Cava Vegan Recipe Ideas for Delicious Plant-Based Meals

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Discover the vibrant flavors of traditional Spanish cuisine with this delightful cava vegan recipe. Cava, a beloved sparkling wine from Spain, pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, but when it comes to creating a vegan recipe inspired by Spanish tapas culture, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing, plant-based cava dish that celebrates fresh ingredients, bold spices, and simple preparation.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a light, elegant meal, this recipe is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in.

This cava vegan recipe combines the crisp, bubbly essence of cava with a medley of fresh vegetables, herbs, and savory seasonings, resulting in a dish that is both satisfying and nourishing. Embrace the spirit of Mediterranean cooking with this vibrant, flavorful plate that’s kind to the planet and your palate.

Let’s dive right in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients and the effervescent charm of cava. It’s:

  • Easy to prepare with accessible ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
  • Versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, light meal, or party dish.
  • Healthy and vegan-friendly, making it perfect for those following a plant-based lifestyle.
  • Rich in flavors inspired by traditional Spanish tapas, bursting with herbs, garlic, and spices.
  • Pairs beautifully with cava wine, enhancing your dining experience with a sparkling touch.

If you enjoy recipes like this, you might also want to check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or the hearty Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes for more vegan inspiration.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked chickpeas (or canned, rinsed and drained)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup green olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup toasted almonds, chopped (optional for crunch)
  • Fresh cava wine, chilled, for serving

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula for mixing
  • Serving bowl or platter
  • Small skillet (optional, for toasting almonds)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients. Start by rinsing and draining the chickpeas if using canned. Dice the red bell pepper, finely chop the red onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, and mince the garlic. Slice the green olives and chop the fresh parsley.
  2. Toast the almonds (optional). In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the almonds until golden and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Mix the vegetables and chickpeas. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, red bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, green olives, and parsley.
  4. Prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, sherry vinegar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  5. Toss the salad. Pour the dressing over the vegetable and chickpea mixture. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently toss everything together until evenly coated with the dressing.
  6. Add the toasted almonds. Sprinkle the toasted almonds on top and give the salad one last gentle toss to distribute the crunch.
  7. Chill and serve. For best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside a glass of chilled cava.

Tips & Variations

“For a twist on this cava vegan recipe, try adding roasted artichoke hearts or grilled zucchini for extra depth and texture.”

  • Use smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor, or substitute with sweet paprika for a milder taste.
  • Swap out chickpeas for white beans or cannellini beans for a different texture and flavor profile.
  • Add a splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice for extra brightness before serving.
  • Include fresh mint or basil instead of parsley for a herbal variation.
  • For a heartier option, serve this salad on toasted rustic bread as a vegan tapa.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 220 kcal
Protein 8 g
Carbohydrates 25 g
Fiber 7 g
Fat 9 g
Saturated Fat 1.2 g
Sodium 320 mg
Vitamin C 45% DV
Iron 15% DV

Serving Suggestions

This cava vegan salad pairs wonderfully with a chilled glass of cava wine, enhancing the light and refreshing qualities of both the dish and the drink.

For a complete Spanish-inspired meal, serve it alongside warm Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes or a rustic vegan bread. This salad also complements grilled vegetables or vegan tapas dishes beautifully.

If you are interested in exploring more vegan and flavorful recipes, you might enjoy the hearty Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food or the spicy and creamy Cajun Ranch Wing Sauce Recipe.

Conclusion

Embracing the vibrant flavors of Spanish cuisine has never been easier or more enjoyable with this cava vegan recipe. Combining fresh vegetables, hearty chickpeas, and a smoky paprika dressing, this dish offers a delightful burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with bubbly cava wine.

It’s a versatile, nutritious, and simple recipe that will quickly become a favorite whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet meal at home.

Not only does this recipe celebrate plant-based eating, but it also invites you to savor the elegance and joy of traditional Spanish flavors in a wholesome, vegan-friendly way. Try it today and elevate your culinary repertoire with a dish that’s as beautiful to serve as it is delicious to eat.

📖 Recipe Card: Cava Vegan Roasted Cauliflower Bowl

Description: A flavorful vegan bowl inspired by Cava's famous roasted cauliflower. Packed with fresh veggies, grains, and a tangy tahini dressing for a wholesome meal.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M

Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1 cup chopped cucumber
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup chopped parsley
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, and salt.
  3. Roast cauliflower on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes until golden and tender.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk tahini, lemon juice, water, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  5. Divide cooked brown rice between bowls.
  6. Top rice with roasted cauliflower, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and parsley.
  7. Drizzle tahini dressing over the bowls and serve.

Nutrition: Calories: 450 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 55 g

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Marta K

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