• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Whisk Affair
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Indian Recipes
  • Meal Type
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Appetizers
    • Main Course
    • Desserts
  • My Cookbook
    • My E-Books
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Eid Specials
  • Buy my Cookbook
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Whisk Affair » Recipes » Sauces » Cava Copycat Lemon Herb Tahini Sauce

    Published: Feb 13, 2023 | Last Updated On: Feb 13, 2023 by Neha Mathur | This post may contain affiliate links. I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Cava Copycat Lemon Herb Tahini Sauce

    22 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Make this Cava restaurant copycat Lemon Herb Tahini Sauce at home in 5 minutes using simple ingredients. Use it over salads, as a dipping sauce, or drizzle it over roasted veggies (vegan, gluten-free).

    Here are a few more homemade sauce recipes that you may like – Cilantro Garlic Sauce, Basil Walnut Pesto, Thai Peanut Butter Sauce, and Cilantro Chimichurri Sauce.

    Lemon herb tahini served in a bowl.
    Jump to:
    • About Lemon Herb Tahini
    • Ingredients
    • How To Make Lemon Herb Tahini
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Pro Tips By Neha
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storage Suggestions
    • You Might Also Like
    • Recipe Card

    About Lemon Herb Tahini

    Lemon Herb Tahini is a refreshing sauce made using tahini, extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and some fresh herbs.

    This sauce is popularly served at Cava Grill, a Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant chain across the USA.

    This Cava copycat lemon and herb tahini is super easy to make at home. It comes together in just 5 minutes using a few simple ingredients. It is creamy, earthy, and has a nutty taste to it.

    This sauce is very versatile and can be used in many ways. It is also an excellent substitute for the classic tahini sauce.

    Serve it with freshly made pita bread or veggie sticks, or smear it on your summer sandwiches. It also makes for a great summer salad dressing.

    This recipe is vegan and gluten-free and can be easily doubled or tripled.

    Ingredients

    Lemon herb tahini ingredients 1
    Lemon herb tahini ingredients 2

    Tahini – You can make it home using my easy Tahini Recipe or a store-bought one.

    Fresh Herbs – This recipe requires fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and cilantro.

    Lemon Juice and Zest add the perfect tanginess to the tahini dip.

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Use a good quality EVOO for the best taste.

    Others – You will also need fresh garlic, salt, and cold water.

    Garlic is my favorite ingredient, which solely adds so much flavor. You can increase the quantity if you like the tahini to be a little garlicky.

    Cold water is added to adjust the consistency of the dip and make it even creamier.

    How To Make Lemon Herb Tahini

    In the bowl of a mini food processor, add

    • 1-2 peeled garlic cloves
    • ¼ cup fresh parsley (packed, rinsed)
    • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves (packed, rinsed)
    • ¼ cup cilantro (packed, rinsed)
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
    • 2 teaspoon lemon zest
    Garlic, herbs, salt, lemon juice and lemon zest added to a food processor.

    Pulse until roughly chopped. Scrape the sides of the processor a few times while pulsing.

    Note – If you like a smoother sauce, use a blender instead of a food processor.

    Roughly chopped herbs.

    Add 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil and ½ cup tahini paste and pulse until well combined.

    Oil and tahini paste added to the processor.

    Now add 2 tablespoon of cold water and blend for a minute or until the sauce becomes creamy.

    Adding water.

    Add more water if you’d like a thinner sauce.

    Check for salt and add more if needed.

    Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days.

    Ready lemon herb tahini.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How to zest a lemon?

    Wash the lemon and pat it dry using paper tissues or a kitchen towel. Hold the lemon in one hand and the zester (or a micro plane grater) in the other hand.
    Grasp the lemon firmly and place the zester on the lemon skin.
    Move the zester downward while applying light pressure to remove just the outer yellow part of the lemon skin. Avoid grating the white pith beneath the skin, as it tastes bitter.

    Pro Tips By Neha

    If your tahini has become hard after refrigeration, microwave it for a few seconds.

    Add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to this dressing to give it a slightly sweet taste.

    Serving Suggestions

    Serve it as a dip with freshly baked pita bread, veggie sticks, flatbread, crackers, nachos, or any of your favorite chips.

    Pour it on your roasted chicken or veggies.

    You can also slather it on your sliders, sandwiches, or wraps to give it that refreshing summer taste.

    Thin it down and use it as a salad dressing.

    Storage Suggestions

    Lemon and Herb Tahini will last 5 to 7 days when stored in an air-tight container in the fridge.

    Use a clean and dry spoon for every use, ensuring it lasts longer.

    You Might Also Like

    • Kalamata Olive Tapenade is an easy and quick to make Mediterranean dip made with Kalamata olives, capers, parsley, and extra virgin olive oil (vegan, gluten-free).
      Kalamata Olive Tapenade
    • Make Popeye's Copycat Blackened Ranch Dressing at home using simple ingredients in just 5 minutes (gluten-free, keto, low carb).
      Popeye’s Copycat Blackened Ranch
    • This creamy Black Bean Hummus is a delicious take on classic hummus where black beans are used instead of chickpeas. This vegan and gluten-free dip is a party favorite and can be served with tortilla chips, veggie sticks, or pita bread.
      Black Bean Hummus
    • This Spicy Whipped Feta And Cream Cheese Dip come together in under 10 minutes using simple ingredients. Serve it with veggie sticks, crackers, or chips for a delicious party snack (gluten-free).
      Spicy Whipped Feta Cream Cheese Dip

    Recipe Card

    Loved this recipe?Click here to leave a review and give us a five star rating ★★★★★
    Make this Cava restaurant copycat Lemon Herb Tahini Sauce at home in just 5 minutes using a few simple ingredients. Use it over salads, as a dipping sauce or drizzle it over roasted veggies (vegan, gluten-free).

    Cava Copycat Lemon Herb Tahini Sauce Recipe

    Make this Cava restaurant copycat Lemon And Herb Tahini Sauce at home in just 5 minutes using a few simple ingredients. Use it over salads, as a dipping sauce, or drizzle it over roasted veggies.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Sauce
    Cuisine: American, Middle Easten
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 2 minutes
    Total Time: 7 minutes
    Servings: 6 people
    Calories: 164kcal
    Author: Neha Mathur

    Ingredients 

    • 1-2 cloves peeled garlic
    • ¼ cup fresh parsley (tightly packed, rinsed)
    • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves (tightly packed, rinsed)
    • ¼ cup cilantro (tightly packed, rinsed)
    • ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
    • ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
    • 2 teaspoons lemon zest (approx 1 large lemon)
    • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
    • ½ cup tahini paste
    • 2-4 tablespoons cold water
    US Customary or Metric
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • In the bowl of a mini food processor, add garlic, parsley, basil, cilantro, salt, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
    • Pulse until roughly chopped. Scrape the sides of the processor a few times while pulsing.
    • Note – If you like a smoother sauce, then use a blender in place of a food processor.
    • Add olive oil and tahini paste and pulse until well combined.
    • Now add 2 tablespoons of cold water and blend for a minute until the sauce becomes creamy.
    • Add more water, if you’d like a thinner sauce.
    • Check for salt and add more if needed.
    • Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days.

    Notes

    If your tahini has become hard after refrigeration, just microwave it for a few seconds.
    You can add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to this dressing to give it a slightly sweet taste.
    This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 164kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 106mg | Potassium: 126mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 323IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg
    Pin this recipe for later use!I LOVE to see your creations so pin and mention @WhiskAffair!
    Sign up for regular updates?I would love to have you as part of my journey. Click to sign up!

    More Sauces

    • Soft, sticky, sweet, and rich this French Red Onion Marmalade (Onion Jam) makes for a wonderfully delicious topping for pizzas, bruschetta, sandwiches, and burgers. Try it my way (vegetarian, gluten-free).
      French Red Onion Marmalade (Onion Jam)
    • This light, tangy, and super flavorful Red Wine Pasta Sauce comes together using a few ingredients in under an hour. Take your red pasta a notch higher using this easy sauce recipe (vegetarian, gluten-free, and can be easily made vegan).
      Red Wine Pasta Sauce
    • This Homemade Schezwan Sauce (Szechuan Sauce) is hot, spicy, fiery red, and much more delicious than the store-bought sauce. Make this super versatile sauce at home using a few basic pantry ingredients (vegan, can be easily made gluten-free).
      Homemade Schezwan Sauce (Szechuan Sauce)
    • Make this creamy Pollo Tropical Copycat Cilantro Garlic Sauce at home in just 5 minutes. Serve it with tacos, wings, or any appetizer of your choice (vegetarian, gluten-free).
      Pollo Tropical Copycat Cilantro Garlic Sauce

    Reader Interactions

    Did you make this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hey! Nice to meet you

    Neha Mathur, Founder & Recipe Expert at Whisk Affair

    Hi! I'm Neha, Blogger & Recipe Expert behind Whisk Affair. I've nurtured Whisk Affair since 2012 by trying & testing every recipe published. Be sure that it will turn out good each time! Read More about me…

    Stay Connected

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    My Cookbook

    Neha's Cookbook Cover

    Click to Buy Now on Amazon

    Most Popular Recipes

    • Make this delicious restaurant-style Hibachi Fried Rice (Japanese Style Fried Rice) for a quick Asian-inspired meal. Serve it with Hibachi chicken and Yum Yum sauce and get transported to a Japanese Steakhouse.
      Best Hibachi Fried Rice (Japanese Style Fried Rice)
    • This oven-baked lemon garlic baked tilapia is super easy to make and comes together in under 20 minutes. It's low carb, gluten-free, keto-friendly, and very flavorful. Here is how to make it.
      Spicy Lemon Garlic Baked Tilapia
    • Creamy Garlic Parmesan sauce served in a bowl.
      Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
    • Lemon tea served in cups.
      Lemon Tea
    • Light, hearty and delicious, Chicken Clear Soup is super easy to make at home. It is made using simple ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes. This soul-soothing soup is gluten-free and low carb too.
      Chicken Clear Soup
    • Egg White Scramble is a healthy, fluffy, and delicious option for breakfast. Serve it with some toast and fruits and milk on the side. Here is how to make the best fluffy scrambled egg white recipe at home!
      Scrambled Egg Whites

    Summer Mango Recipes

    • Kacche Aam Ki Launji is a sweet and spicy chutney made using tangy green mangoes, jaggery, and a few simple spices. This chutney keeps good in the refrigerator for upto 3 months. So make a big batch and enjoy!
      Kacche Aam Ki Launji (Sweet & Spicy Raw Mango Chutney)
    • Learn How To Make Mango Pulp in under 5 minutes and use it round the year to make your favorite recipes.
      How To Make Mango Pulp (Mango Puree)
    • Green mango chutney is a spicy and tangy Indian accompaniment made using green mangoes. Serve it with an Indian snack or meals for a tangy treat.
      Green Mango Chutney (Raw Mango Chutney)
    • This Easy Mango Pico De Gallo is fruity, sweet, and spicy and comes together in under 10 minutes using simple ingredients. Serve it with nachos, chips, rice, or tacos for a perfect summer special accompaniment (vegan, gluten-free).
      Easy Mango Pico De Gallo (Mango Salsa)
    • Mango Magic Tropical Smoothie is a delicious drink loaded with tropical flavors. Sip it for breakfast or for snacks (gluten-free, can be easily made vegan).
      Mango Magic Tropical Smoothie
    • Aam panna is a refreshing Indian summer drink made using green mangoes. It is sweet, tangy, and bursting with beautiful flavors. Make it in an instant pot or a traditional pressure cooker.
      Aam Panna (Tangy Green Mango Drink)

    Eid Specials

    • Mohabbat ka Sharbat is a refreshing Old Delhi-style summer drink. It has flavors from watermelon and rose syrup. Here is how to make it (vegetarian, gluten-free, and can be made vegan).
      Mohabbat Ka Sharbat
    • Lachha Rabdi (Rabri) is a popular North Indian dessert made by reducing milk and flavoring it with saffron and rose water (or cardamom). Make it in an authentic way using my easy recipe.
      Authentic Lachha Rabdi (Rabri)
    • Sheer Khurma or Sheer Korma is a traditional Indian dessert that is a must-make for the festival of Eid. It is made by cooking fine vermicelli with ghee, milk, dates, and dry fruits. Saffron is added to it for a unique flavor.
      Sheer Khurma (Vermicelli Milk Dates Pudding)
    • Super crispy from the outside and juicy from the inside, these Homemade Fish Fingers are a breeze to make. You just can't go wrong with this delicious and easy recipe.
      Homemade Crispy Fish Fingers
    • Kesar Phirni or Firni is a traditional Kashmiri dessert that is made using milk and rice. This Mughlai sweet is a treat to eat and is very easy to make. Here is how to make it.
      Traditional Phirni Recipe (Firni, Indian Rice Pudding)
    • Shahi Tukda (Shahi Toast) is a Mughlai dessert made using deep-fried bread slices, reduced saffron flavored milk (rabdi), and sugar syrup. It is a perfect dessert for festivals and special occasions (vegetarian).
      Mughlai Shahi Tukda

    Footer


    ^ back to top

    About

    About Neha

    Diwali E-Book

    My Cookbook

    Stay Connected

    Sign up! for emails and updates

    Contact Me

    Policies

    Privacy Policy

    Terms & Conditions

    Accessibility Policy

    Whiskaffair has been featured in leading media including the huffington post, bloomberg quint, buzz feed, your story and many more

    Copyright © 2022 WhiskAffair Food LLP