Cava Tahini Caesar Copycat We Cant Stop Making

The Day I Met This Dressing

My grandson took me to a restaurant called Cava. He ordered a salad. It came with this creamy, tangy dressing. I took one bite and my eyes got wide. I had to know how to make it at home.

I asked the server about it. She smiled and said it was their tahini Caesar. But it had no dairy! I was so surprised. I went home and started testing recipes right away. I think I got it just right.

Why This Little Jar Matters

Good food brings people together. A great dressing can turn simple greens into a celebration. That matters. It makes eating well a joy, not a chore.

This version is also kind to your tummy. It skips the dairy and eggs. Many folks feel better eating this way. It’s a small change with a big feel-good effect. What’s one small change that makes you feel better?

Let’s Talk Flavor Friends

Tahini is just ground sesame seeds. It tastes nutty and rich. The lemon juice wakes it all up. The garlic gives it a good, strong hug. Doesn’t that smell amazing?

Now, the capers are the secret. They are little salty flower buds. Chopping them fine is key. They make the dressing taste deep and fancy. Fun fact: Capers grow on bushes near the Mediterranean Sea!

My Big Mixing Mistake

My first try was a thick paste. It wouldn’t pour! I forgot the cold water. I still laugh at that. I had a bowl of tasty cement.

So please, start with the water. Add it slowly. Stir until it looks like heavy cream. This patience matters. It turns separate ingredients into one smooth, perfect sauce. Do you like your dressing thick or on the runny side?

Your Turn to Make Magic

Get all your things out. Put them in a medium bowl. Whisk everything but the water first. Then add the cold water, two tablespoons to start. Whisk, whisk, whisk!

Taste it on a lettuce leaf. Need more zip? A tiny bit more lemon. More salt? A pinch will do. It’s your dressing now. What will you put it on first? Tell me your favorite salad topper!

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
tahini	¼ cup (60 g)
dairy-free yogurt	¼ cup (60 g)
lemon juice	2 Tbsp (30 mL)
capers, finely chopped	2 tsp
caper brine	2 tsp
Dijon mustard	1 tsp
garlic, minced	3 cloves
salt	¼ tsp
pepper	¼ tsp
cold water	2 to 3 Tbsp (30 to 45 mL)	as needed for consistency

My Creamy, Dreamy Tahini Caesar Dressing

Hello, my dear! Let’s make some magic in a bowl. This dressing is my new favorite thing. I could eat it with a spoon. It tastes rich and tangy, just like a classic Caesar. But it’s made from simple, good-for-you things. My grandson Leo loves it on his salads. He says it’s “chef’s kiss.” That always makes me smile.

We’ll whisk it together in just minutes. The tahini and yogurt make it so creamy. The capers give it that special salty punch. Doesn’t that smell amazing? Garlic and lemon are a happy couple. They make everything taste alive. I still laugh at the first time I made this. I used the whole jar of capers by mistake! What a salty mess that was.

Here is how we do it. Just follow these easy steps.

Step 1: Grab a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add your tahini and dairy-free yogurt. Now, squeeze in that fresh lemon juice. I love the bright, sunny smell. Give it a good stir with a whisk. It might look a little thick and lumpy at first. Don’t you worry one bit. That’s perfectly normal.

Step 2: Time for the flavor boosters! Chop those capers up nice and fine. Add them to the bowl. Pour in the caper brine from the jar, too. That liquid is flavor gold. Next, add the Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. (A hard-learned tip: mince your garlic super fine. Big chunks can be too strong!)

Step 3: Now, let’s make it silky. Start with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Whisk everything together really well. Watch it turn smooth and pale. Is it still too thick for you? Add another tablespoon of water. You want it to drizzle off your whisk. What’s your favorite veggie to dunk in dressing? Share below!

Step 4: You’re almost done! Taste your creation with a clean spoon. Does it need more lemon or pepper? You are the boss of your dressing. When it’s perfect, you can use it right away. Or, pop it in the fridge for later. It gets even better as the flavors mingle. I think it tastes like a happy little secret.

Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: About ¾ cup
Category: Sauce, Dressing

Three Fun Twists to Try

This dressing is a wonderful friend. It loves to play dress-up! Here are some silly ideas I’ve tried. They all turned out delicious. My neighbor Sue loved the herby version. She asked for the recipe right away.

The Garden Party: Stir in a big handful of fresh chopped herbs. Think dill, parsley, or chives. It tastes like a summer breeze.

The Zesty Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Or a tiny dash of hot sauce. It gives your salad a little wink.

The Sun-Drenched Dip: Mix in a spoonful of tomato paste. Add a pinch of dried oregano. Suddenly, it’s a creamy pizza dip for veggies!

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

How to Serve Your Dressing

Oh, the possibilities! Of course, it’s perfect on a crisp romaine salad. Add some crunchy croutons. I like to drizzle it over roasted cauliflower, too. It turns simple veggies into a feast. For a real treat, use it as a dip. Fresh cucumber slices and bell pepper strips are perfect for dunking.

What to drink? For a fancy night, a cold glass of crisp white wine is lovely. For everyday joy, I love sparkling water with lemon. It’s so refreshing. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Caesar Dressing Happy

This dressing loves a cool, dark spot. Store it in a jar in your fridge. It will stay fresh for about five days. The flavors get even friendlier after a day.

I do not recommend freezing this one. The yogurt and tahini can separate. It becomes grainy when thawed. I learned this the hard way once.

You can easily double the recipe. Just whisk it in a bigger bowl. This is perfect for a week of salads. Batch cooking saves you precious time on busy nights.

Storing food well means less waste. You get to enjoy your creation longer. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Hiccups

Is your dressing too thick? Just add more cold water. Add one teaspoon at a time. Stir until it pours nicely for you.

Is the garlic taste too strong? Try roasting your garlic first. It makes the flavor sweet and mellow. I remember when I used raw garlic and it was too sharp!

Does it taste a bit flat? You might need more salt or lemon. Always taste as you go. This is the secret to great flavor.

Getting the consistency right builds confidence. Balancing flavors makes your food sing. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Questions, Answered

Q: Is this dressing gluten-free?
A: Yes, all these ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just check your mustard label to be sure.

Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Absolutely! Make it a day before. The flavors blend together beautifully overnight.

Q: What if I don’t have capers?
A: A chopped pickle or a squeeze of lemon works. It will still be creamy and delicious.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Of course. Just use a bigger bowl and double each ingredient.

Q: Any fun add-ins?
A: Try a pinch of dried dill or a spoonful of nutritional yeast. Fun fact: nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor! Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love this creamy dressing. It reminds me of sunny afternoons in my garden. I would love to see your creations.

Share a photo of your salad masterpiece. Let me know how your family liked it. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Thank you for cooking with me today. I am so glad you are here.

Happy cooking!
—Chloe Hartwell.