What is the best Cava order for protein?

January 4, 2026 •

4 min read

According to social media posts and nutrition guides, a customized Cava bowl can deliver over 50 grams of protein by doubling up on lean meats like grilled steak. The Mediterranean fast-casual chain is a popular choice for those seeking a quick, healthy meal, but knowing what is the best Cava order for protein requires a strategic approach to customization.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals the optimal strategy for building a high-protein Cava order, combining protein-rich bases, doubling your meat, and layering on nutritious spreads and toppings for a macro-packed, satisfying meal.

Key Points

Double Your Protein: Opting for a double portion of grilled chicken or grilled steak is the most effective way to maximize your protein intake at Cava.
Choose a Smart Base: Combining greens with black lentils or RightRice provides a foundational protein boost from the start, unlike traditional white rice.
Leverage Hummus: Adding traditional or red pepper hummus provides extra protein and healthy fats to your bowl.
Be Mindful of Sugar: If you're managing macros, be aware that Harissa Honey Chicken and some dressings contain added sugars; stick to grilled meats and vinaigrettes for lower sugar options.
Balance Your Bowl: Load up on fibrous veggies like fiery broccoli and add creamy, protein-rich spreads like tzatziki to ensure a well-rounded and filling meal.
Control Your Dressings: Ask for dressings on the side to manage your fat and calorie intake while still enjoying great flavor.

Your Strategy for Maximizing Protein at Cava

At Cava, every bowl is built from the ground up, giving you complete control over your meal's nutritional profile. For those prioritizing protein, the key is not just a single ingredient, but a combination of strategic choices. High-protein customization focuses on three main areas: selecting a hearty base, doubling your main protein, and adding protein-rich spreads and toppings to boost your final macro count. This approach ensures you get a filling, flavorful meal that supports muscle growth, satiety, and overall health goals.

Build Your Best High-Protein Cava Bowl

Step 1: Choose a Protein-Focused Base

While an all-greens bowl is a low-calorie option, adding grains or lentils can significantly increase your protein and fiber. Combining half greens and half grains offers the best of both worlds, providing volume and a protein boost without excessive carbs.

SuperGreens + Black Lentils: Black lentils are a stellar, high-fiber base that contributes a solid amount of plant-based protein. Paired with SuperGreens, you get a nutrient-dense foundation for your bowl.
RightRice®: This is a game-changer for protein seekers. RightRice is a lentil, chickpea, and pea-based rice alternative that offers significantly more protein and fiber than traditional rice.

Step 2: Select Your Protein (and Double It!)

This is the most critical step for maximizing protein. While one portion is a good start, doubling your protein is the quickest and most effective way to hit your macro targets. Cava offers several excellent choices.

Grilled Steak: A top-tier option for a major protein boost. Social media examples show bowls with double steak exceeding 50g of protein, making it an excellent choice for a filling, high-impact meal.
Grilled Chicken: This lean protein is a classic choice and also serves as a fantastic foundation for a high-protein bowl. It's lower in fat than steak and a reliable source of quality protein.
Spicy Lamb Meatballs: For a savory, flavorful kick, the spicy lamb meatballs are another strong protein contender. They are high in protein and add a different texture to the bowl.
Falafel: This is the best plant-based option. Made from chickpeas, falafel offers a good amount of protein and fiber for vegetarian and vegan diets.

Step 3: Layer on Protein-Boosting Spreads

Don't overlook the spreads, as they add not only flavor but also valuable macronutrients.

Hummus (Traditional or Red Pepper): Made from chickpeas and tahini, hummus is a fantastic way to increase the protein content of your bowl while adding healthy fats and a creamy texture.
Tzatziki: Made with Greek yogurt, tzatziki contributes a small but meaningful amount of protein and adds a refreshing, probiotic-rich element to your meal.
Crazy Feta: This whipped feta spread adds a tangy, creamy flavor and contains protein from the feta cheese.

Step 4: Load Up on Toppings and a Mindful Dressing

Toppings add volume, fiber, and micronutrients. For a high-protein bowl, focus on fiber-rich vegetables that complement your main ingredients without adding unnecessary fat or sugar.

Fiery Broccoli: A popular choice that adds flavor and vitamins.
Pickled Onions and Salt-Brined Pickles: Add a tangy crunch.
Fresh Cucumbers and Tomatoes: Offer freshness and hydration.

When it comes to dressings, request them on the side to control how much you use. Opt for lighter dressings like Greek Vinaigrette or Yogurt Dill to manage calories, or Tahini Caesar if you prefer a richer flavor without the added sugar of options like Harissa Honey Vinaigrette.

High-Protein Cava Bowl Comparison


Bowl Type	Example Ingredients	Estimated Protein (g)	Focus
Double Steak Bowl	SuperGreens + Saffron Rice, Double Grilled Steak, Red Pepper Hummus, Fiery Broccoli, Pickled Onions, Crumbled Feta, Vinaigrette	~52-59g	High Protein, Robust Flavor
Double Chicken Bowl	SuperGreens + Black Lentils, Double Grilled Chicken, Traditional Hummus, Tzatziki, Tomato & Cucumber, Pickled Onions, Yogurt Dill	~40-50g	Lean Protein, Balanced Macros
Vegan Protein Bowl	RightRice + SuperGreens, Double Falafel, Traditional Hummus, Roasted Red Pepper, Fiery Broccoli, Cucumber, Lemon Herb Tahini	~30-40g	Plant-Based, High Fiber

Recommended Order for Maximum Protein

Select Your Base: Start with a Half SuperGreens, Half Black Lentils base.
Add Your Protein: Choose Double Grilled Steak or Double Grilled Chicken.
Include Spreads: Get a scoop of Traditional Hummus and Tzatziki.
Choose Toppings: Add Fiery Broccoli, Pickled Onions, and Tomato + Cucumber.
Select Your Dressing: Request Greek Vinaigrette or Yogurt Dill on the side.
Add a Crunch: If macros allow, a few pita crisps can add a satisfying texture.

Check out Cava's full menu to customize your next high-protein order.

Conclusion: Your Ultimate High-Protein Cava Order

The best Cava order for protein is one you build yourself, leveraging a strategic combination of ingredients. By starting with a protein-rich base like lentils or RightRice, doubling up on your chosen protein, and layering on hummus and other nutrient-dense toppings, you can create a meal that is both exceptionally high in protein and rich in Mediterranean-inspired flavor. Whether your goal is muscle building, weight management, or simply a satisfying meal, Cava offers the flexibility to hit your targets without sacrificing taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

While official nutrition information can fluctuate, doubling up on either the grilled steak or grilled chicken will yield the highest protein grams in your bowl, often pushing the total well over 40 grams.

Yes, doubling your protein at Cava is the most direct and effective way to significantly increase the protein content of your meal, making it much more filling and beneficial for fitness and macro goals.

The best base for a high-protein bowl is a mix of greens and black lentils or RightRice, a lentil and chickpea-based rice alternative. Both offer more protein and fiber than traditional rice.

Yes, you can build a high-protein vegan bowl by doubling the falafel and including black lentils or RightRice as a base. Adding hummus and other legume-based toppings will also increase the protein count.

To maximize protein without excessive calories, choose a greens-only base, double your lean protein like grilled chicken, and stick to lower-calorie dressings like Greek Vinaigrette. Limiting creamy spreads and cheeses can also help.

Beyond the main protein choices, extra protein comes from spreads like hummus (made from chickpeas and tahini), tzatziki (made with Greek yogurt), and bases like black lentils and RightRice.

While a good source of protein, be aware that Harissa Honey Chicken contains added sugars from the honey. For a cleaner, lower-sugar option, grilled chicken or grilled steak is a better choice.