Cacik (Turkish Yoghurt & Cucumber) Recipe
Creamy, cooling, and bursting with fresh herbs, Cacik (Turkish Yoghurt & Cucumber) is one of those dishes that instantly whisks you to the sun-drenched courtyards of Turkey. Every spoonful of this silky yogurt and cucumber sensation offers a refreshing balance of tangy, herby, slightly garlicky notes—a perfect companion to hearty mains or just scooped up with some ripped pita. Whether you need a light side, a dreamy dip, or a quick cool reprieve on a hot day, this recipe is a true gem to add to your repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cacik (Turkish Yoghurt & Cucumber) lies in its simple, everyday ingredients. Each one is essential, bringing its own pop of flavor, color, or creaminess—together, they create a medley that’s far greater than the sum of its parts.
- Greek Yogurt: Thick, creamy, and the star of the dish; full-fat or low-fat both work, but the creamier, the better.
- Cucumber: Brings that unmistakable crunch and coolness; peel for extra smoothness or leave it on for added texture.
- Garlic: Just a couple of cloves add that characteristic savory kick; adjust to taste if you love extra bite.
- Olive Oil: Adds silkiness and a gorgeous golden finish; use your favorite good-quality oil for drizzling, too.
- Fresh Dill: Essential for its bright, grassy flavor; don’t skip this one!
- Fresh Mint: Lends a burst of cool aroma and complements the cucumber perfectly.
- Lemon Juice (optional): Gives a gentle tang and really lifts all the flavors.
- Salt: Draws out the cucumber’s juices and makes every element pop.
- Black Pepper: A light crack for warmth and depth; freshly ground is ideal.
- Cold Water: Helps you fine-tune the consistency—go thick for dipping or thin for sipping.
How to Make Cacik (Turkish Yoghurt & Cucumber)
Step 1: Whisk the Yogurt
Begin by adding the Greek yogurt to a large mixing bowl. Take a minute to really whisk it until smooth and creamy—this extra step makes for an unbelievably silky base and ensures everything blends beautifully later. If your yogurt is extra thick, a quick whisk will also help lighten it up.
Step 2: Prepare the Cucumber
Decide if you want your Cacik (Turkish Yoghurt & Cucumber) rustic or ultra-smooth: dice the cucumber for more crunch, or grate it for a delicate texture. If the cucumber has a tough skin or large seeds, feel free to peel and deseed—it’s all about your preference and how you want the final dip to feel in every bite.
Step 3: Add the Good Stuff
To the yogurt, stir in the prepared cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, dill, mint, lemon juice (if using), salt, and black pepper. Make sure those fresh herbs are chopped finely to release all their flavor into the mix. The aromatics will hit your nose straight away—trust me, it’s a good sign!
Step 4: Adjust Consistency
The beauty of Cacik (Turkish Yoghurt & Cucumber) is that you control the texture. Want a dip for bread or veggies? Keep it thick. Prefer a chilled soup or a pourable side dish? Add cold water gradually, one tablespoon at a time, whisking as you go, until it’s just how you like it.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Let the finished mixture chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—this isn’t just about temperature, it’s when all the flavors really blend together. Before serving, give it a quick stir, then drizzle with extra olive oil and a scattering of fresh herbs if you want to go the extra mile. Serve cold and savor every refreshing spoonful!
How to Serve Cacik (Turkish Yoghurt & Cucumber)
Garnishes
A simple drizzle of olive oil across the top is classic and adds a touch of luxury. Sprinkle extra chopped dill, mint, or even a pinch of smoked paprika for color and intrigue. Toasted nuts or seeds, like walnuts or pumpkin seeds, can bring an unexpected crunch if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
Cacik (Turkish Yoghurt & Cucumber) is incredibly versatile alongside most Mediterranean spreads—think fluffy pita, warm flatbreads, or fresh crudités. It acts as a perfect counterpoint to spicy kebabs, grilled chicken, falafel, or roasted vegetables, elevating even the simplest plates with its cool, tangy finish.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn individual servings of Cacik (Turkish Yoghurt & Cucumber) into elegant appetizers by dolloping them into small bowls or shot glasses, garnished with microgreens or edible flowers. For a party, serve it as a dip on a mezze platter or even spoon it over roasted potatoes for a punchy potato salad twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any extra Cacik (Turkish Yoghurt & Cucumber) to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will last beautifully for up to three days—if the cucumber releases extra liquid over time, just give it a quick stir before serving, and you’re good to go.
Freezing
While technically possible, freezing Cacik (Turkish Yoghurt & Cucumber) isn’t ideal. The yogurt’s texture can separate and become grainy after thawing, and the fresh herbs lose their best flavor. For peak freshness and the creamiest results, stick with refrigerating small batches.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this dish—Cacik (Turkish Yoghurt & Cucumber) is meant to be enjoyed ice cold. If it gets a little too cold in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to take the chill off before serving.
FAQs
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Absolutely! Regular yogurt works well, though the result will be thinner and less creamy. You can strain it through a cheesecloth or coffee filter to remove excess whey if you prefer a texture closer to Greek yogurt for your Cacik (Turkish Yoghurt & Cucumber).
Do I need to peel the cucumber?
It’s completely up to you and the type Side Dish, Dip. If the skin is tender and not too bitter, keeping it on adds a nice color and extra nutrients. But for a more traditional and smooth Cacik (Turkish Yoghurt & Cucumber), peeling is recommended.
How long can I make Cacik (Turkish Yoghurt & Cucumber) in advance?
You can prepare it up to a day ahead and refrigerate—it actually tastes better after resting as the flavors meld. For a quick freshen-up before serving, give it a stir and adjust seasoning if needed.
What’s the difference between Cacik and tzatziki?
While both are creamy cucumber-yogurt dips, Cacik (Turkish Yoghurt & Cucumber) is often thinner and sometimes eaten as a cold soup, with distinctive flavors from the use of both dill and mint. Tzatziki, from Greece, tends to be thicker with a more pronounced garlicky zing and usually omits mint.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Absolutely! While dill and mint are classic, parsley, chives, or even a touch of sumac or Aleppo pepper can add a personalized twist to your Cacik (Turkish Yoghurt & Cucumber). Just remember, keep it balanced so the cucumbers and yogurt still shine.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Cacik (Turkish Yoghurt & Cucumber) at home, it’s the perfect time to dive in. It’s the definition of easy, refreshing, and endlessly versatile—just pure Mediterranean delight in a bowl. I promise it will become a fast favorite at your table, whether as a side, dip, or stand-alone snack. Enjoy every creamy, herby moment!
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Cacik (Turkish Yoghurt & Cucumber) Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Cacik is a refreshing Turkish yogurt and cucumber dish that can be enjoyed as a dip, sauce, or side. This creamy and herby mixture is perfect for summer gatherings and pairs well with grilled meats or as a light appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Cacik:
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup cucumber (finely diced or grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cold water to thin (2–4 tablespoons, as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Yogurt Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth and creamy.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in the cucumber, garlic, olive oil, dill, mint, lemon juice (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Adjust Consistency: Add cold water a tablespoon at a time to reach your desired thickness.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to blend flavors.
- Serve: Drizzle with olive oil, garnish with herbs, and enjoy!
Notes
- For a traditional twist, use strained yogurt and peeled cucumber.
- Cacik is versatile and can be served in various ways.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Dip
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
