Cava Tahini Caesar Dressing Recipe (2024)

I’ve got a delicious secret to share with you. Do you know about Cava’s amazing Tahini Caesar dressing? It’s the star dressing that they serve with their yummy tahini Caesar bowls, and I just had to figure out how to make it at home. Guess what? I did it, and now I want to share my recipe with you.

This Cava Copycat Tahini Caesar Dressing is super creamy and packed with flavor. It’s a fun twist on the classic Caesar dressing, but with a tasty tahini base. The best part? It’s really easy to make, and you probably have all the ingredients in your kitchen already.

I promise this recipe is simple to follow, even if you’re new to cooking. I’ll guide you through each step, so you can make this delicious dressing with confidence just like I did for their other recipes. Get ready to take your salads, roasted veggies, and grain bowls to the next level!

What Kind of Tahini Paste Should You Use?

When it comes to making this Cava Copycat Tahini Caesar Dressing, the type of tahini paste you use matters. I’ve tried a few different kinds, and I’ve found that organic tahini paste works best. It gives the dressing that perfect, creamy texture and rich flavor, just like the original from Cava. It’s actually pretty easy to find. You can check your local grocery store or online.

How To Make Tahini Caesar Dressing Like CAVA

Making This Vegan Tahini Caesar Dressing like CAVA is easier than you think. You just have to gather the ingredients, prepare them and follow my step by step making instructions.

Ingredients List

• 1/2 Cup Tahini Paste-Provides a rich, creamy, nutty base for the dressing.
• 1/3 Cup Dairy-free Plain And Unsweetened Coconut Yogurt-Adds tanginess and creaminess while keeping it dairy-free.
• 1/3 Cup Nutritional Yeast Or Dairy-free Parmesan-Gives a cheesy, umami flavor without dairy.
• 2 Tsp Vegan Worcestershire Sauce (Or 1 1/2 Tsp Balsamic Vinegar With 1 Tsp Coconut Aminos)-Adds depth and complexity; can substitute with balsamic vinegar and coconut aminos.
• 1/2 Tsp Dijon Mustard-Introduces a subtle, tangy bite.
• 1/2 Tsp Salt-Enhances and balances all the flavors.
• 1/2 Tsp Black Pepper-Adds a hint of heat and complexity.
• 1 1/2 Tbsp Capers, Minced-Brings a briny, tangy taste and a bit of texture.
• 1 Large Garlic Clove, Minced-Adds a pungent, savory kick essential for a classic Caesar flavor.
• Juice From 1/2 A Lemon-Provides a fresh, zesty brightness.
• 1/2 Cup Warm Water (To Thin It Out)-Thins the dressing to the desired consistency, making it smooth and pourable.

Step by Step Recipe Instructions

Step 01: Mix the Base

Start by grabbing a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add in your tahini paste and coconut yogurt in the bowl. Give it a good stir until they’re well combined and smooth.

Step 02: Add the Flavors

After it’s done, add 1/3 cup nutritional yeast (or dairy-free parmesan if you prefer). This gives our dressing that cheesy, umami flavor. Stir it in until it’s evenly distributed.

Step 03: Add Seasonings

Pour in the Vegan Worcestershire Sauce (or your balsamic vinegar and coconut aminos mix). Then add the Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, coconut aminos, salt, and black pepper one after another. Stir again, making sure everything is well mixed.

Step 04: Add the Aromatics

Chop the garlic clove and capers until they almost resemble a paste. This will ensure their bold flavors are evenly distributed throughout the dressing. Toss them into the bowl and mix thoroughly.

Step 05: Citrusy Touch

Squeeze the juice from half a lemon directly into the bowl. This will add a fresh, zesty kick to the tahini caesar dressing. Again, mix it together.

Step 06: Smooth The Dressing

Gradually pour in the warm water while whisking continuously. Add a little at a time until the dressing reaches the thickness you like. You might not need the full 1/2 cup, so pour the hot water slowly and stop when it’s just right for you. Give it a taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.

Can I Make This Tahini Caesar Dressing Using Blender?

Absolutely. You can make this Tahini Caesar Dressing using a blender. Sometimes, I prefer using a blender because it makes the process even easier. Just add all the ingredients into the blender and mix on medium power until smooth. It’s quick and ensures everything is well combined. Whether you use a hand mixer, whisk, or blender, you’ll get a creamy, delicious dressing every time.

Recipe Tips

Here are some recipe tips I want to share with you to make this Cava Copycat Tahini Caesar Dressing even better:

• If the dressing is too thick, add a little more warm water until you get the perfect consistency.
• If you’re not vegan, you can use regular plain Greek yogurt instead of dairy-free coconut yogurt.
• If you want a bit more tang, add an extra squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of your favorite vinegar.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Don’t have tahini? You can use cashew butter or almond butter instead, but the flavor will be a little different.
• If you find the dressing too tangy or salty, add a pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey to balance it out.

What To Serve With This Tahini Caesar Dressing

This Tahini Caesar Dressing is so versatile, and I love using it in so many different ways. Here are some of my favorite things to serve with this delicious dressing:

• Salads: Toss it with your favorite greens, veggies, and toppings for a tasty and satisfying salad.
• Grain bowls: Drizzle it over a bowl of quinoa, rice, or your favorite grains, along with some roasted veggies and protein.
• Roasted vegetables: Use it as a dip for roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or sweet potatoes. Yum!
• Sandwiches and wraps: Spread it on your favorite sandwich or wrap for an extra burst of flavor.
• Grilled meats: Use it as a marinade or sauce for grilled chicken, shrimp, or even steak.
• Veggie platters: Serve it as a dip alongside fresh veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers.
• Tacos and burritos: Drizzle it over your favorite tacos or burritos for a tasty twist.
• Pasta salads: Toss it with some cooked pasta, veggies, and your favorite add-ins for a delicious pasta salad.

Kid-Friendly Pairing

Here are some kid-friendly dishes you can make with this Tahini Caesar Dressing:

• Chicken Caesar Wraps: Toss shredded chicken with the dressing and wrap it up in tortillas with romaine lettuce. Cut into pinwheels for easy eating.
• Caesar Pasta Salad: Cook some fun shaped pasta like rotini or farfalle. Toss with chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers and the tahini dressing. Top with parmesan.
• Veggie Dippers: Serve the dressing as a dip alongside carrot sticks, sliced bell peppers, cucumber rounds, and cherry tomatoes. Kids love dipping!
• Caesar Pita Pizzas: Spread the dressing on whole wheat pita rounds. Top with shredded mozzarella and chopped romaine. Bake until the cheese melts.
• Parmesan Chicken Tenders: Coat chicken tenders in the dressing, then roll in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and grated parmesan. Bake until crispy and serve with extra dressing for dipping.
• Loaded Caesar Baked Potatoes: Bake potatoes and split open. Top with the tahini caesar dressing, chopped romaine, diced tomatoes and shredded cheddar or parmesan.

Storing The Leftover

If you have any leftover Tahini Caesar Dressing, don’t worry! You can easily store it for later. Just pour the extra dressing into a jar or container with a tight lid. Make sure it’s sealed well, then pop it in the fridge. It will stay good for about a week. When you’re ready to use it again, just give it a good shake or stir.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Make This Dressing Lower In Fat?

To reduce the fat content, you can use a low-fat yogurt instead of full-fat yogurt and reduce the amount of tahini used.

Is This Dressing Suitable For Meal Prep?

Yes. This dressing is perfect for meal prep. Make a batch on the weekend and store it in an airtight container in the fridge to use throughout the week on salads, bowls, and more.

Is There A Substitute For Tahini Paste?

Tahini is a key ingredient in this dressing, providing its signature flavor and creaminess. However, if you have a sesame allergy or don’t have tahini on hand, you could try using a nut butter like cashew butter or almond butter for a similar consistency, though the flavor will be different.

What Can I Substitute For Nutritional Yeast?

If you don’t have nutritional yeast, you can omit it or use vegan parmesan cheese instead to achieve a similar cheesy, savory flavor.

Is This Tahini Caesar Dressing Vegan And Gluten-free?

Yes, this dressing is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for those following plant-based diets or with gluten sensitivities.

Cava Tahini Caesar Dressing Recipe

Yield: 1 cup

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Discover how to make a delicious Tahini Caesar Dressing inspired by CAVA. This easy, dairy-free recipe combines tahini, coconut yogurt, and savory seasonings for a creamy, tangy dressing perfect for any salads or bowls dish.

Ingredients

• 1/2 Cup Organic Tahini Paste
• 1/3 Cup Dairy-free Plain And Unsweetened Coconut Yogurt
• 1/3 Cup Nutritional Yeast Or Dairy-free Parmesan
• 2 Tsp Vegan Worcestershire Sauce (Or If You Don't Have That, 1 1/2 Tsp Balsamic Vinegar Mixed With 1 Tsp Coconut Aminos Works Perfectly)
• 1/2 Tsp Dijon Mustard
• 1/2 Tsp Salt
• 1/2 Tsp Black Pepper
• 1 1/2 Tbsp Capers, Minced
• 1 Large Garlic Clove, Minced
• Juice From 1/2 A Lemon
• 1/2 Cup Warm Water (To Thin It Out To Your Desired Consistency)

Instructions

1. Start by grabbing a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add in your tahini paste and coconut yogurt in the bowl. Give it a good stir until they’re well combined and smooth.
2. After it's done, add 1/3 cup nutritional yeast (or dairy-free parmesan if you prefer). This gives our dressing that cheesy, umami flavor. Stir it in until it’s evenly distributed.
3. Pour in the Vegan Worcestershire Sauce (or your balsamic vinegar and coconut aminos mix). Then add the Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, coconut aminos, salt, and black pepper one after another. Stir again, making sure everything is well mixed.
4. Chop the garlic clove and capers until they almost resemble a paste. This will ensure their bold flavors are evenly distributed throughout the dressing. Toss them into the bowl and mix thoroughly.
5. Squeeze the juice from half a lemon directly into the bowl. This will add a fresh, zesty kick to the tahini Caesar dressing. Again, mix it together.
6. Gradually pour in the warm water while whisking continuously. Add a little at a time until the dressing reaches the thickness you like. You might not need the full 1/2 cup, so pour the hot water slowly and stop when it's just right for you. Give it a taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 8 servings (2 tablespoons each)
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 60Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0.5gSodium: 170mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 2g

The nutrition information provided below is estimated using an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered medical advice or guaranteed to be accurate. Please consult a professional for any dietary needs or restrictions.

Did you make this recipe?

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Final Words

There you have it,– a delicious, creamy Cava Tahini Caesar Dressing that you can make right at home. It’s perfect for salads, grain bowls, roasted veggies, and so much more.

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to make this tasty dressing as much as I’ve enjoyed sharing it with you. Cooking should be fun, and I always love trying new recipes and putting my own spin on them.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, get in the kitchen, and give this Tahini Caesar Dressing a try. I just know you’re going to love it as much as I do. And don’t forget to let me know how it turns out – I always love hearing from you.