Looking for a vibrant, nourishing, and utterly delicious meal that’s both vegetarian and packed with fresh flavors? The Cava Vegetarian Bowl is a fantastic choice!
Inspired by the popular Mediterranean fast-casual chain, this bowl is a beautiful mix of wholesome grains, fresh vegetables, tangy dressings, and protein-packed legumes. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or meal prep for the week.
Plus, it’s totally customizable, which means you can tailor it to your tastes or dietary preferences.
Whether you’re a vegetarian, trying to eat more plant-based meals, or simply craving something bright and satisfying, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s colorful, nutritious, and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients that will leave you feeling energized and ready to tackle your day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cava Vegetarian Bowl is a symphony of textures and flavors that come together in perfect harmony. You’ll love how the creamy hummus complements the crisp cucumbers and the hearty chickpeas, all balanced with the zest of lemon and herbs.
It’s a bowl that’s not only delicious but also loaded with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients.
Another reason to love it: it’s extremely easy to prepare with ingredients that are often pantry staples or easily found at your local grocery store. It’s versatile, so you can swap in your favorite veggies or grains, making it ideal for meal prep or a quick weekday dinner.
And best of all, it’s a crowd-pleaser that even meat-eaters will enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa (cooled)
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas (or canned, drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional for strict vegetarians)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup sliced kalamata olives
- 3 tablespoons hummus (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts for garnish
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small whisk or fork (for dressing)
- Serving bowls or meal prep containers
Instructions
- Prepare the base: If you haven’t already, cook your brown rice or quinoa according to package instructions. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Rinse and drain chickpeas: If using canned chickpeas, rinse thoroughly under cold water and drain.
- Chop the veggies: Dice the cucumbers, tomatoes, and chop the romaine lettuce and parsley. Slice the kalamata olives.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the bowl: In your serving bowl or meal prep container, add the cooked rice or quinoa as the base. Top with chickpeas, chopped veggies, olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Add hummus: Spoon the hummus on one side of the bowl. This adds a creamy texture and rich flavor to the dish.
- Drizzle the dressing: Pour the lemon vinaigrette dressing over the bowl evenly.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and toasted pine nuts, if using, for extra crunch and flavor.
- Serve and enjoy: Mix everything together just before eating or enjoy the layers as they are for a more varied taste experience.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra protein boost, try adding some roasted chickpeas or a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein!”
You can easily swap brown rice or quinoa for other grains like farro, couscous, or bulgur wheat. Add roasted vegetables such as sweet potatoes, zucchini, or eggplant to make it heartier.
For a vegan version, simply omit the feta or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
Love spice? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of harissa sauce.
If you prefer creamier bowls, add a dollop of tzatziki or a tahini drizzle. Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like mint, dill, or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 12 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
| Vitamin C | 30% DV |
| Iron | 20% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This bowl shines on its own as a filling lunch or light dinner, but pairing it with some warm pita bread or a side of roasted vegetables can elevate the meal.
For a refreshing beverage, try a sparkling water with lemon or a light herbal iced tea. If you want to add a touch of indulgence, serve alongside a small portion of Mediterranean-inspired dips like baba ganoush or tzatziki.
Looking for more wholesome bowls? You might enjoy our Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food or the refreshing Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe for more veggie-rich inspiration.
Conclusion
The Cava Vegetarian Bowl is a wonderful example of how simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create a wholesome and satisfying meal. Its vibrant colors and varied textures make it as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
With its Mediterranean roots, this bowl offers a healthy balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, perfect for any time of day.
Whether you are busy and need a quick, nutritious meal or want to impress guests with a light yet flavorful dish, this bowl is a fantastic option. Plus, its flexibility means you can easily adjust it to fit your own tastes or pantry.
Give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean right at home!
📖 Recipe Card: Cava Vegetarian Bowl
Description: A fresh and flavorful vegetarian bowl inspired by Cava's Mediterranean flavors. Packed with protein-rich ingredients and vibrant veggies for a healthy meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped romaine lettuce
- 2 tablespoons tzatziki sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook brown rice and lentils separately until tender.
- Chop cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and romaine lettuce.
- In a bowl, combine rice, lentils, and chopped vegetables.
- Add feta cheese and kalamata olives to the mixture.
- Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the bowl.
- Season with salt and pepper, then toss gently.
- Top with tzatziki sauce before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 450 kcal | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 55 g
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