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.
This rich and refreshing carrot salad is a great addition to a mezze spread, served alongside other cold appetizers like hummus, haydari (garlic yogurt dip), Skordalia - Greek Potato Dip, and baba ghanoush. With its vibrant color, slightly sweet taste, and creamy texture, it’s simply delicious!
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The best way to enjoy this lightly spiced carrot tarator is with pita, lavash, or crackers. It also pairs well as a side dish for grilled fish or kebabs and makes a flavorful spread for sandwiches.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Takes just 15 minutes to prepare.
- Healthy & Nutritious – Made with wholesome ingredients packed with vitamins.
- Versatile – Perfect as a dip, spread, or side dish.
- Delicious & Refreshing – The sweetness of carrots balances beautifully with tangy yogurt and garlic.
Ingredients You'll Need
Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with measurements, complete recipe method, recipe notes, and nutritional information.
- Carrots - Choose the freshest carrots and grate them right before using them in your recipe. Pre-shredded carrots lack the same texture and flavor.
- Yogurt - Strained yogurt, also called sack yogurt, labneh, or kerned yogurt, is thick and creamy and works perfectly with this havuc tarator recipe. You can easily find it in most large supermarkets.
- Walnuts - Walnuts add extra crunch and depth of flavor to this yogurt-based carrot dip. Simply roast them in the oven and roughly chop them before mixing them in.
How to Make Havuç Tarator - Turkish Carrot Dip with Yogurt
Making this creamy and slightly sweet Havuç Tarator - Turkish Carrot Dip with Yogurt is extremely easy. However, there are a few simple steps to follow for you to achieve the best results:
Wash, peel, and grate fresh carrots right before using them in your recipe.
Heat a pan over medium heat and add olive oil. Add the grated carrots and sauté them for about 10-15, minutes until they soften and release their natural sweetness.
Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Once done, remove them from the heat and let them cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed carrots with yogurt, garlic, salt, and crushed walnuts. If you prefer a tangier taste, add a splash of lemon juice. Or add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a little heat.
Stir everything until well combined. For the best flavor, let the dip rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs or walnut halves before serving.
Recipe Tips From the Chef
- Use full-fat yogurt for a richer texture. Strained or thick Greek yogurt works best. If you have natural yogurt, strain it over a fine sieve or a cheesecloth for a couple of hours to get rid of excess water.
- Choose the freshest carrots and grate them right before using them in your recipe. Pre-shredded carrots lack the same texture and flavor.
- Let the dip chill before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Adjust garlic to taste or saute them with carrots if you prefer a milder or stronger flavor.
- If you prefer a tangier taste, add a splash of lemon juice. Or add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a little heat.
How to Serve Havuç Tarator - Carrot Salad with Yogurt
You can serve Carrot Tarator with warm Pita Bread, Air Fryer Pitas Chips, or Barbari Bread - Persian Flatbread or include it in a mezze platter alongside hummus and tzatziki.
Use as a spread in wraps or sandwiches or pair it with Hashweh - Lebanese Ground Beef and Rice, or grilled meats such as Turkish Grilled Lamb Kofta and Adana Kebab, and Mediterranean Baked Salmon for a balanced meal.
Recipe FAQs
Havuç Tarator stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its flavor and texture. Stir well before serving, as some separation may occur.
I don't suggest freezing this yogurt-based dip as yogurt will separate when freezing and will change the texture of the dish.
Related Recipes
For more delicious yogurt-based dip recipes why not try:
Did you make this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment below and tag @cookingorgeous on Instagram and hashtag it #cookingorgeous.
I hope you enjoy the process of making this delicious Havuç Tarator - Turkish Carrot Dip with Yogurt as much as you enjoy eating it! 🙂
Bon appétit! / Afiyet olsun!
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Havuç Tarator - Turkish Carrot Dip with Yogurt
Equipment
- 1 grater
Ingredients
- 400 g carrots (grated)
- 50 ml olive oil
- 1 clove garlic (turned into a paste)
- 150 g thick strained yogurt or Greek yogurt
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 20 g crushed walnuts
Instructions
- Choose the freshest carrots and grate them right before using them in your recipe.
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Add the grated carrots and sauté them for about 10-15 until they soften and release their natural sweetness.
- Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Once done, remove them from the heat and let them cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed carrots with yogurt, garlic paste, salt, and crushed walnuts. If you prefer a tangier taste, add a splash of lemon juice.
- Stir everything until well combined. For the best flavor, let the dip rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or crushed walnut halves before serving.
Notes
- Use full-fat yogurt for a richer texture. Strained or thick Greek yogurt works best. If you have natural yogurt, strain it over a fine sieve or a cheesecloth for a couple of hours to get rid of excess water.
- Choose the freshest carrots and grate them right before using them in your recipe. Pre-shredded carrots lack the same texture and flavor.
- Let the dip chill before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Adjust garlic to taste or saute them with carrots if you prefer a milder or stronger flavor.
- If you prefer a tangier taste, add a splash of lemon juice. Or add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a little heat.
Marjorie
This is my new favorite dip now, and very healthy too!
Ayla Clulee
Happy to hear that! Always a win when something tasty is also healthy.