Cava Yogurt Dill Dressing Recipe

Making this Cava yogurt dill dressing at home is one of the best things I learned to do in my kitchen.

My father is a huge fan of it. When I go to the super shop, I always buy this Cava sauce.

But a year ago when I was looking for it, I could not find any. I looked at other grocery shops but there was also no Cava yogurt dill dressing available. Then I came back home and looked online. I found the ingredient list at Cava’s official website.

So as a homemade chef, I tried to make it in my kitchen. I easily made the same copycat Cava yogurt dill sauce.

Me and my family always like fresh foods. Now I can make this Cava Yogurt Dill Dressing Recipe using fresh ingredients. After this, I don’t buy it from any super shop.

If you have the same situation like me or don’t want to go to the super shop to buy it or want to save money, then you must try this recipe in your kitchen.

What Is Yogurt Dill Dressing

Yogurt dill dressing is a creamy sauce that people love to eat with many foods. This dressing comes from Greek cooking but now people all over the world make it.

The main parts are Greek yogurt and fresh dill herb. Greek yogurt makes it thick and creamy. Dill gives it a fresh green taste that makes your mouth happy.

What does cava yogurt dill dressing taste like

When you taste cava yogurt dill dressing, you will notice the clean tang from the yogurt right away. You get soft lemon brightness, a mild garlic note, and the herb smell from dill.

The dressing is smooth and slightly thick. It tastes fresh and a little tart, not too salty. The dill gives a green, slightly sweet herb flavor. The white pepper gives a mild warmth without black pepper’s bite.

If you want a light, cool sauce that pairs with veggies or grain bowls, you will like this. It keeps the food tasting clean and bright.

Cava Yogurt Dill Dressing Recipe Ingredients

• 400 grams (about 1 ½ cups) Greek yogurt, 10% fat: This makes the dressing creamy and thick. Full-fat Greek yogurt works best because it’s smooth and rich. If you want it lighter, you can use low-fat Greek yogurt, but the taste will be less creamy.
• 1 small garlic clove, crushed, or ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Fresh garlic gives a stronger flavor, while garlic powder is more mild and convenient. If you don’t like strong garlic, use just a small pinch of powder.
• Juice of ½ fresh lemon (about 2 tablespoons): Lemon juice adds a tangy, bright taste. Fresh lemon is best, but bottled lemon juice works if that’s all you have.
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped: Dill is the star of this dressing. Fresh dill gives the best flavor, but if unavailable, substitute with 2 teaspoons of dried dill.
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste): Salt balances the yogurt and lemon. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed.

Required Kitchen Tools

1. Large mixing bowl – Big enough to hold all ingredients and mix without spilling
2. Sharp knife for chopping dill – Makes cutting fresh herbs clean and easy
3. Cutting board – Clean surface for chopping dill and garlic
4. Measuring cups and spoons – To get the right amounts of each ingredient
5. Whisk or large spoon for mixing – Whisk makes smoother dressing, spoon works too
6. Garlic press (if using fresh garlic) – Crushes garlic easily, or use flat knife side
7. Juicer or fork (to get lemon juice) – Hand juicer gets more juice, fork works fine too
8. Small storage containers with lids – Glass containers with tight lids keep dressing fresh
9. Rubber spatula for scraping bowl – Gets every bit of dressing from bowl and containers

How To Make Cava Yogurt Dill Dressing Recipe

Step 1 | Add Greek Yogurt

In a large mixing bowl, add 400 grams of Greek yogurt. Make sure the yogurt is cold from the fridge. This helps keep the dressing thick and creamy.

Step 2 | Add Salt

Add a pinch of salt to the yogurt. Start with less, since you can always add more later. Mix the salt into the yogurt with a spoon.

Step 3 | Add White Pepper

Sprinkle in a pinch of ground white pepper. This gives the dressing a gentle, warm flavor. Mix it well with the yogurt.

Step 4 | Add Garlic

Add your garlic powder or finely crushed fresh garlic. If using fresh garlic, crush it with the flat side of a knife and chop it very small before mixing it into the yogurt.

Step 5 | Add Lemon Juice

Cut your lemon in half and squeeze the juice from one half into the bowl. Remove any seeds. The lemon juice adds brightness and freshness. Mix well.

Step 6 | Add Fresh Dill

Wash the dill, pat it dry, and remove any thick stems. Finely chop the dill into small pieces. Add it to the yogurt mixture and mix everything together thoroughly with a whisk or spoon.

Step 7 | Chill the Dressing

Transfer the dressing to a clean jar with a tight lid. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving so the flavors can blend. Serve and enjoy with your favorite dish!

Chef’s Notes + Tips

• Use fresh dill: Use fresh dill for the best flavor. Dried dill works, but fresh makes it taste brighter.
• Use Greek yogurt: Always use Greek yogurt, not regular yogurt, so the dressing doesn’t turn runny.
• Thin the dressing: If you want a thinner dressing, add 1–2 teaspoons of water or extra lemon juice.
• Taste as you go: Taste as you go—some people like it saltier, others prefer less salt.
• Store in glass jar: Store in a glass jar with a tight lid to keep it fresh longer.

Make Ahead & Storage Tips

You can make this dressing ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. I usually prepare it in the evening and use it the next day – it actually tastes better after sitting a few hours because the flavors mix together.

Keep the dressing in an airtight jar or container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir it before using, since it can thicken a little.

I don’t recommend freezing it because yogurt changes texture when frozen. It becomes grainy and watery after thawing.

You’ll know the dressing is no longer good if it smells sour, has a watery layer on top, or tastes off. When in doubt, throw it away and make a fresh batch.

What To Serve With Yogurt Dill Dressing

This creamy dressing works amazing with so many different foods. I love using it on fresh green salads with cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion. The cool taste goes perfect with crisp vegetables.

You can also use it as a dip for raw vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers.

At Cava restaurants, they serve this yogurt dill dressing over their grain bowls and Mediterranean salads. They put it on top of rice, quinoa, and roasted vegetables.

Cava Yogurt Dill Dressing Recipe FAQs

1. Can I add olive oil to this dressing?

Yes, a small drizzle of olive oil can make the texture smoother and add richness. I sometimes add 1 teaspoon when I want a slightly silkier dressing.

2. Can I make this dressing without fresh dill?

Fresh dill gives the best flavor but you can use dried dill if needed. Use only 1 teaspoon of dried dill instead of 2-3 tablespoons of fresh because dried herbs have stronger taste. Add the dried dill and let the dressing sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours so the dried herbs can soften up.

3. What’s the best way to chop fresh dill for this recipe?

Wash the fresh dill and pat it completely dry with paper towels first. Wet herbs don’t chop well and can make your dressing watery. Use a sharp knife and chop the dill very fine – you want tiny pieces that will mix smoothly into the yogurt. Don’t use the thick stems, just the feathery green parts.

You can also use kitchen scissors to snip the dill directly into your mixing bowl for easier cleanup and more control over the size of the pieces.

4. Can I make this dressing without garlic?

Yes, you can skip the garlic if you don’t like it or don’t have any. The dressing will still taste good with just the dill, lemon, and yogurt.

You can also add a small amount of onion powder instead of garlic powder if you want a different flavor.

I hope you enjoy this cava yogurt dill dressing recipe. I make it at home all the time because it is simple, fresh, and saves me money.

Try it on a bowl or salad and taste the bright dill and lemon. If you like this recipe, share it and tell me how you used it in your kitchen.