I bring my lunch to work with me about 90% of the time but for that other 10% when I don’t bring my lunch, I grab food at a local eatery in the city. My top choice for a quick meal out is Cava! Cava is a fast-casual mediterranean restaurant . At Cava you can choose a salad, grain bowl or pita in which you then top or fill with a multitude of healthy delicious topping options (as seen in the images below).

When I go to CAVA, I get a…

Salad Bowl with Super Greens (no grains), Crazy Feta, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Tzatziki , Falafel, pickled onions, tomato and cucumber salad, olives, pickled banana peppers, feta and a lemon slice with greek vinaigrette and yogurt dill sauce on the side (IN THAT ORDER!!) The last time I visited Cava, I tried the Lemon Herb Tahini which I surprisingly loved (not a tahini fan).

Sometimes I crave the taste of Cava at home. This salad bowl recipe is inspired by my Cava order. And if you wanna try the real thing first, here is CAVA’s menu . Hopefully there is a CAVA location in or near your city!

If you end up trying it, be sure to let me know what you think. Thank me later!

In love, peace and style,

Lonnie

INGREDIENTS:

Baby Spinach

1 Lime (quartered)

12 oz Black of Kalamata Olives

1 can Sweet Corn

10 oz container Pepper Pepper Hummus

1 small/medium Cucumber (diced)

Banana Peppers (Optional)

1 Can Sliced Beets

1 6 oz container Feta Cheese

1 large Red Onion ( thinly sliced)

1/2 Cup Water

1/2 Cup Red Wine Vinegar

1 can chickpeas

2 tsp smoked paprika

3 tbls olive oil

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Quick Pickled Onions

Bring water and vinegar to a simmer inn a small sauce panand add onions and stir. COntinue to cook for 3-5 mins until most of the liquid has reduced. Remove from heat.

Crispy Chickpeas

Combine paprika and cayenne in a small bowl and set aside.

Heat oil in a 12" skillet over medium-high heat. Add chickpeas to skillet and sauté, stirring frequently, until golden and crispy, 8-10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer chickpeas to paper towels to drain briefly. Place in a medium bowl. Sprinkle paprika mixture over; toss to coat. Season to taste with salt.

ASSEMBLE YOUR BOWL

Add spinach to a bowl or container. Add desired combination of toppings to best suite your taste. Top with your favorite dressing, tahini, or Tzatziki.