This chilled Turkish cucumber and yogurt soup — cacik — is summer in a bowl: cooling cucumber, garlicky yogurt, dill, and a scatter of walnuts. Fifteen minutes of work, an hour in the refrigerator, and dinner is cold and ready.
When the summer sun is blazing and the last thing you want to do is turn on the stove, this Chilled Turkish Cucumber and Yogurt Soup is your delicious escape! Known as ‘Cacik’ in Turkey, this isn’t just a recipe; it’s a glass of cool, creamy refreshment. Imagine the crispness of fresh cucumber, the tangy embrace of yogurt, and the bright, aromatic notes of dill, all coming together in a blissfully simple, no-cook soup. It’s the perfect light lunch, a sophisticated starter for a Mediterranean feast, or your secret weapon for staying cool and satisfied all season long.
Ingredients
• 3 cups / 720g (25.4 oz) plain yogurt, full-fat recommended
• ½ cup / 120ml (4.1 fl oz) cold water
• 2 medium cucumbers, peeled and deseeded
• 3 tbsp / 45ml extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp / 15ml red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) minced fresh dill
• 1 tbsp minced fresh parsley
• ½ tsp / 2.5g (0.09 oz) salt, or to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• ½ cup / 60g (2.12 oz) walnuts, finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt and cold water until you have a smooth, consistent base.
2. Peel the cucumbers, cut them in half lengthwise, and use a spoon to scrape out the seeds. Finely dice the cucumber and add it to the yogurt mixture.
3. Stir in the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, fresh dill, and fresh parsley until well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together.
5. To serve, ladle the soup into chilled bowls and garnish generously with the finely chopped walnuts.
Nutritional Information
• Nutritional Highlights
• Rich in Probiotics: The yogurt base is excellent for promoting gut health.
• Hydrating & Low-Calorie: Cucumbers are over 95% water, making this soup incredibly refreshing.
• Healthy Fats: Olive oil and walnuts provide heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
• Source of Protein: A satisfying and protein-rich meal to keep you feeling full longer.
Pro Tips
• For an ultra-creamy texture, use full-fat Greek yogurt. You may need an extra splash of water to get the perfect consistency.
• To prevent a watery soup, salt the diced cucumber and let it rest in a colander for 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Rinse and pat dry before using.
• Make it ahead! The soup’s flavor deepens and improves if you let it chill for at least 4 hours or even overnight.
• Get creative with toppings. A sprinkle of sumac, a few fresh mint leaves, or a drizzle of chili-infused olive oil adds a beautiful finishing touch.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this Turkish cucumber soup vegan
A: Yes, you can easily make a vegan version. Simply substitute the dairy yogurt with a plain, unsweetened plant-based yogurt. A thick and creamy coconut, soy, or almond-based yogurt will work best to achieve a similar texture.
Q: Is this vegetarian soup a good source of protein
A: Absolutely. The yogurt is the primary source of protein in this recipe. Using a full-fat or Greek-style yogurt, as recommended, significantly boosts the protein content, making it a satisfying and filling vegetarian meal that helps keep you full longer.
Q: How long can I store this vegetarian yogurt soup
A: This soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually deepen and become more delicious after chilling overnight. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving as some natural separation may occur.
Q: What can I add to make this soup a more complete vegetarian meal
A: To make this a more substantial meal, serve it with warm pita bread for dipping and a side of hummus or a simple chickpea salad. You can also stir in a cup of cooked quinoa directly into the soup for added fiber and plant-based protein.
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Chilled Turkish Cucumber and Yogurt Soup (Cacik)
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt and cold water until you have a smooth, consistent base.
- Peel the cucumbers, cut them in half lengthwise, and use a spoon to scrape out the seeds. Finely dice the cucumber and add it to the yogurt mixture.
- Stir in the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, fresh dill, and fresh parsley until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together.
- To serve, ladle the soup into chilled bowls and garnish generously with the finely chopped walnuts.
