Cool cucumber and thick yogurt mingle with garlic, dried mint and lemon, finished with olive oil for a refreshing Turkish dip.
Squeezing the cucumber keeps Cacik thick enough to scoop, while dried mint softens in the lemon juice and oil. Starting with Greek yogurt gives a strained texture without an overnight draining step.
Remove the watery seed core before grating and use a light hand with the garlic. A short chill lets its sharpness spread through the yogurt instead of sitting in concentrated pockets.
Method
Mix dried mint with lemon juice and half the olive oil in a bowl. Squeeze grated cucumber firmly in a clean towel to remove excess liquid.
Stir Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic and salt into the mint mixture until evenly combined. Cover and refrigerate for so the flavors mingle.
Spoon into a shallow bowl and drizzle with the remaining olive oil. Serve chilled alongside grilled food or bread.
Forkue tips
- For a looser, spoonable version, stir in cold water a tablespoon at a time after chilling.
Storing and reheating
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days. Stir before serving because cucumber may release a little water; freezing makes the yogurt grainy.
Made it?
Tap a star to rate it. It helps the next cook decide.
Kitchen gear
Forkue may earn a commission from links on this page, at no extra cost to you.Nutrition per serving, estimated
Cacik: FAQ
Can I use regular yogurt?
Yes. Strain it in the refrigerator until thick, then measure the amount needed. Greek yogurt saves that waiting time.
Why is my dip watery?
The cucumber may not have been squeezed enough, or the yogurt was thin. Drain excess liquid and use thicker yogurt next time.
How do I store and reheat Cacik?
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days. Stir before serving because cucumber may release a little water; freezing makes the yogurt grainy.
How long does Cacik take?
About 40 min in total: 40 min prep and 0 min cooking.
What do I need to make Cacik?
The key ingredients are greek yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, dried mint and garlic, plus pantry basics.
Any tips for Cacik?
For a looser, spoonable version, stir in cold water a tablespoon at a time after chilling.
Cook this next
45 minGreek · Nut-free
Lamb Tzatziki Burgers
1 hr 30 minTurkish · Gluten-free
Imam Bayildi with BBQ Lamb & Tzatziki
39 minTurkish · Vegetarian
Griddled Eggplant with Sesame Dressing
30 minTurkish · Nut-free
Turkish-Style Lamb
30 minMiddle Eastern · Vegan
Fattoush
2 hr 10 minArmenian · Vegetarian