If you’re searching for a meal that is both deeply satisfying and genuinely nutritious, you’ve likely found yourself looking at the Cava menu. Their build-your-own Cava grain bowl concept has taken the fast-casual world by storm, and for good reason. It combines fresh, high-quality ingredients with endless customization, ensuring every bite is exactly what you crave.
But with so many bases, dips, proteins, and toppings to choose from, how do you craft the perfect bowl? Is it truly a healthy choice, or can calories sneak up on you? And what if you want to recreate that magic in your own kitchen?
This definitive guide answers all those questions and more. We’re breaking down everything you need to know about Cava bowls, from navigating the menu like a pro to understanding the nutrition facts and even making a delicious copycat version at home.
How to Build the Perfect Bowl: A Guide to the Cava Menu
Walking into Cava can be overwhelming. Follow this blueprint to build a delicious and balanced Cava grain bowl every single time.
The process is simple: start with a base, add a dip, choose your protein, pile on the toppings, and finish with a signature dressing.
Most Popular Cava Ingredients & Expert Pairings
To help you navigate the options, here’s a breakdown of fan favorites and our recommended pairings for maximum flavor.
| Category | Top Choices | Pro-Tip Pairing |
| Bases | Righteous Rice, Saffron Basmati Rice, SuperGreens | Go 50/50: Mix a grain with greens for the best texture. |
| Dips & Spreads | Hummus, Crazy Feta, Tzatziki, Harissa | Crazy Feta + Harissa Honey Chicken is a legendary combo. |
| Proteins | Grilled Chicken, Harissa Honey Chicken, Spicy Lamb Meatballs, Falafel | Falafel is a fantastic vegan and gluten-free option. |
| Dressings | : Skhug, Lemon Herb Tahini, Greek Vinaigrette | Love spice? Skhug is for you. Ask for it on the side! |
Cava Nutrition: Is Your Grain Bowl Actually Healthy?
One of the most common questions we get is, “Is Cava healthy?” The answer is a resounding yes—if you build it that way. With a focus on vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, a Cava grain bowl can be a nutritional powerhouse.
However, calories can range from 360 to over 1,400, depending on your choices. The main culprits? Creamy dips, dressings, and double portions of protein.
Here’s how to build a bowl aligned with your health goals:
Doctor-Recommended Customizations
For Weight Management:
Base: Choose SuperGreens or a half-green, half-lentil mix.
- Dressing: Opt for Greek Vinaigrette or Lemon Herb Tahini. Always get it on the side!
- Avoid: Creamy dips like Tzatziki or double protein portions.
For a High-Protein Diet:
- Base: Right Rice or black lentils.
- Protein: Double up on Grilled Chicken or Spicy Lamb Meatballs.
- Topping: Add an extra scoop of hummus.
For Heart Health:
- Toppings: Load up on avocado and olives for healthy fats.
- Avoid: Be mindful of high-sodium items like feta cheese and pickled onions.
For a Diabetes-Friendly Option:
- Base: Stick with Black Lentils or RightRice for a lower glycemic impact.
- Avoid: Skip the Harissa Honey Chicken and Balsamic Date Vinaigrette, which are higher in sugar.
Make It at Home: Our Easy Cava Grain Bowl Copycat Recipe
Craving Cava but don’t want to leave the house? We’ve perfected a copycat recipe for one of their most popular bowls. This recipe is designed to be easy and deliver those iconic flavors.
Copycat “Harissa Honey Chicken” Grain Bowl
(Serves 2)
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp harissa paste
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cumin, salt, and pepper
For the Bowl:
- 1 cup cooked Righteous Rice (or brown rice)
- 2 cups mixed greens
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup diced cucumber
- ¼ cup pickled onions
- 2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese
- Store-bought hummus and tzatziki for serving
For the Lemon Herb Tahini Dressing:
- ¼ cup tahini
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, harissa paste, honey, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add cubed chicken and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly caramelized.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth. Add more water if needed to reach a drizzleable consistency.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the rice and greens between two bowls. Arrange the cooked chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, and pickled onions on top.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Add a generous dollop of hummus and tzatziki to each bowl. Sprinkle with feta cheese and drizzle with the lemon herb tahini dressing.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Allergen Information to Know
If you have dietary restrictions, it’s crucial to be informed. Cava identifies several common allergens in their kitchen, including:
- Gluten (Wheat)
- Soy
- Dairy
- Sesame
- Tree Nuts
Always check the most recent allergen guide on Cava’s official website or inform the staff of severe allergies, as cross-contamination is possible.
Your Perfect Bowl is Waiting
Whether you’re dashing into Cava for a quick lunch or spending a relaxing evening making our copycat recipe at home, you now have all the knowledge you need to create a delicious and nutritious grain bowl masterpiece.
The power to customize is in your hands. So go ahead, build your perfect meal, and enjoy every last bite.
- Cava Office: 702 H Street NW, Washington, D.C
- Cava Contact Number: 1-844-707-6841
- Official Website: https://cava.com/
- Cava Locations: https://cava.com/locations
- Mobile Apps: Cava App
- Cava Rewards: Official Page
- Cava Support: https://support.cava.com/
- Cava Careers: https://cava.com/careers
- Cava Chicken: https://cava-menu.us/cava-chicken-rice-bowl/
- Cava Grain Bowl: https://cava-menu.us/cava-chicken-rice-bowl/
- Cava hummus recipe: https://cava-menu.us/cava-chicken-rice-bowl/
- Cava Washington DC: https://cava-menu.us/cava-menu-dc/
What’s your favorite Cava combination? Share your ultimate bowl recipe in the comments below!