These Copycat Cava Bowls are a delicious and easy weeknight meal! With the help of a few key shortcuts, dinner comes together in less than 30 minutes. Try these the next time you are craving something new, fresh, and flavorful!

If you’re looking to infuse some excitement into your weeknight dinners, these Copycat Cava Bowls are just the ticket. Not only are they bursting with flavors, but they’re also remarkably easy to put together. In less than 30 minutes if you’re using the shortcuts outlines below, you can bring the essence of a fresh, flavorful meal to your table, perfect for those evenings when you crave something different and delightful.

Now, I’m not talking about those hectic Wednesday nights juggling dance classes, soccer practices, and parent meetings. Those evenings might call for something quick like my Slow Cooker Baked Ziti drenches in some delicious marinara that you put together in the morning or some Oven Baked Bean Burritos that bake up in only 10 minutes and can be dunked in guacamole. But on the nights where you have a bit more breathing space – say around 30 minutes to spare – these copycat CAVA bowls emerge as a fantastic choice. They offer a welcome break from the usual rotation of meals and are a fantastic way to shake up your dinner routine.

Inspiration Behind Creating Copycat CAVA Bowls

My inspiration to recreate these bowls at home struck after a delightful first experience at CAVA, a contemporary restaurant known for its Mediterranean and Greek offerings. CAVA’s approach to food is modern and casual yet rich in flavors, allowing customers to personalize their meals from a variety of dips, spreads, and even their popular sauces. Think Chipotle, but for Mediterranean flavors and even more options.

What Is A CAVA Bowl?

A CAVA bowl is a delightful medley of flavors and textures, typically starting with a base of greens, grains, or a mix of both, and then layered with a variety of toppings and proteins. When I first contemplated recreating my favorite CAVA combination at home, I imagined it would be quite a challenge. The thought of juggling multiple ingredients and spending extensive time in the kitchen was a bit intimidating. However, I discovered that with a few smart shortcuts and the help of my trusty rice cooker, I could create something special without much hassle.

The real charm of a CAVA bowl lies in its versatility and customizability. It’s a culinary canvas that allows each person to create a meal that suits their unique tastes. Whether you’re drawn to the bold flavors of red pepper, the refreshing zest of fresh lemon, or the tangy kick of kalamata olives, these bowls accommodate a wide range of ingredients. They’re also perfect for meal prep, as you can easily mix and match components to keep things interesting. And for protein lovers, adding options like succulent chicken breasts or savory chopped steak is a breeze. The result is a bowl recipe that not only satisfies the whole family but also turns an ordinary meal into a delightful culinary experience.

This is more than just a meal; it’s an opportunity for meal prep, a chance to play with flavors, and an invitation to bring a piece of the CAVA experience into your own home. So, let’s dive into how you can craft these delightful bowls and bring a touch of Mediterranean flair to your dinner table.

The Copycat CAVA Bowl Base: A Foundation of Flavors and Textures

Creating the perfect Copycat CAVA Bowl begins with choosing the right base. CAVA offers a variety of base options, ranging from greens and grains to pita, or even a combination of these. For my version, I wanted to ensure the base was hearty enough to satisfy a robust appetite (thinking of David here) but also light enough for those who prefer a less filling option (like myself).

Easy CAVA Bowl Base Options:

Baby kale and chopped cabbage for a fresh, crunchy texture.
Cauliflower rice as a lighter, grain-free alternative.
Traditional rice, a staple that never goes wrong.
Lentils, offering a boost of plant-based protein.

I have a special affinity for my rice cooker; it’s a game-changer in almost all of my meal prep for making the cooking process easy and almost entirely hands-off. For a nutritious and filling base, try this: combine 1.5 cups of long grain rice, 1 cup of black lentils, 3 cups of broth, and 1 cup of water in the rice cooker. Then, simply hit the “go” button on the rice cycle, and your base will be ready without any fuss.

Hearty Main Component Options:

Falafel, a Mediterranean favorite. I typically make falafel from scratch, but for a quick weeknight meal, frozen falafel with a solid ingredient list is a great alternative. They bake up perfectly in just 20 minutes.
Grilled chicken breasts marinated in a Greek marinade for a protein-packed choice.
Flavorful lamb meatballs for a traditional touch.
Hearty roasted veggies for a plant-based option full of flavor.

Toppings and Sauces – The Final Flourish

As the rice cooks and the falafel bakes, it’s time to prepare the toppings and sauces. I always have a jar of homemade pickled red onions in my fridge (they’re easy to make and add a zesty flavor to salads and various dishes – see how to make them here!).

Here’s a rundown of my favorite toppings for these Copycat CAVA bowls, which you can either prepare at home or opt for the store-bought versions to save time:

Cucumber and grape tomatoes tossed in olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and oregano for a fresh salad.
Creamy and cool tzatziki sauce.
Spicy harissa for a fiery kick.
A mix of shredded kale and cabbage for added crunch.
Tangy pickled red onions for a burst of flavor.
Smooth and savory hummus.
Crumbly, salty feta cheese.
Zesty banana peppers.
A light and flavorful vinaigrette.
Crunchy pita chips for added texture.

With these elements, you can mix and match to create a bowl recipe that suits your taste perfectly. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a fresh and satisfying dinner, these Copycat CAVA bowls are a delightful way to bring a medley of Mediterranean flavors right to your kitchen table.

Assembling Your Copycat CAVA Bowls

Now comes the best part – assembling your Copycat CAVA Bowls! This step is where creativity and personal taste come into play, and trust me, it’s as fun as it sounds. For families with younger kids, I’ve found that the deconstructed method is a big hit. It turns dinner into a kind of giant snack plate, where the little ones can pick and choose what they like. It’s a great way to introduce them to new flavors in a fun, no-pressure way.

For the older kids or those who love a good wrap, adding some large tortillas to the mix is a great idea (I’ve noticed they tend to work better than pita bread for wrapping, but feel free to use pita or naan bread if you prefer). It turns the meal into a hands-on experience where everyone can roll up their favorite combination of ingredients.

In terms of time efficiency, this meal is a champion. Even considering the rice cooker time for the brown rice (which, by the way, is completely hands-off and can also be substituted with a pouch or frozen rice for a quicker option), the entire meal comes together in less than 30 minutes. It’s not the simplest meal in terms of ingredients, but it feels like such a mid-week luxury. And let’s talk about leftovers – they are just as delicious the next day, making for an effortless and tasty lunch.

David and I absolutely adore this meal. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that never fails to delight. The varied components – from the hearty base to the zesty toppings and the bold sauces – come together in a harmony of deliciousness. And for those who enjoy a bit of heat, I highly recommend not skipping the harissa. Yes, it’s spicy, but it’s also rich in flavor and adds an incredible depth to the dish.

I sincerely hope you find as much joy in these Copycat CAVA Bowls as we do. They’re more than just a meal; they’re an exploration of tastes and a celebration of wholesome, delicious ingredients.

And now, I’m curious – do you have a favorite restaurant dish that you’ve been itching to recreate at home? Let me know in the comments; I’m always looking for new culinary challenges and inspirations!