This rich and tangy Haydari is a classic Turkish yogurt dip made with thick Greek yogurt, crumbled feta, fresh herbs, and lemon. Whether served as a dip, spread, or sauce, it's the perfect addition to your Mediterranean table.
What is Haydari?
Haydari (pronounced high-DAH-ree) is a traditional Turkish meze - a small dish served as part of an appetizer spread. It's typically made with strained yogurt or labneh, a cheese similar to Greek yogurt, along with Beyaz Peynir, a Turkish white cheese much like feta. In this version, we use thick full-fat Greek yogurt and feta for a rich, creamy base.
While it may remind some of tzatziki, Haydari is thicker, tangier, and doesn't contain cucumber. It's beloved across Turkey and often served with bread, kebabs, or part of a larger meze platter.
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A Note From Our Kitchen
My husband and I haven't had the chance to visit Turkey-yet! But one of our favorite ways to unwind is by researching cuisines and creating themed feasts at home. Recently, we made a full Turkish spread, including this Haydari, and we'll be sharing more recipes soon: like Cacik, Turkish Flatbread, and Sumac Onions.
Scroll down for step-by-step photos, helpful tips, and tasty flavor variations!
Ingredients You'll Need
Each ingredient in this Haydari recipe brings flavor and balance
- Full-fat Greek yogurt - The thick base of the dip. It's rich in protein and probiotics. Here's a great article on the Health Benefits of Greek Yogurt.
- Feta cheese - Adds tanginess and salt. Choose a creamy block-style feta for best texture.
- Garlic cloves - Just 1-2 for a sharp kick that complements the yogurt.
- Fresh mint & dill - Traditional Turkish herbs that give freshness.
- Extra virgin olive oil - Adds richness and a smooth finish
- Lemon zest and juice - For acidity and brightness.
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper - Balances and enhances the overall flavor.
See the recipe card below for exact quantities.
How to Make Haydari
Tested in our kitchen and loved by our readers-this recipe is simple and delicious
- Mash the feta: In a mixing bowl, use a fork to mash the crumbled feta until mostly smooth.
- Add the yogurt and herbs: Add the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped mint, chopped dill, and lemon zest. Stir to combine.
- Season and finish: Add the lemon juice, olive oil, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.
- Chill and serve: For best flavor, refrigerate for 15-30 minutes before serving. Spoon into a small bowl and drizzle with a little olive oil just before serving.
Chef's Tip: Traditionally, Haydari is made with strained yogurt. If your yogurt isn't thick enough, you can strain it through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve over a bowl for 1-2 hours (or overnight) in the fridge.
Add-Ins and Garnishes
Customize your Haydari with toppings and texture:
- A sprinkle of dried mint or chopped parsley
- Chopped toasted walnuts for crunch
- A few black olives for a savory contrast
- A drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a pinch of sumac
What to Serve with This Turkish Yogurt Dip
Haydari is a versatile dip that plays many roles-it can be an appetizer, side dish, condiment, or even a sandwich spread. Its creamy, tangy flavor pairs beautifully with a wide variety of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. Here are some of our favorite serving ideas:
- Mezze platter favorites - Add Haydari to a colorful mezze platter alongside hummus, baba ganoush, cacik, marinated olives, and stuffed grape leaves (dolma).
- With flatbreads and crudités - Serve with Turkish flatbread, toasted pita wedges, lavash, or a mix of fresh vegetables like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, radishes, and bell pepper strips for dipping.
- Grilled or roasted meats - Use Haydari as a sauce for grilled or roasted lamb, beef koftas, or chicken souvlaki. It's also perfect with our Oven-Baked Mediterranean Chicken Tenders.
- Seafood pairings - Spoon over grilled white fish, serve with our Sheet Pan Lebanese Salmon, or try it alongside shrimp skewers or a warm seafood mezze.
- Falafel favorites - Add a dollop to Falafel Rice Bowls, pair with crispy falafel balls, or stuff into falafel wraps with lettuce, tomato, and pickled onions.
- Wraps, pitas & sandwiches - Spread onto a Falafel Gyro, grilled vegetable pita, or even a chicken shawarma wrap. Try it as a tangy layer in a Mediterranean veggie sandwich with roasted eggplant and zucchini.
- Roasted or grilled vegetables - Use as a creamy contrast for roasted carrots, charred cauliflower, or a warm eggplant salad. You can also spoon it over a bowl of grilled sweet potatoes or zucchini ribbons.
- Snack boards and grazing tables - Include Haydari on a Mediterranean-inspired cheese board with soft cheeses, olives, nuts, and fruit. It also works beautifully as a creamy dip on a holiday grazing platter.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: This dip can be made 2-3 days in advance. Store in an airtight container and give it a quick stir before serving.
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Not Freezer Friendly: Freezing will change the texture of the yogurt and herbs, so it's best enjoyed fresh.
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FAQ's
A : Yes! This recipe contains no meat or meat-based ingredients, making it vegetarian-friendly. Just check your feta label to ensure it's made with vegetarian rennet.
A : You can, but full-fat yogurt gives the best texture and flavor. Low-fat yogurt may make the dip thinner and less creamy.
A : It's pronounced high-DAH-ree, with the emphasis on the second syllable.
A : Haydari is thicker, made with strained yogurt and feta, and doesn't include cucumber. Tzatziki is usually thinner, cucumber-based, and has a more refreshing flavor profile.
More Condiments and Sauces
- Creamy Lemon Tahini Yogurt Dressing Recipe
- Easy Balsamic Glaze Recipe (Balsamic Reduction)
- Quick Pickled Red Onions (5-Minute Prep!)
- Lemon Garlic Dressing (Easy Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe)
We hope you love this creamy, tangy Haydari dip as much as we do. It's simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for entertaining or everyday snacking.
Don't forget to pin this recipe and leave us a comment if you try it-we'd love to hear how you served it!
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Haydari - Creamy Turkish Yogurt Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 25-40 mins
- Yield: 4-6
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This rich and tangy Haydari is a classic Turkish yogurt dip made with thick Greek yogurt, crumbled feta, fresh herbs, and lemon. Whether served as a dip, spread, or sauce, it's the perfect addition to your Mediterranean table.
Ingredients
1 cup (240g) full-fat Greek yogurt
½ cup (75g) feta cheese, crumbled
1-2 garlic cloves, minced
1-2 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped
1-2 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Zest and juice of ½ lemon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Mash the feta: In a mixing bowl, use a fork to mash the crumbled feta until mostly smooth.
Add the yogurt and herbs: Add the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped mint, chopped dill, and lemon zest. Stir to combine.
Season and finish: Add the lemon juice, olive oil, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.
Chill and serve: For best flavor, refrigerate for 15-30 minutes before serving. Spoon into a small bowl and drizzle with a little olive oil just before serving.
Notes
How to Strain Yogurt: Normally this dip is made with strained yogurt, but we managed to find a super thick greek yogurt and skipped this step. If your yogurt isn't very thick, strain it by placing it in a cheesecloth-lined sieve over a bowl. Let it drain in the fridge for 1-2 hours (or overnight) until thick and creamy. This helps mimic traditional strained yogurt or labneh for an authentic texture.
Make Ahead: Make up to 2-3 days in advance. Stir well before serving.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Not Freezer Friendly: Due to the dairy and fresh herbs, freezing is not recommend
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Chilling Time: 15-30 mins
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 104
- Sugar: 2.5 g
- Sodium: 182.2 mg
- Fat: 7.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 3.5 g
- Protein: 6.3 g
- Cholesterol: 17.3 mg
The nutrition is an estimate only. It was calculated using Nutrifox, an online nutrition calculator.
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