A long-time vegan’s dream come true in a bowl.
Quick answer: Yes, CAVA has plenty of vegan options. Build a bowl, salad or pita with any base and grain, falafel or roasted vegetables, hummus, harissa or roasted eggplant dip, most toppings, and dressings like lemon herb tahini or garlic dressing. Skip the meats, Crazy Feta and feta. Menus change, so confirm in the CAVA app.
If you've ever found yourself scrolling TikTok videos or reading VegOut Magazine for new vegan spots, you’ve probably heard the buzz about CAVA restaurants. Known for bold Mediterranean flavors and build-your-own bowls, CAVA is one restaurant chain across the United States that truly delivers on plant-based favorites.
Whether you’re deep into a vegan diet or just exploring more plant-forward meals, here’s your ultimate guide to building the perfect vegan bowl from the CAVA menu — without compromising on taste, creativity, or heart health (hello, lower risk of heart disease!).
? Step-by-Step: Building the Perfect Vegan CAVA Bowl
? Base:
Start with a mix of brown rice, black lentils, or baby spinach for a nourishing, hearty grain bowl. Pro tip: Try the saffron basmati rice for a fragrant, golden base.
? Veggies:
Load up with roasted vegetables, fiery broccoli, and that zesty cabbage slaw .
? Proteins & Vegan Sides:
Skip the harissa honey chicken and go all-in on crispy falafel — a guest favorite that satisfies every time. Add a scoop of roasted red pepper hummus, vegan dips, or spicy skhug for an extra hit of flavor.
? Dressings & Toppings:
Drizzle with lemon herb tahini, creamy garlic dressing, or harissa vinaigrette (just ask which are vegan when ordering). Toss in kalamata olives, a splash of lemon juice, a touch of olive oil, and top it off with pita crisps or pita chips for crunch.
❌ Avoid These (Not Vegan):
- Crazy feta
- Feta cheese
- Any options made with animal products
Always double-check with the staff or check the CAVA app for updates to the vegan menu items.
Full List of Vegan Options at CAVA
Menus vary by location and change over time, so confirm in the CAVA app. As of 2026, these items are generally listed as vegan:
Bases
- Greens + Grains bowl, Grains bowl, Salad bowl or Pita
Greens and grains
- SuperGreens, arugula, baby spinach, romaine
- Saffron basmati rice, brown rice, black lentils
Dips and spreads (choose up to 3)
- Hummus, roasted red pepper hummus, harissa, roasted eggplant
Mains
- Falafel, roasted vegetables, roasted white sweet potato
Toppings
- Cabbage slaw, fiery broccoli, fire-roasted corn, tomato + onion, tomato + cucumber, Persian cucumbers, pickled onions, Kalamata olives, salt-brined pickles, shredded romaine, pita crisps, avocado
Dressings
- Lemon herb tahini, tahini Caesar, garlic dressing, Greek vinaigrette, balsamic date vinaigrette, hot harissa vinaigrette, skhug
Sides
- Side pita, pita chips
3 Vegan CAVA Bowls to Order
- The Protein Bowl: greens + grains with black lentils, falafel, hummus, roasted red pepper hummus, fiery broccoli, pickled onions and lemon herb tahini.
- The Spicy One: saffron basmati, falafel, harissa, roasted eggplant dip, fire-roasted corn, cabbage slaw and hot harissa vinaigrette.
- Spicy Greens, Veganized: order the Spicy Greens bowl without Crazy Feta and add an extra dip.
Make a CAVA-Style Bowl at Home
- Mediterranean Couscous with Green Beans and Broccoli
- Crispy King Trumpet Mushrooms with Lemon Garlic Hummus
- Lemon Herb Couscous Bowl with Oyster Mushrooms
- Ultimate Vegan Quinoa Buddha Bowl
? Bonus Tips for the Best Dining Experience
- Ask for pita bread on the side (check for vegan compliance — some locations vary).
- Sign up with your email address for newsletter emails and sneak peeks of new menu items.
- Looking to recreate your bowl at home? Many of their dips and sauces are available in select grocery stores.
? Why CAVA is a Plant-Based Win
With their commitment to quality ingredients, partnerships with local farmers, and customizable bowls full of flavorful ingredients, CAVA is quickly becoming a plant-based favorite among health-conscious foodies. It's a brand that makes vegan options not just available—but crave-worthy.
So next time you're near a CAVA grill, ditch the typical fast food. Instead, opt for a vegan CAVA bowl that satisfies your taste buds, supports your wellness, and keeps things kind and conscious.
Ready to dive into more simple vegan goodness?
? Visit makepurethyheart.com for more flavorful, whole-food recipes and mindful kitchen vibes.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Vegan at CAVA FAQ
Yes. Most of CAVA’s bases, grains, dips, toppings and dressings are vegan, so it is easy to build a fully plant-based bowl, salad or pita. The main items to skip are the meats, Crazy Feta and feta.
Yes, CAVA’s falafel is vegan and is the most popular plant-based protein on the menu. Roasted vegetables and roasted white sweet potato are other vegan mains.
Most are. Vegan options include lemon herb tahini, tahini Caesar, garlic dressing, Greek vinaigrette, balsamic date vinaigrette, hot harissa vinaigrette and skhug. Check the CAVA app for the current list.
CAVA’s pita and pita chips are generally listed as vegan. Recipes can change, so confirm in the app or ask in store.
A popular combo is a greens and grains base with saffron basmati, falafel, hummus, roasted eggplant dip, fiery broccoli, pickled onions, Kalamata olives and lemon herb tahini. You can also order the Spicy Greens bowl without Crazy Feta.
Yes. Both the classic hummus and the roasted red pepper hummus are vegan, as are the harissa and roasted eggplant dips.
No. CAVA used to offer tahini shakes that could be made vegan, but they are no longer on the menu.
