Homemade Cava Garlic Sauce in Minutes
A Homemade Version of Cava Garlic Sauce You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of bold, garlicky flavors, you have to try this recipe for homemade Cava Garlic Sauce. It’s creamy, tangy, and absolutely bursting with flavor, perfect for drizzling on bowls, dolloping on gyros, or even dipping your favorite veggies. I’ve added my own twist to make it even better than the original, and trust me, it’s a must-try!
I’ve always been a fan of Cava, the fast-casual Mediterranean spot known for its customizable bowls, pita sandwiches, and, of course, its sauces. The food is good, but the sauces? They take it to the next level. One of my absolute favorites is their garlic sauce. It’s creamy, garlicky, and just the right amount of tangy. So naturally, I had to create my own version at home.
Spoiler alert: it’s even better than the original!
How I Make It Better
My take on this sauce involves roasting two large garlic cloves while leaving one raw. Roasting adds a mellow sweetness that balances the punch of the raw garlic. Of course, you can roast all the garlic for a milder flavor or leave it all raw if you want an intense garlic kick. Feeling adventurous? Add an extra clove and turn up the garlicky goodness.
For the texture and tanginess, I like to lighten things up by using half mayonnaise and half Greek yogurt. The yogurt reduces the heaviness of the mayo while still keeping that creamy, tangy balance. As for the lemon juice, I used bottled because that’s what I had on hand, but fresh lemon juice works wonderfully, just watch out for those sneaky seeds!
What You’ll Need for This Smoky Garlic Mayo Sauce
This simple blend of ingredients creates a smoky, creamy sauce with deep flavors and a tangy kick.
- • Mayo: The creamy base of the sauce, providing smooth texture and richness.
- • Greek yogurt: Adds a tangy flavor and a bit of extra creaminess.
- • Garlic: Fresh garlic to bring out bold, aromatic flavor.
- • Lemon juice: A tangy pop that brightens the entire sauce.
- • Smoked paprika: Adds a deep smoky flavor that elevates the richness of the sauce.
The Secret to Flavorful Sauce
The greatness of this sauce happens when you let it rest in the fridge. Giving it time to chill allows the garlic and other ingredients to mingle, creating a depth of flavor that’s worth the wait. Whether you prefer it thick for dolloping or thin for drizzling, this sauce adapts to your needs. Add a splash of water or milk to thin it out if you like it pourable.
How to Use It
This garlic sauce is a showstopper on so many dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:
-
Drizzle it over bowls loaded with roasted veggies, grains, and proteins.
-
Spread it on pita bread for homemade gyros (check out my gyro recipe linked here!).
-
Use it as a dip for fresh veggies, fries, or even pita chips.
-
Dollop it on grilled chicken, fish, or roasted potatoes for a garlicky boost.
Cava Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
- ¼ cup mayonnaise use full-fat for best flavor
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 3 garlic cloves (roasted or raw) finely grated or minced (adjust for desired intensity)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika optional, for a subtle smoky touch
- Pinch of salt
- 1-2 tablespoon water or milk to thin, if needed
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic: Grate or finely mince the garlic. You can also mash it into a paste with a pinch of salt using the side of a knife to ensure it blends smoothly into the sauce. (i like to roast half of the garlic)
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and smoked paprika (if using).
- Adjust Consistency: Add 1–2 tablespoons of water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency (smooth and pourable or thick and spreadable).
- Taste and Season: Add a pinch of salt and adjust the lemon juice if needed. Whisk again.
- Chill: Let the sauce rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Drizzle or dollop over bowls, gyros, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
Substitutions and Budget-Friendly Tips
Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, making this recipe easy and budget-friendly. Don’t have everything on hand? Here are some swaps:
-
No Greek yogurt? Use sour cream or stick with all mayo.
-
Out of fresh garlic? Garlic powder can work in a pinch, but fresh or roasted garlic truly shines.
-
No olive oil? A neutral oil like avocado or vegetable oil will do the trick.
-
No smoked paprika? Regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne can add flavor.
A Sauce That Makes Everything Better
With just a few ingredients, most of which you likely already have at home, this garlic sauce is as fresh as it is versatile. Whether you’re dolloping it on gyros or drizzling it over bowls, it’s guaranteed to make any dish special. Make a batch today and watch it become the star of your meals!
Thanks for hanging out! Just a quick heads-up: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps keep things rolling around here!
Hey, if you tried this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know what you think! A quick rating helps others out too, and if you added your own twist, let’s talk about it!