If you want to eat fresh and feel good, then cava splendid greens should be where you start. We have built this guide for you through a healthy cava order at Philly’s newest location. We’ll discover, “Is cava healthy?” We’ll check cava hours, compare super greens vs splendid greens cava reddit, and even touch on rightrice cava and calories in cava. You’ll walk away knowing how to build a balanced, veggie-packed bowl or pita without overthinking it.
What Makes CAVA Healthy?
CAVA stands out from many fast-casual chains, they don’t rely on processed, calorie-dense foods, instead, they load up on veggies, proteins, and whole grains. Tons of color. Tons of flavor. And you control the ingredients.
Studies show that meals high in vegetables and fiber benefit gut health and help maintain steady blood sugar levels (Slavin, J. L., 2013), that’s exactly what ordering off the CAVA menu can do.
Understanding Your Base Options
When you build your order, choose one of these bases:
- Salad bowl: greens only
- Grains bowl: rice or lentils
- Greens + Grains bowl: combo of both
- Pita: sprouted-grain wrap
Why cava splendid greens matters
The splendid greens base is a nutrient blend that packs around 3 g of fiber per serving with just 20 calories, 0 g of fat, and 15 mg of sodium. You get a filling, crunchy veggie base that still lets the other flavors shine, compared to rice bases, it’s a much smarter pick if you want low-cal or low-carb.
Reddit fans often compare super greens vs splendid greens cava on reddit, whereas superGreens includes kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. It’s heartier and slightly higher in fiber, but still under 50 calories. Splendid greens are lighter and crispier, so both are winners and you can choose based on how much crunch and green you want.
Proteins: Choose Lean to Keep It Clean
CAVA’s protein options vary, but not all are created equal:
Eat This:
- Grilled chicken
- Grilled steak
- Roasted vegetables
Not That:
- Spicy lamb meatballs
- Falafel
Grilled steak brings about 33 g of protein with just 3 g of saturated fat and roughly 260 mg sodium per serving; spicy lamb meatballs, by contrast, are far higher in fat and sodium. Chicken is lean, satisfying, and easy to load up on; if you want to go for the vegetarian option; roasted veggies add vitamins and texture, plus they’re light.
Dips & Spreads: Keep It Light
You can add up to three dips or spreads. Some are healthier:
Eat This:
- Roasted eggplant
- Red pepper hummus
- Tzatziki
Not That:
- Crazy Feta
- Harissa
The roasted eggplant dip clocks in at around 50 calories and 0.5 g saturated fa, it’s earthy and creamy without the heavy sodium or fat. Tzatziki is another winner; it brings protein, tang, and a cool finish.
Skip Crazy Feta or Harissa if you’re watching fat or salt.
Toppings: Veggie-Focus Wins
Go heavy on vegetable toppings. They add crunch, vitamins, and fiber.
Eat This:
- Tomato + cucumber
- Cabbage slaw
- Avocado
Not That:
- Pita crisps
- Salt-brined pickles
Tomato + cucumber blend is low in calories and hydrating, cabbage slaw packs fiber and a tangy crunch. Avocado is higher in fat (~15 g), but the monounsaturated fats are heart-healthy and the fiber (~7 g) helps digestion.
Meanwhile, pita crisps pack extra carbs, fat, and calories; Save them for an occasional treat, not your go-to.
Dressings: Flavor Without Guilt
Choose from up to two dressings. Check the table:
Eat This:
- Yogurt dill
- Lemon herb tahini
- Skhug
Not That:
- Greek vinaigrette
- Garlic dressing
Yogurt dill is light, adds flavor and about 2 g of protein, without excess fat; while the garlic dressing is much heavier, about 20 g of fat per serving. Lemon herb tahini is a flavorful choice; it has fat, but it’s the healthier kind.
Sides: Keep It Simple
You have two options:
Side Pita (~80 calories, 190 mg sodium). Go for it.
Pita chips (~280 calories, 630 mg sodium). Ignore it.
Pick side pita if you want more substance. Pita chips? Only if calories don’t matter.
Sample Healthy CAVA Orders
Here are three dietitian-approved builds that balance flavor and nutrition.
1. Steak Mezze Salad
- Base: SuperGreens + Splendid Greens
- Protein: Grilled steak
- Dips: Red pepper hummus
- Toppings: Tomato + cucumber, cabbage slaw
- Dressing: Yogurt dill
Nutrition: ~495 cal, 33 g protein, 4 g fiber, 1,100 mg sodium
2. Tahini Caesar Bowl
- Base: Splendid Greens
- Protein: Grilled chicken
- Dips: Hummus
- Toppings: Tomato + cucumber
- Dressing: Lemon herb tahini
Nutrition: ~550 cal, 37 g protein, 4 g fiber, 1,200 mg sodium
3. Custom Build (Dietitian’s pick)
- Base: Splendid Greens + black lentils
- Protein: Grilled chicken
- Dips: Red pepper hummus + roasted eggplant
- Toppings: Avocado, tomato + cucumber, cabbage slaw
- Dressing: Yogurt dill
Nutrition: ~615 cal, 35 g protein, 14 g fiber, 1,070 mg sodium
This is a great example of balance: 50% veggies, 25% grains/proteins, 25% extras, and it follows nutritional guidelines for healthy meals.
Bonus: rightrice cava
Some people ask about RightRice cava, but CAVA doesn’t use RightRice-branded grains; they offer black lentils or basmati rice. Lentils are a standout; they provide around 15 g of fiber and less sodium, a better pick than rice.
Reddit Talk: SuperGreens vs Splendid Greens
Reddit users often debate these options. One user shared:
“SuperGreens has more bulk and fiber. Splendid Greens feel lighter and crisp.”
That’s a common split, so choose SuperGreens if you want a hearty feel or go with Splendid Greens if you prefer crisp and light. Both support fiber intake and veggie intake, which may lower disease risk (Slavin, 2013).
Build Strategy at a Glance
Use this checklist when you order:
- Base: splurge on cava splendid greens (crunchy, 20 cal)
- Protein: grill it, chicken or steak. Skip lamb, falafel if low-fat
- Dips: pick up to three, eggplant, hummus, tzatziki are best
- Toppings: load tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage. Maybe avocado
- Dressings: choose yogurt dill or lemon tahini. Skip heavy vinaigrettes
- Sides: side pita beats chips every time
Why It Works
- Fiber & volume: Vegetables and lentils fill you up with low calories
- Lean protein: Satisfies hunger and supports muscle without extra fat
- Healthy fats: From avocado or tahini, but not overdone
- Controlled sodium: Avoiding high-sodium ingredients keeps it under control, and the recommended daily sodium is 2,300 mg. A smart CAVA build often stays under 1,200 mg
Final Tips for Smart Eating
- Use the nutrition calculator in-store or via the CAVA app
- Ask for dressings on the side to control how much goes into your bowl
- Mix greens with grains for balance
- Add variety. Try seasonal veggies or different dips on different visits
In Summary
CAVA’s menu is flexible. You can easily craft a healthy cava order by using cava splendid greens, lean protein, veggie toppings, and light dips. Aim for about 50% veggies, 25% protein, and minimal processed extras. This way, you get flavor, nutrients, and a meal that supports your goals, whether that’s weight management, energy, or just good taste.
So next time you ask, “is cava healthy,” the answer is yes, with mindful choices, and now you know the calories in cava aren’t mysterious. You’ve got the tools.