What is Haydari?
Haydari dip, a traditional Turkish yogurt-based sauce, finds its place as a star attraction in Meze, a selection of small dishes served as appetizers in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines.
Meze, a communal style of dining, allows guests to savor various flavors and textures, and haydari is often enjoyed alongside other small plates such as hummus, falafel, and grilled vegetables.
This tangy, herb-infused dip serves as a refreshing and palate-cleansing element, perfectly complementing grilled meats, kebabs, and various bread or pita varieties. Its creamy texture and zesty undertones make it a versatile and cherished part of the vibrant culinary culture of the region.
Similar to cacık but without the cucumber, and similar to our Garlic Kebab Sauce but with creamy feta cheese and mint.
This delish Greek yogurt dip can go by a few different names, such as “haydari,” “haydariye,” or “haydari sos.” Pronunciation varies, but you can say it as “hah-yah-dah-REE” or “high-dah-REE.” No matter how you say it, the taste is what truly matters.
What You Will Love about this Recipe
The Ingredients
How to Make Haydari Yogurt Sauce
Step 1. Strain the yogurt for a thicker consistency. This can be done by lining a sieve with muslin or a clean kitchen cloth. Spoon the yogurt into the cloth and leave to strain for 1-2 hours in the fridge.
Step 2. Place all the ingredients into a mixing bowl.
Step 3. Stir to combine and season to taste.
Step 4. Drizzle with extra olive oil and sprinkle with fresh herbs and red pepper flakes.
It is easy to make Haydari sauce in the Thermomix. I have included the method in the recipe card. Just make sure to chop the garlic and dill until finely minced before adding the yogurt.
Frequently Asked Questions
You sure can. The dip flavors can develop over a couple of days.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.
Variations of Haydari?
- Roasted red peppers for a smoky twist.
- Chopped walnuts or pine nuts for some crunch.
- Pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and sweetness.
- Smoked paprika for a hint of warmth.
- Mix in a pinch of your favourite Turkish seasonings. Try Baharat, Chermoula, South West Seasoning or Za’atar Seasoning. A little trip around the world fusion of flavors.
Next Recipes To Try
Here are just a few more delicious keto recipes to try this delicious Turkish meze sauce with.
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Haydari Turkish Yogurt Dip
Ingredients
- 1 clove (1 clove) garlic finely chopped
- Zest and juice of ½ lemon
- 2 tablespoons (2 tablespoons) 30ml extra virgin olive oil plus extra for drizzling
- 3 tablespoons (3 tablespoons) finely chopped dill divided, reserve some for garnishing
- 1 tablespoon (1 tablespoon) finely chopped mint leaves
- 250 g (1 ¼ cups) high protein Greek yogurt see notes
- 80 g (½ cups) feta crumbled
- Salt flakes black pepper and chilli flakes, to serve
Instructions
CONVENTIONAL METHOD
- Optional: strain yogurt prior to mixing (see notes). Place garlic, lemon zest and juice, olive oil, dill, mint leaves, yogurt and feta into a large bowl. Mix until combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with reserved dill, chilli flakes, and a drizzle of olive oil.
THERMOMIX METHOD
- Optional: strain yogurt prior to mixing (see notes).
- Place garlic, lemon zest and juice, olive oil, dill, and mint leaves into mixer; chop 3 sec/speed 7. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add yogurt and feta; mix 5 sec/speed 4. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with reserved dill, chilli flakes, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Video
Notes
- Greek yogurt: Opt for full-fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest result.
- Cream cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer texture.
- Fresh herbs: Mint and dill are traditional, but you can experiment with parsley or cilantro.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a zesty kick.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice offers the perfect tang.
- Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances the dip’s flavor.
- Use quality, full-fat dairy products for the creamiest results.
- Strain the yogurt for a thicker dip, if desired
- Let the dip chill for the flavors to meld before serving.
- Adjust the garlic and lemon to suit your taste preferences.
- As a dip for pita bread, cucumber slices, or carrot sticks.
- Alongside grilled meats or kebabs. I love it with Peri Peri Chicken or Beef Kafta.
- As a spread for wraps, Keto Tortillas, or sandwiches.
- As a condiment for Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
17 responses to “Haydari Turkish Yogurt Dip”
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I love yogurt and I’m obsessed with homemade dips! Can’t wait to try it. -
This Haydari Turkish Yogurt Dip is indeed seriously delicious! So tangy and herb-infused dip. Love it!:)
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We really enjoyed this turkish yogurt dip with Falafel wrap. So easy and flavourful dip that can be enjoyed with various dishes. -
Tzatziki is my favorite sauce so I knew I’d love this one too! Loved the addition of feta, it added nice saltiness and savory flavor. A new favorite for any Mediterranean dish for sure! -
This yogurt dip was SO good and all your great tips made it so easy to make. I’m definitely filing this one away for the next time we have company over. -
Thanks for sharing this. We live Meze and being from the Mediterranean really love all that is in this dip. A great fresh full of flavor side to many other lovely Meze dishes. Well done! ❤️ 😍 -
I love the combination of mint, dill, and feta. This is such a great dip for my game nights with friends. -
I love trying new recipes, and this one is now a go-to for my weekly meal prep. It’s incredibly flavorful and simplifies the dips needed for my dinner routine. Thanks! -
I do this with Labneh! So delicious and a perfect spread too…love how fresh and vibrant it is ^_^ -
Love this dip – so easy and delicious! -
The dip looks so creamy and delicious. I’m sure it will be great to entertain our guests with this dip and grill meat and chips during get together. -
Easy to make, and tastes so good! You are so right. Store-bought dip, can not compete in taste! -
I’ve never tried haydari, but the combination of feta, Greek yogurt and mint were amazing. I’ll be making this again to serve at my holiday parties, for sure. -
This dip is addicting! Delicious and so easy to make. It’s perfect for kebabs. Thank you for sharing. -
OMG this is so good! I think this is the same sauce the nearby Turkish restaurant serves with their Manti dish. I’m so addicted… now I need to learn how to make Manti! -
Absolutely delicious! I love that the yoghurt sauce it so easy and it has so much flavour. Thanks again Megan -
I whipped up some this afternoon to go with our barbecue mezze. The haydari was delicious. We enjoyed it with grilled shrimp, kielbasa, and picanha. I will make it again for sure.
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