Cava Tahini Caesar Dressing Recipe

Last Sunday, I had one thing on my mind—broccoli salad. I’d already chopped everything, and the kitchen smelled fresh and clean. But when I reached into the fridge for the dressing… gone. I’d used the last of it on Friday and totally forgot. Classic me!

So instead of driving to the store, I decided to try something different. I’d been hearing about this Cava Tahini Caesar Dressing Recipe for a while—which is a tangy dressing from CAVA—the Mediterranean spot. It’s got that rich, creamy feel of a Caesar but made with tahini, so it’s dairy-free and super flavorful.

Honestly, once I threw it together and gave it a taste, I knew why everyone’s obsessed.

Tahini brings a deep, nutty flavor. There’s a little zing from lemon juice, that bold hit from garlic and capers, and a cheesy vibe from nutritional yeast—all with no actual cheese. If you like bold flavors but want to keep things simple and clean, this is for you.

If you’re like me and love a good shortcut that doesn’t taste like one, or you just want a dressing that makes veggies exciting again, keep reading. This one’s a keeper.

Why This Cava Tahini Caesar Dressing is Better Than Other Salad Dressings

You ever try a dressing that’s either too sour, too greasy, or just kind of boring? Yeah, same here. But this Cava Tahini Caesar Dressing hits different.

It’s creamy, tangy, a little salty, and has that nutty kick from the tahini that pulls it all together.

What really makes it better? It doesn’t rely on dairy or heavy stuff. The combo of vegan mayo and coconut yogurt gives it that rich, smooth texture without feeling too much.

And those capers and fresh garlic? Total game changers—they bring that real Caesar taste without needing cheese or anchovies.

Cava Tahini Caesar Dressing Ingredients

• 1 cup organic tahini – Creamy and rich, it’s the heart of this recipe
• 1 cup vegan mayo – Adds thickness and helps with texture
• 1 cup nutritional yeast – Brings cheesy flavor without cheese
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut yogurt – Creamy with a slight tang
• 1 tablespoon capers – Salty and bold, drain them first
• 2 cloves garlic – Minced fine for strong, savory taste
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar – A little sweet, a little tangy
• 1 tablespoon coconut aminos – Mild soy sauce alternative
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Fresh and zesty
• 1 tablespoon warm water – Helps with the texture
• 1 pinch salt – Brings out all the flavors
• 1 pinch black pepper – For a little bite
• 1 pinch dried mint – Optional, but adds a fresh twist

Kitchen Tools Checklist

• Medium mixing bowl – To stir everything up
• Whisk or fork – For mixing until smooth
• Measuring cups and spoons – To keep it accurate
• Garlic press or knife – For mincing garlic
• Cutting board – Handy for prep
• Spoon – For tasting and adjusting
• Airtight container – For storing leftovers

How To Make Cava Tahini Caesar Salad Dressing

Step 1: Mix the creamy base

In a bowl, add 1 cup tahini, 1 cup vegan mayo, and 1 cup unsweetened coconut yogurt. Use a whisk or fork and stir well. It might be thick, but it’ll smooth out.

Step 2: Add the flavor

Mix in 1 cup nutritional yeast, 1 tbsp capers, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, and 1 tbsp coconut aminos. Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and a pinch of mint.

Step 3: Thin it out

Add 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tbsp warm water. Stir until smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a little more water.

Step 4: Taste and tweak

Give the dressing a taste. If you want it more tangy, add a bit more lemon juice. If you like it saltier, add a pinch more salt.

Step 5 | Store or serve

Pour the dressing into an airtight container if you’re saving it for later, or use it right away on a salad, as a dip, Coleslaw or even as a sandwich spread.

Chef’s Advice

• Add warm water slowly – Start small so it doesn’t get too thin
• Use fresh garlic – It really boosts flavor
• Chill before serving – Tastes even better cold
• Mix again before using – It may thicken in the fridge
• Small batch? Cut everything in half

Tweaks and Enhancements For Cava Tahini Caesar Dressing Recipe

• Spicy version – Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce
• Herby twist – Mix in chopped parsley or fresh dill
• Smoky flavor – A few drops of liquid smoke go a long way
• Nutty version – Add a spoon of almond or cashew butter for a richer taste
• Extra lemony – Use lemon zest for a stronger citrus flavor
• Avocado upgrade – Blend in ½ ripe avocado for a creamy twist

Serving Ideas With Cava Tahini Caesar

This dressing is super flexible. Here’s how I use it:

• Classic salad – Toss with romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and chickpeas
• Grain bowls – Drizzle over rice or quinoa with roasted veggies
• Wraps and sandwiches – Use instead of mayo for extra flavor
• Veggie dip – Perfect with carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers
• Roasted potatoes – Spoon some over crispy potatoes
• Pasta salad – Mix into cold pasta for a quick lunch

How To Store Leftover Cava Tahini Caesar Salad Dressing

If you’ve got some of this Cava Tahini Caesar Dressing left over (which honestly doesn’t happen too often at my house), storing it is super easy. Just pour whatever’s left into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge.

It stays fresh for about 5 to 7 days, and the flavor actually gets even better after sitting for a day.

Before you use it again, give it a good stir or shake—sometimes it thickens up a bit in the fridge. If it feels too thick for your liking, just add a tiny splash of water and mix it until it’s smooth again. One thing I don’t recommend is freezing it.

The texture gets weird and doesn’t bounce back well after thawing. Fresh from the fridge is definitely the way to go.

Cava Tahini Caesar Dressing Recipe Q&A

What kind of tahini should I use?

Go for a smooth, good-quality tahini that’s made from just sesame seeds—nothing added. I like using organic tahini because the flavor is clean and not bitter. Stir it well before measuring, especially if the oil has separated in the jar. A mild, creamy tahini works best for that rich, nutty base.

What does CAVA Tahini Caesar Dressing taste like?

It’s creamy, tangy, and full of flavor. You get the nutty richness from the tahini, a little salty bite from the capers, garlic depth, and a touch of lemon to brighten it up. It’s kind of like a classic Caesar, but with a Mediterranean twist—and without the heaviness.

Is This CAVA Tahini Caesar Dressing vegan?

Yes, it is! The original CAVA version and this homemade one skip all dairy and eggs. Instead of cheese and mayo, you’ve got tahini, vegan mayo, and coconut yogurt.

That’s my go-to Cava Tahini Caesar Dressing Recipe—creamy, bold, and full of flavor. I’ve made it more times than I can count, and it never disappoints. Give it a try and see how it levels up your salads or wraps.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Tag me and follow along on Pinterest for more easy, tasty recipes!