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Cacık (Yogurt & Cucumber Side)

A cool, creamy yogurt-based side served lightly thinned and chilled. Ready in just 10 minutes, cacık brings freshness and balance to grilled dishes, rice, and warm summer meals.
Shared notes will appear here.
Everyday Cooking
Turkish
Kitchen Pace : 🕒
Servings: 4
Recipe by NAVA Kitchen
Cacık with olive oil and red pepper, served chilled in a ceramic bowl.
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Ingredients:

  • 2 cups yogurt, plain, whole milk
  • 1 garlic clove, pressed
  • 1 cup cucumber, finely sliced or small diced
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, packed, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp dried mint
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ cup cold water
Optional toppings
  • Olive oil, for drizzling
  • Red crushed pepper, for sprinkling

Method:

Start Cooking
  • In a bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth.
  • Add grated garlic, dill, dried mint, salt, and cucumber. Stir to combine.
  • Slowly add cold water, a little at a time, until the texture becomes lightly thinned and spoonable. It should not be thick like a dip.
  • Transfer to a serving bowl. Swirl with olive oil and sprinkle with red crushed pepper if desired.
  • Chill before serving. Serve cold. Bon appétit.

Kitchen Tools:

Notes:

From the kitchen
  • If you prefer a thicker consistency, reduce the water slightly.
  • For a dip-style version, use Greek yogurt and skip the water entirely.
  • Finely diced cucumber gives texture, while grated cucumber creates a softer, more blended finish.
 
Make it yours
  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
  • Use only mint, only dill, or keep it simple with just cucumber and garlic.
  • Add extra garlic if you enjoy a stronger flavor.
 
At the table
  • Serve alongside grilled meats, rice dishes, stuffed vegetables, or part of a mezze spread.
  • It balances rich and spiced dishes beautifully.
  • As a dip: Thicker, served with pita bread or as part of a mezze platter. 
  • As a soup: Thinned with cold water, served in a bowl with a spoon, often before or during a meal as a salad replacement. 
  • As a side: Pairs well with kebabs, grilled meats, and rice dishes. 

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Nutrition:

Calories: 84 kcal | Carbohydrates: 7 g | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 4 g | Saturated Fat: 3 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 18 mg | Sodium: 146 mg | Potassium: 259 mg | Fiber: 0.3 g | Sugar: 6 g | Vitamin A: 168 IU | Vitamin C: 2 mg | Calcium: 159 mg | Iron: 0.3 mg
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