Your Guide to a Perfect Low Carb Cava Order

December 6, 2025 •

3 min read

According to research from the National Center for Health Statistics, a growing number of Americans are choosing low-carb diets to meet their health goals. This trend has led to a demand for customizable, low-carb options at popular fast-casual restaurants like Cava, where building the perfect low carb Cava order is easier than you might think.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of menu items at Cava to help you build a delicious and satisfying low-carb or keto-friendly bowl. It covers optimal choices for bases, proteins, dips, and toppings, while also advising on which items to avoid to maintain a low carbohydrate count.

Key Points

Start with a Salad Base: Opt for a bowl with SplendidGreens or SuperGreens instead of grains like rice to keep the carb count low.
Focus on Protein: Choose grilled chicken, grilled steak, or spicy lamb meatballs for a protein-rich, low-carb meal.
Select Low-Carb Dips: Tzatziki, Crazy Feta®, and Harissa are excellent low-carb dip choices to add flavor.
Load Up on Veggies: Most toppings, including cucumbers, tomatoes, and pickled onions, are low-carb and can be added generously.
Choose Dressings Wisely: Opt for lower-carb dressings like Lemon Herb Tahini or Greek Vinaigrette and avoid higher-sugar options.
Limit High-Carb Extras: Skip the pita bread and pita chips to ensure your meal remains low carb.
Customize Your Order Clearly: Specify to the Cava team member that you want no grains and no pita to prevent carb creep.

Cava has become a go-to spot for fresh, Mediterranean-inspired fare, but navigating the menu on a low-carb diet requires some insider knowledge. The key is customization, which allows you to enjoy all the vibrant flavors while keeping your meal keto-compliant. By understanding the nutritional content of each ingredient, you can craft a delicious bowl tailored to your needs.

Step 1: Choosing Your Base

At Cava, your choice of base is the most critical decision for a low-carb order. While the traditional grains like saffron basmati rice are high in carbohydrates, several excellent alternatives can serve as the foundation of your meal.

SplendidGreens: A mix of baby spinach, romaine, and other greens, this is the safest and most popular low-carb base.
SuperGreens: Another nutrient-dense and low-carb leafy green option to build your bowl on.
RightRice®: This is a great alternative for those who miss grains. While not zero-carb, it is significantly lower in carbs than traditional rice.

Step 2: Selecting Your Protein

Cava's protein options are generally low-carb and protein-packed, making them a perfect addition to any low-carb bowl.

Grilled Chicken: A classic, flavorful choice that adds lean protein without extra carbs.
Grilled Steak: A solid, savory option that provides excellent protein content.
Spicy Lamb Meatballs: These flavorful meatballs are a good choice but always verify the sauce or glaze to ensure it's not sugar-laden.
Falafel: While falafel is an option, it's deep-fried and contains more carbs than other proteins, so it should be consumed in moderation on a strict low-carb diet.

Step 3: Navigating Dips and Spreads

Some of Cava's delicious dips are low-carb, while others can quickly increase your carb count. The key is to be selective with your choices and portion sizes.

Tzatziki: A creamy, yogurt-based dip that is a great low-carb addition.
Crazy Feta®: This flavorful, spicy feta dip is a fantastic low-carb option.
Harissa: The fiery pepper spread is typically low in carbs, adding a great kick.
Hummus: While traditional hummus is a healthy choice, it does contain carbs, so use it sparingly or avoid it for a very strict keto plan.

Step 4: Pile on the Toppings

This is where you can load up your bowl with flavor, texture, and nutrients without adding many carbs. Most of the fresh vegetables and cheeses are low-carb-friendly.

Low-Carb Topping Winners

Avocado
Crumbled Feta
Persian Cucumber
Tomatoes
Pickled Onions
Kalamata Olives
Cabbage Slaw
Fiery Broccoli

Topping to Use with Caution

Corn

Step 5: Choosing Your Dressing

Similar to the dips, some dressings are better for a low-carb diet than others. Creamy, high-sugar options should be avoided.

Lemon Herb Tahini: This creamy, zesty dressing adds great flavor with minimal carbs.
Greek Vinaigrette: A light and tangy dressing that is generally low in sugar.
Garlic Dressing: Some variations can be low-carb, but it is best to check the nutritional information or ask an employee.
Hot Harissa Vinaigrette: For those who like a spicy kick, this is a good low-carb choice.

Comparison of Low-Carb Curated Bowls

Cava offers some pre-designed bowls that can be modified for a low-carb diet. Below is a comparison to help you decide.


Curated Bowl	Base Modification	Keto-Friendly Dips	Toppings to Avoid	Net Carbs	Notes
Greek Salad Bowl	No modifications needed	All are typically fine	None	~10g	Easiest option to order
Steak + Harissa Bowl	Ask for no Brown Rice	Crazy Feta, Harissa Vinaigrette	Brown rice	~13g	Protein-packed choice

Conclusion

Ordering a delicious low carb Cava order is simple by focusing on greens, lean proteins, and low-carb vegetables. The customizable nature of Cava allows you to build a satisfying meal that aligns perfectly with your dietary preferences, proving that fast-casual dining can be both healthy and flavorful. With careful choices regarding your base, dips, and dressings, you can enjoy a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired bowl without compromising your nutritional goals. Just remember to hold the grains, skip the pita, and be mindful of high-sugar add-ins. For additional information on their nutritional offerings, consider visiting the official Cava nutrition guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

The lowest carb base options at Cava are the SplendidGreens and SuperGreens, both of which consist of leafy greens and have minimal carbohydrates.

Grilled chicken and grilled steak are the most keto-friendly protein options. While flavorful, falafel is higher in carbs due to its preparation and ingredients.

Hummus contains a notable amount of carbs. While a small amount might be acceptable on a moderate low-carb diet, it is best to limit or avoid it for a very strict keto approach.

Excellent low-carb dip options include Tzatziki, Crazy Feta®, and Harissa. These provide rich flavor without a high carb count.

The Greek Salad Bowl is a low-carb curated option, but it is still important to confirm no hummus or other higher-carb items are included, especially if you have strict carb limits. The Steak + Harissa bowl is also a solid choice if you omit the rice.

The Lemon Herb Tahini, Greek Vinaigrette, and Hot Harissa Vinaigrette are good low-carb dressing choices. Requesting dressing on the side is a great way to control your intake.

To avoid hidden carbs, always start with a greens-only base, explicitly request no pita or pita crisps, and be mindful of your portion sizes for dips like hummus and certain spreads.