Cacik Recipe – Turkish Yogurt and Cucumber Dip

Cacik is a refreshing, creamy Turkish yogurt and cucumber dip perfect for mezze platters, summer grills, or as a cool sauce for roasted meats. Made with yogurt, fresh herbs, and crisp cucumbers, it's one of the easiest Turkish recipes to master at home.

What is Cacik?

Cacik (pronounced jah-jick) is a beloved Turkish yogurt and cucumber dip, known for its refreshing, versatile nature. It can be served as a dip, side, or thinned into a cold cucumber soup, highlighting simple, fresh ingredients.

Every household has its own style - some grate the cucumber, others chop the cucumber and keep it chunky. While similar to Greek tzatziki, Cacik is typically lighter and often enjoyed as a chilled soup or alongside grilled meats or mezze spreads.

Although my husband and I haven't yet had the privilege of visiting Turkey, we often escape there through our weekend cooking adventures. We recently dedicated a whole weekend to making a Turkish feast and fell in love with this dip. Here's a few more of our Turkish recipes to try: Turkish Flatbread, Haydari, and Sumac Onions.

Scroll down for step-by-step photos, helpful tips, and fun flavor variations!

Jump to:

• What is Cacik?
• Ingredients You'll Need
• How to Make Cacik
• Is Cacik a Dip or a Soup?
• Flavor Variations and Add-Ins
• How to Cater for Guests with Dietary Needs
• What to Serve with This Turkish Yogurt and Cucumber Dip
• Best Wine Pairings with Cacik
• Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
• Join Our Newsletter
• FAQ's
• More Dip Recipes
• Cacik Recipe - Turkish Yogurt and Cucumber Dip

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what goes into making authentic Cacik

• Persian cucumber - Crisp, tender, and less watery, perfect for grating or chopping.
• Garlic clove - Adds a pungent, savory kick; check out Healthline's guide to garlic's health benefits.
• Full-fat Turkish or Greek yogurt - Creamy and tangy, delivering probiotics and richness.
• Dried mint - A signature herb in Turkish Cacik, bringing a bright, refreshing flavor.
• Fresh dill - Brings a delicate, herbal flavor with a hint of sweetness.
• Extra virgin olive oil - A drizzle for richness and a silky mouthfeel.
• Salt - Enhances all the flavors.
• Pinch of sumac (optional) - For a tangy, citrusy sprinkle on top.

See the recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Cacik

Tested in our kitchen and loved by our readers-this recipe is simple and reliable!

Prepare the cucumber - Grate the cucumber using the coarse side of a box grater. Place in a clean tea towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out excess water to prevent a watery dip.

Chef's Tip: If using chopped cucumber, remove the core for a less watery dip.

Mix the base - In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated garlic, chopped dill, and olive oil. Stir until creamy and smooth.

Chef's Tip: For a thicker consistency, you can make Cacik with strained yogurt. Strain yogurt through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve over a bowl for 1-2 hours (or overnight) in the fridge.

Add cucumber and season - Fold in the grated cucumber and season with salt to taste. Add a splash of cold water (1-2 tbsp) if you prefer a thinner, more sauce-like consistency.

Chill and serve - Chill for 15-30 minutes if time allows. To serve, drizzle with a little more olive oil and sprinkle with sumac for a tangy finish.

Chef's Tip: Let the flavors meld in the fridge and serve chilled!

Is Cacik a Dip or a Soup?

Cacik is wonderfully versatile - you can grate or chop the cucumber, depending on your texture preference, and serve it in two delicious ways:

• Dip or Sauce - Keep it thick and creamy to use as a dip for bread or a sauce for grilled dishes.
• Soup - Thin it down with the cucumber juices you squeezed out and ice-cold water for a light, refreshing cold soup.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ins

Looking to switch things up? Here are a few simple ways to add extra flavor or a personal twist:

• Add a pinch of ground cumin, sumac, or Aleppo pepper flakes for extra spice.
• Grate in a little lemon zest for brightness.
• Swap or add fresh mint for a different herb flavor.

How to Cater for Guests with Dietary Needs

Cacik is easy to adapt for various diets, so everyone can enjoy this fresh, flavorful dish.

• Vegan/Dairy-Free: Use plant-based yogurt like almond, coconut, or soy. Choose an unsweetened, plain variety to keep the flavors balanced. Note that the texture may be slightly thinner or less creamy compared to traditional dairy yogurt.
• Gluten-Free: Cacik is naturally gluten-free! Just be mindful of what you serve it with - opt for gluten-free breads, crackers, or fresh veggies for dipping.

What to Serve with This Turkish Yogurt and Cucumber Dip

Cacik is the ultimate companion for all kinds of dishes - it adds a refreshing, creamy touch that pairs beautifully with bold flavors and hearty plates. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:

• Mezze platters: Pair with hummus, falafel, haydari, baba ganoush, muhammara, and Lebanese moussaka for a colorful, shareable spread.
  Flatbreads: Scoop it up with soft Turkish flatbread, warm pita, or homemade lavash.
• BBQ, roasted, or grilled meats and seafood: Serve alongside Mediterranean chicken tenders, grilled shrimp, salmon patties, lemon and herb roast chicken, grilled or roasted lamb, or spiced chicken thighs.
• Kebabs and koftas: Delicious with Middle Eastern ground beef koftas, mini lamb koftas, grilled chicken skewers, or halloumi kebabs.
• Vegetables: Use as a dip for fresh crudité like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers, or spoon it over grilled zucchini, eggplant, or roasted sweet potatoes.
• As a dressing or spread: Drizzle over salads, spread on sandwiches or wraps.

Best Wine Pairings with Cacik

Wondering what to sip alongside your Cacik spread? Here are a few wine pairings that beautifully complement its creamy, herbaceous flavors:

• Crisp, zesty whites like Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, Albariño, or Greek Assyrtiko bring bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the yogurt.
• Light, citrusy rosé wines add a fresh, fruity note that pairs beautifully with the cucumber and herbs.
• Dry sparkling wines (like Brut Champagne or Cava) provide a lively, refreshing contrast that lifts the dish and adds a touch of celebration.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Cacik stores well, making it a convenient dish to prepare ahead or enjoy as leftovers in creative ways.

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Give it a quick stir before serving, as some liquid may separate.
• Make ahead: Prepare a few hours ahead of time to let the flavors meld and deepen in the fridge - it actually tastes better after a little resting time!
• Not freezer-friendly: Avoid freezing, as the yogurt base may split or become grainy when thawed.
• Ways to use leftovers: Spread on sandwiches or wraps, drizzle over grain bowls or salads, or spoon over grilled fish, chicken, or roasted veggies for an instant flavor boost.

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FAQ's

More Dip Recipes

Cacik is a light, refreshing addition to any table - whether you're serving it with flatbread, grilled meats, or a big mezze spread. We hope you love making this recipe as much as we did! 

Remember to pin this recipe for later and let us know in the comments how you served yours!

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The nutrition is an estimate only. It was calculated using Nutrifox, an online nutrition calculator.