The first time I had Tarator soup, it was a humid afternoon in Nice (of all places, not Bulgaria). My Bulgarian colleague brought a jar from home, saying, “You’ll either love it or hate it.” It looked like milk with cucumbers… I hesitated – then took a spoonful. Cold, garlicky, tangy, creamy, and somehow addictive. Five spoons later, I was converted.
It wasn’t just refreshing; it felt like eating summer straight from a bowl.
👉 Have you ever tried a dish that instantly cooled down your whole day? Tarator does that.
What Is Tarator Soup?
Tarator is a traditional Bulgarian cold yogurt soup made with cucumbers, garlic, walnuts, dill, and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s like a cousin of Greek tzatziki but thinner, meant to be sipped or spooned chilled.
It’s the kind of dish that proves you don’t always need a stove to make comfort food. In Bulgaria, Tarator is served as a starter in summer or even as a light meal on its own – something between a smoothie and a salad, yet entirely satisfying.
Where It Comes From
Tarator comes from the heart of the Balkans, where yogurt isn’t just food – it’s culture. Bulgarians have been making yogurt for over 4,000 years, and this soup is their clever way of surviving scorching summers without turning on the stove.
It’s said that Tarator evolved from an old Ottoman dish that mixed yogurt with cucumbers, but Bulgarians made it their own by adding dill, walnuts, and cold water for a lighter, refreshing twist.
You can read more about Bulgarian food traditions in this BBC Travel article on Bulgarian cuisine.
Why It’s Special
Because it’s effortlessly refreshing and nutritionally brilliant. Tarator packs protein from yogurt, crunch from cucumbers, and healthy fats from walnuts and olive oil. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and coolness, literally.
Also, you can whip it up in 10 minutes flat. No cooking, no sweat.
👉 Quick challenge: how many dishes can you think of that are creamy, crunchy, and chilled at the same time? Tarator nails all three.
Difference Between Tarator and Similar Dishes
| Dish | Origin | Texture | Key Ingredients | Served |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tarator | Bulgaria | Thin, drinkable | Yogurt, cucumber, garlic, walnuts, dill | Chilled |
| Tzatziki | Greece | Thick, dip-like | Yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil | Cold |
| Cacık | Turkey | Medium consistency | Yogurt, cucumber, mint, water | Cold |
| Okroshka | Russia | Chunky | Kefir, cucumber, potatoes, eggs | Cold |
Recipe for tarator soup
Easy Tarator Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Glass mixing bowl
- Fine grater or garlic press
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber peeled and diced
- 1½ cups plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup cold water adjust for consistency
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp crushed walnuts
- 1 tbsp olive oil Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- Salt to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- Optional: juice of ½ lemon
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the grated cucumbers, plain yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, and chopped fresh mint. Mix well to combine.
- Taste the mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the amount of lemon juice or garlic according to your preference.
- If the soup is too thick, you can thin it out with a little water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Tarator soup for at least 1-2 hours, or until well chilled.
- Before serving, give the soup a good stir. If desired, add a few ice cubes to each serving bowl to keep the soup extra cold.
- Garnish the Tarator soup with additional chopped fresh herbs and walnuts, if desired.
- Serve the Tarator soup chilled as a refreshing appetizer or light meal on a hot summer day.
Notes
- Use thick Greek yogurt for creaminess — thinner yogurt will make it watery.
- Don’t skip the dill — it’s the soul of Tarator.
- Add a pinch of paprika for a subtle kick.
- Chill the bowls before serving for extra refreshment.
Nutrition
Variations
- Vegan Tarator – Replace yogurt with plant-based yogurt and skip honey if using.
- Tarator Smoothie – Blend all ingredients for a quick on-the-go drink.
- Crunch Boost – Add diced radish or celery for more texture.
- Creamier Version – Stir in a spoon of sour cream or feta cheese crumbles.
Substitutes
- Greek yogurt → Kefir or laban for a thinner version
- Walnuts → Almonds, sunflower seeds, or cashews
- Dill → Fresh mint or parsley for a flavor twist
- Cucumber → Zucchini for a mellow, earthy touch
Pairings
- Crusty bread or pita chips
- Grilled chicken or fish
- Simple tomato salad on the side
- Or my favorite – a glass of chilled white wine
👉 Want that café-style presentation? Serve it in a tall glass with a drizzle of olive oil and a few crushed walnuts on top. It looks fancy, feels refreshing, and photographs beautifully (try using this minimal soup bowl set for plating).
Other Soup recipes
Tarator FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I make Tarator ahead of time? | Yes, it actually tastes better after 2–3 hours in the fridge. |
| What kind of yogurt works best? | Thick Greek yogurt or Bulgarian-style yogurt. |
| Is Tarator soup vegan? | It can be if you use plant-based yogurt. |
| How long does it last? | Up to 2 days in the refrigerator. |
| Can I serve it warm? | Nope, it’s meant to be cold – that’s its charm! |
| Can I add protein? | Sure! Try grilled chicken strips or chickpeas. |
| Why add walnuts? | They add texture and richness – totally worth it. |
| Is Tarator healthy? | Absolutely – high in protein, probiotics, and fiber. |
| What does Tarator taste like? | Fresh, garlicky, creamy, and a little nutty. |
| Can I blend it smooth? | Yes, for a modern, drinkable twist – like a savory smoothie. |
Wrapping It Up
Tarator Soup is like that friend who’s calm, cool, and always there when you need a refresh. It’s a bowl of chill , literally and emotionally. It proves that a few honest ingredients – yogurt, cucumbers, garlic can create something that feels both nourishing and luxurious.
So next time the weather’s warm and your kitchen feels like an oven, skip the stove. Grab a cucumber, whisk up some yogurt, and make yourself a bowl of Tarator – Bulgaria’s best-kept summer secret.
👉 Tell me, would you add walnuts for crunch or keep it smooth and sippable?
