Tarator recipe is a traditional Bulgarian cold yogurt soup made with cucumbers, garlic, and dill. This tarator recipe is refreshing, healthy, and easy to prepare, making it perfect for hot summer days. Similar dishes are known throughout Middle Eastern cuisine.


Often described as a cold cucumber yogurt soup, tarator is simple to prepare yet deeply rooted in Bulgarian food culture. It is commonly served chilled as a starter, side dish, or even a light meal.

If you’re looking for a healthy, easy-to-make Balkan recipe, tarator is a must-try.

What Is Tarator?

Tarator is a traditional Bulgarian cold soup made primarily from yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, dill, water, and oil. It is served cold and is especially popular during the summer months.

The dish is known for:

  • Its cooling effect
  • Light and refreshing taste
  • Simple, natural ingredients

Tarator is often:

  • Served as an appetizer
  • Paired with grilled meats
  • Enjoyed as a light lunch

It is one of the most recognizable summer dishes in Bulgaria.

The Secret Ingredient: Bulgarian Yogurt

One of the most important components of tarator is yogurt—specifically Bulgarian yogurt.

Bulgarian yogurt is unique because it contains the bacterium Lactobacillus bulgaricus, which gives it a distinct tangy flavor and probiotic benefits.

This ingredient is what gives tarator its:

  • Creamy texture
  • Slight tanginess
  • Nutritional value

Using high-quality yogurt is key to achieving authentic flavor.

The History of Tarator

Tarator has deep roots in Balkan culinary traditions and is believed to have originated as a practical way to create a refreshing meal using simple, locally available ingredients.

Cold soups have been part of Eastern European and Middle Eastern cuisines for centuries, especially in regions with hot climates where cooling dishes are essential.

In Bulgaria, tarator became especially popular in rural areas, where yogurt, cucumbers, and herbs were readily available. Over time, it evolved into a national favorite and is now served in homes and restaurants across the country.

Tarator Bulgarian Cold Cucumber Soup Recipe
Print Recipe

Tarator

Tarator is a traditional refreshing cold Bulgarian soup made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, walnut, dill, oil, and water. It can be served as a soup or is a soup or appetizer.
Prep Time15 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Bulgaria
Keyword: cucumber, yogurt
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1½ lb Bulgarian yogurt
  • 1 lb cucumber  peeled
  • 3 oz walnuts , chopped and lightly toasted
  • 3 tbsp sunflower oil or olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 small bunch dill, finely chopped
  • pepper
  • salt

Instructions

  • Beat the yogurt until it is smooth.
  • You can use a cutting board to finely chop garlic, cucumber, half of the walnuts, half of the dill. Then transfer them into a large bowl and mix with the yogurt and olive oil.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve cold or add some ice cubes and sprinkle the remaining walnuts and dill.

Tips for the Best Tarator

  • Use thick yogurt for better texture
  • Adjust water to desired consistency
  • Chill thoroughly before serving
  • Add walnuts for extra flavor
  • Use fresh dill (not dried)

What to Serve with Tarator

Tarator pairs perfectly with:

  • Grilled meats
  • Banitsa
  • Shopska salad
  • Fresh bread


Inspiration and adaptation: tastybg.com, recipesbg.com, wikipedia.org

Explore other recipes from the traditional Bulgarian cuisine.

Did you make this Tarator (Bulgarian Cold Cucumber Soup) recipe?

Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and don’t forget to follow us. Sharing is caring!