Cold dip recipes are perfect for summer, especially when it’s hot outside, and nobody wants to spend too much time cooking. You can make them ahead and serve them with bread, crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables. They suit everything from garden lunches and barbecues to casual dinners, with plenty of choice from creamy yogurt dips and herby feta spreads to smoky eggplant dips and fresh tomato salsas. These recipes bring color, freshness, and ease to summer meals.
Greek Fava
Greek Fava is a smooth, creamy, and delicious yellow split pea dip that has been a favorite in Greece for many years. Despite its name, it’s not made from fava beans but from split yellow peas, which give the dish its signature velvety texture and flavor.
To learn more: Greek Fava Recipe - Split Pea Dip
Beetroot Hummus
This homemade Beet Hummus recipe is simple, reliable, and honestly comes out nicer than anything from a tub. It is one of those dishes that quietly becomes part of your regular rotation. Once you make it at home, it is hard to go back.
To learn more: Beet Hummus Recipe
Muhammara
My Muhammara Recipe is a quick Turkish-style red pepper and walnut dip with a thick, rich texture and a slightly spicy flavor. It is ready in about 15 minutes and works just as well as a breakfast spread as it does on a mezze table.
To learn more: Muhammara Recipe
Acili Ezme Salad
Turkish Acili Ezme Salad is a spicy Turkish dip/appetizer commonly served at restaurants alongside a basket of warm Turkish Pide Bread or Pita Bread. This flavorful and nutritious dip is made from a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs, which are finely chopped and mixed together with olive oil and spices.
To learn more: Turkish Acili Ezme Salad
Cacik - Turkish Yogurt Dip
Cacik is a delicious and refreshing Turkish Yogurt Dip made with cucumbers, yogurt, and herbs. It is very easy to prepare, ready in just 10 minutes and only needs a few fridge ingredients. This wonderful Mediterranean sauce is similar to its Greek cousin known as "Tzatziki".
To learn more: Cacik (Turkish Yogurt Dip)
Spicy Feta Dip
My Spicy Feta Dip is a creamy Greek dip made with feta cheese, roasted red peppers, chili, yogurt, olive oil, garlic, and a little red wine vinegar. It is salty, tangy, slightly smoky, and ready in about 15 minutes.
To learn more: Spicy Feta Dip
Haydari
Haydari is a delicious Turkish Yoghurt Dip made with feta cheese, thick strained yogurt, fresh herbs, and chopped walnuts. This tangy dip is one of the most popular mezes in Turkey and also is widely served in Turkish restaurants with kebabs and Pita Bread along with Ezme Salad (Acili Ezme).
To learn more: Haydari (Turkish Yogurt Dip)
Havuc Tarator
Havuç Tarator (or Carrot Tarator) is a traditional Turkish dip made with grated carrots, thick yogurt, and garlic. It is quick and easy to prepare using a few simple ingredients you may already have on hand.
To learn more: Havuç Tarator - Turkish Carrot Dip with Yogurt
Labneh
Labneh is a tangy, smooth, and creamy cheese made by straining the whey out of yogurt until it reaches a rich and luxurious cream cheese consistency. Making this delicious dip at home is a breeze, with just two simple ingredients and a mere 5 minutes of hands-on time.
To learn more: Homemade Labneh (Yogurt Cheese)
Mutabal
Mutabal is a popular Middle Eastern dip made from roasted aubergines, yogurt, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. This creamy and flavorful dip is a staple in many households and restaurants across the region.
It is extremely easy to make with a few basic ingredients, and tastes even better after a day or two!
To learn more: Moutabal (Roasted Eggplant Dip)
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