When it comes to homemade dressings, nothing beats the rich, tangy, and slightly sweet taste of a perfectly blended vinaigrette. I’ve made countless dressings over the years, but this Cava Balsamic Date Vinaigrette is easily one of my favorites! It’s smooth, balanced, and takes just minutes to make.
Cava Balsamic Date Vinaigrette is a creamy, slightly sweet, and tangy dressing made from balsamic vinegar, medjool dates, Dijon mustard, and avocado oil. The dates naturally sweeten the vinaigrette while adding a hint of caramel-like depth, making it a fantastic complement to salads, roasted vegetables, and grain bowls.
If you love a good restaurant-style dressing that’s both healthy and packed with flavor, this one’s for you!
What Does Cava Balsamic Date Vinaigrette Taste Like?
Cava Balsamic Date Vinaigrette has a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors on Cava Lamb Meatballs and Cava Braised Lamb bowl. The balsamic vinegar adds a deep, rich tang, while the medjool dates bring a natural caramel-like sweetness.
Dijon mustard gives it a subtle sharpness, and the avocado oil creates a smooth, velvety texture. It’s slightly thick but pourable, making it perfect for drizzling over salads, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls.
Every bite has a harmonious blend of acidity and sweetness, making this vinaigrette a delicious, well-rounded dressing that enhances any dish without overpowering it.
Ingredients Required for Cava Balsamic Date Vinaigrette Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Cava Balsamic Date Vinaigrette
- ⅓ cup white or regular balsamic vinegar
- 6 pitted medjool dates
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- ¾ cup avocado oil
- ¼ cup water
- ½ – 1 tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need
- High-powered blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mason jar or airtight container (for storage)
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: None
Yield: About 1 ¼ cups of dressing
How to Make Cava Balsamic Date Vinaigrette
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Cava Balsamic Date Vinaigrette at home
Step 1: Blend Everything Together
Add all the ingredients to a high-powered blender and blend on high until the dressing is completely smooth. This should take about 30-60 seconds depending on the power of your blender.
Step 2: Taste and Adjust
Give it a quick taste and adjust as needed! If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a splash of water. Need more tang? Add a little extra balsamic vinegar.
Step 3: Store and Enjoy
Pour the vinaigrette into a mason jar or airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days—just shake well before using!
You can serve this Balsamic Date Vinaigrette over any cava bowl with Cava Spicy Chicken combined with Cava Cabbage Slaw and Cava Pickled Onions.
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Pair This Cava Balsamic Date Vinaigrette
1. Drizzle Over a Crisp Green Salad
This is a no-brainer! I love tossing it with arugula, spinach, or mixed greens, then adding goat cheese, candied pecans, and sliced apples or Snoop Dogg Caesar Salad. The sweet balsamic pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese—it’s chef’s kiss perfect.
2. Use It as a Marinade for Chicken or Salmon
Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never go back to plain marinades. The natural sweetness from the dates caramelizes beautifully when grilled or roasted, giving your chicken or salmon a rich, slightly sticky glaze. I usually let it marinate for about 30 minutes before cooking.
3. Toss It with Roasted Vegetables
Roasted veggies can be a little boring on their own, but a drizzle of this vinaigrette? Game-changer. I especially love it on roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or butternut squash—it brings out their natural sweetness and adds a tangy depth of flavor.
4. Elevate Your Grain Bowls
I’m a sucker for a good grain bowl, and this dressing is made for them. I mix it into a bowl of quinoa or farro, then add roasted chickpeas, fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta. It ties everything together with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
5. Drizzle Over a Caprese Salad
I know, classic Caprese is usually dressed with straight balsamic, but trust me—this vinaigrette takes it to another level. The blended dates add a velvety texture that coats the mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil just right. A little sprinkle of flaky salt? Perfection.
6. Use It as a Dip for Bread
Okay, hear me out—warm, crusty sourdough or focaccia dipped in this dressing? It’s ridiculously good. The smooth, slightly thick texture makes it cling to the bread like a dream. Sometimes I even mix in a little extra olive oil for an extra luxurious dip.
7. Dress Up a Hearty Kale Salad
You know how kale can be a little tough and bitter? This vinaigrette completely transforms it. I massage it into chopped kale with my hands (yes, literally) and let it sit for a few minutes. The acidity softens the kale, making it tender and packed with flavor.
8. Toss It with Pasta for a Cold Pasta Salad
One summer, I mixed this dressing into a cold pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, arugula, and Parmesan-it was an instant hit. It’s light but still full of bold flavors, making it perfect for barbecues or meal prep lunches.
9. Drizzle Over a Grain & Veggie Wrap
I love a good wrap, especially one stuffed with grilled chicken, avocado, roasted red peppers, and feta. Instead of mayo, I drizzle a little of this vinaigrette inside before rolling it up. It adds moisture and tons of flavor without making the wrap soggy.
10. Spoon Over Grilled Peaches or Figs
This might sound fancy, but it’s so easy! Just slice fresh peaches or figs, grill them for a couple of minutes, and drizzle a little vinaigrette on top. The combination of smoky, caramelized fruit and tangy-sweet dressing? Absolutely divine.
Some Tips on This Cava Balsamic Date Vinaigrette Recipe
1. Soften the Dates for Easy Blending
If your dates feel a little dry, soak them in warm water for about 5 minutes. This makes them super soft and helps them blend into a smooth, creamy dressing.
2. Use a High-Powered Blender
Trust me on this—using a strong blender makes all the difference! It ensures the dressing turns out silky smooth instead of chunky. No one wants a lumpy vinaigrette!
3. Start with Less Salt
You can always add more salt, but you can’t take it out! I start with ½ teaspoon and taste before adding more. You want the flavors to balance, not be too salty.
4. Adjust the Consistency
If your dressing feels too thick, just add a little more water—one tablespoon at a time—until it reaches the perfect pourable texture.
5. Let It Sit for a Few Minutes
After blending, I like to let the dressing sit for about 5 minutes before using it. This helps the flavors come together for a richer taste.
6. Shake Before Using
Since this dressing has oil, it can separate in the fridge. Just give it a good shake or stir before using, and it’s as good as new!
7. Try It on More Than Just Salad
This vinaigrette isn’t just for salads! I drizzle it over roasted veggies, grilled chicken, grain bowls, and even use it as a marinade. It makes everything taste amazing!
8. Use a Glass Jar for Storage
I always store mine in a mason jar because glass keeps it fresh longer and doesn’t absorb flavors like plastic does. Plus, it’s easy to shake up before using!
9. Swap the Vinegar for a Twist
Want a different flavor? Try using red wine vinegar instead of balsamic for a lighter, tangier dressing. Both versions are delicious!
10. Make It Creamier
If you want a creamier vinaigrette, blend in 1-2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt or tahini. It gives the dressing a richer texture without making it heavy.
How to Store and Reheat Cava Balsamic Date Vinaigrette Properly
Store your vinaigrette in a mason jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Since it contains oil, it may thicken when chilled—just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using, or give it a quick shake to mix it back up.
Cava Balsamic Date Vinaigrette Recipe
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup white or regular balsamic vinegar
- 6 pitted medjool dates
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- ¾ cup avocado oil
- ¼ cup water
- ½ – 1 tsp sea salt adjust to taste
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a high-powered blender and blend on high until the dressing is completely smooth. This should take about 30-60 seconds depending on the power of your blender.
- Give it a quick taste and adjust as needed! If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a splash of water. Need more tang? Add a little extra balsamic vinegar.
- Pour the vinaigrette into a mason jar or airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days—just shake well before using!
Video
Notes
Common Queries on This Cava Balsamic Date Vinaigrette Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Cava Balsamic Date Vinaigrette Recipe that people often ask.
1. What is in Cava Balsamic Date Vinaigrette?
Cava’s balsamic date vinaigrette is a delicious blend of balsamic vinegar, medjool dates, Dijon mustard, oil, and seasoning. It’s smooth, slightly sweet, and tangy—perfect for salads, grain bowls, and roasted veggies.
2. What is balsamic date vinaigrette made of?
The main ingredients are balsamic vinegar, medjool dates, Dijon mustard, avocado oil, water, and sea salt. The dates add a natural sweetness, balancing out the tangy vinegar, while the oil makes it silky smooth.
3. What type of vinaigrette does Cava use?
Cava uses a variety of vinaigrettes, but their Balsamic Date Vinaigrette is one of the most popular. It’s a slightly sweet, tangy, and well-balanced dressing that pairs beautifully with their Mediterranean-style bowls and salads.
4. What is in the balsamic date chicken bowl at Cava?
The Balsamic Date Chicken Bowl at Cava typically includes grilled chicken, balsamic date vinaigrette, arugula, grains, pickled onions, feta cheese, cucumbers, and a blend of Mediterranean toppings. It’s a perfect mix of fresh, tangy, and savory flavors!
5. Can I use a different oil instead of avocado oil?
Yes! While I love avocado oil for its neutral taste and healthy fats, you can swap it with extra virgin olive oil or even grapeseed oil. Just keep in mind that olive oil will give it a slightly stronger flavor.
6. Do I need to soak the dates before blending?
If your dates are soft and fresh, you don’t need to soak them. But if they’re a little dry or tough, soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes makes blending much easier.
7. Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! I always make a batch ahead of time and store it in a mason jar in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 5 days, just shake or stir before using!
8. Is this vinaigrette vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! This dressing is 100% vegan and gluten-free since it’s made with natural, plant-based ingredients. No dairy, no gluten—just pure, wholesome goodness.
9. Why did my vinaigrette thicken in the fridge?
That’s totally normal! The oil solidifies a bit when chilled. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes or give it a good shake, and it’ll be smooth again.
10. Can I use this vinaigrette as a marinade?
Yes! This vinaigrette makes an amazing marinade for chicken, tofu, or even roasted veggies. The balsamic and dates help caramelize everything beautifully when cooked!
This Cava Balsamic Date Vinaigrette is proof that homemade dressings are always better than store-bought! It’s fresh, easy to make, and packed with flavor. Whether you drizzle it over a salad, roasted veggies, or even use it as a marinade, you’ll love how effortlessly it elevates any dish. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
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