Cacık is one of the most common and refreshing dishes in Turkish cuisine, especially during the summer. It is usually served alongside homemade meals like rice, beans, kebabs, or grilled vegetables. Almost every Turkish family has their own version of cacık, and it’s a staple on everyday dinner tables rather than a special occasion dish.
Because yogurt is such a big part of Turkish culture, cacık is something many of us grow up eating regularly. It’s simple, comforting, and associated with warm weather, family dinners, and long meals shared together.

Preparation:

10 minutes

Servings:

3-4

Ingredients:

• 2 cups yogurt
• 2/3 small cucumber
• 1 clove garlic (optional)
• Cold water (depending on how thick you like it)
• Salt
• Dried mint or fresh mint
• Olive oil (optional)

Tips

Some people also add fresh dill or cucumber juice for extra freshness. Most ingredients can be found in regular grocery stores, but Turkish or Middle Eastern markets usually have thicker yogurt varieties that work especially well for authentic cacık.

Preparation

1. Grate or finely chop the cucumber.
2. Mix yogurt with a little cold water until smooth.
3. Add cucumber, crushed garlic, and salt.
4. Sprinkle mint on top and drizzle a little olive oil if desired.
5. Serve cold

Paired or Served With:

Cacık is one of the most refreshing and popular side dishes in Turkish cuisine, especially during summer. It’s usually served with kebabs, rice dishes, kuru fasulye, or grilled foods.