Copycat Cava Bowls with Balsamic Date Vinaigrette
An homage to the cozy and comforting flavors we love, with a mildly sweet note thanks to the seasonal balsamic date vinaigrette, these copycat Cava Bowls will quickly become a favorite healthy lunch and/or dinner staple and save you some money, making it at home!
Ingredients
Tomato & onion salad
- 1 carton grape tomatoes
- 1/2 red onion, sliced thin
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- sea salt & pepper, to taste
Dressing
- 1/3 cup white or regular balsamic vinegar
- 6 pitted medjool dates
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
- 3/4 cup avocado oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2-1 tsp sea salt
Bowls
- greens
- cucumber, sliced thin or diced
- prepared rice
Toppings
- pickled onion
- tzatziki
- hummus
- sliced avocado
- microgreens (I like Bright Fresh) *optional! adds extra nutrients!
Protein
- 8oz chicken, steak, salmon, or shrimp *can also use tofu or chickpeas but just use as much as you need and adjust spices as needed.
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked or sweet paprika
- 1/2 tsp sea salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
Dressing
- Add all ingredients to a high powered blender and blend until smooth. Taste & adjust as you'd like. Store leftovers in a mason jar or air-tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days!
Tomato onion salad
- Note: this will make leftovers, so store in an air-tight container in the fridge to use on bowls/salads throughout the week or to prep a few extra Cava bowls as meal prep!
- Add the chopped tomatoes, onion, parsley to a bowl and toss. Then add the remaining ingredients, tossing again until well mixed. Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge.
Protein
- I like to add my protein to a glass container with a lid, then add in the oil, lemon juice and spices. Rub it all together and let the protein marinate for 30 minutes before cooking. Cook your protein, depending on what it is, with whatever method you prefer (I always cook mine in the air fryer).
Assembling bowls
- Add the greens to a bowl. Then add in a serving or so of rice, some of the tomato & onion salad, sliced or diced cucumber, and your protein. Then top with some pickled onions, tzatziki, hummus, and optional avocado. Drizzle with the dressing and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Note: I'm not leaving exact measurements for the protein, rice, greens, etc. because this is totally up to you - especially if using prepared rice, etc. I just left tips on how I like to elevate mine by adding spices and herbs! For the protein, prepare as much as you need, but the spices are shown for a 6oz portion of meat!
faq's
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- Storing leftovers: Store leftover date balsamic vinaigrette in a mason jar or storage container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Shake well before using!
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- Meal prep tip: If meal prepping these bowls, I like to add the dressing to a small, portable squeeze container, to prevent the bowl from getting soggy.