tamari with a tiny splash of balsamic vinegar for added complexity. Coconut aminos work as well, though they’re slightly sweeter and less intense.

How can I make this dressing spicy?

To add heat to your tahini caesar dressing, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or some finely minced fresh jalapeño. Start conservatively and adjust to your preferred spice level. Buffalo sauce can also be swirled in for a tangy, spicy variation.

Does this taste exactly like Cava’s version?

While this copycat Cava tahini dressing recipe comes remarkably close to the restaurant version, there may be slight variations since the exact Cava recipe is proprietary. However, this homemade version captures the essential creamy, tangy, garlicky character that makes their dressing so beloved, and you can adjust it to perfectly match your taste preferences.

This copycat Cava tahini caesar dressing recipe proves that plant-based cooking can be just as indulgent and flavorful as traditional versions. With its creamy texture, bold garlic punch, and perfect balance of tangy and umami notes, this homemade caesar dressing will transform any salad into a restaurant-worthy meal.

Whether you’re a committed vegan or simply looking to add more plant-based options to your repertoire, this versatile dressing deserves a permanent spot in your refrigerator. Give it a try and discover why this tahini-based twist on a classic has become a modern favorite!

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