Mast O’Khiar (Persian Yogurt-Cucumber Dip)

Mast O’Khiar is a classic Persian cucumber yogurt dip. Deliciously cooling and velvety, it takes less than 15 minutes to prepare.

A staple in Persian cuisine, Mast O’Khiar (sometimes spelled: Maast O’Khiar) is always featured on menus at Persian restaurants or at family gatherings. It is either eaten as a starter with fluffy flatbreads or as a condiment alongside main dishes such as kebabs or rice and stew dishes. I don’t think I have ever been to a Persian family gathering where Mast O’Khiar hasn’t been served!

Table of Contents

1. The Difference Between Mast O’Khiar and Tzatziki
2. What is in Mast O’Khiar?
3. How to Make Mast O’Khiar
4. Make it Your Own
5. What to Serve with Mast O’Khiar Cucumber Dip
6. More Yogurt-Based Dip Recipes
7. Mast O’Khiar (Persian Yogurt and Cucumber Dip) Recipe

The Difference Between Mast O’Khiar and Tzatziki

While there are similarities—the mix of yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, and olive oil—between Greek Tzatziki and Mast O’Khiar, there are also differences.

Dried mint gives Mast O’Khiar a concentrated and slightly earthy flavor compared to the use of sweet, fresh mint or dill in tzatziki. Using lime juice instead of the white vinegar typical in tzatziki adds a soft, vibrant tang to the dip and balances the other flavors.

What is in Mast O’Khiar?

If this cucumber dip recipe sounds familiar, it’s because you have probably eaten something similar before. Many countries across Europe and the Middle East have their own version: tzatziki (the Greek version), Cacik (the Turkish version), Talattouri (the Cypriot version), Jaan-e-ama (the Afghan version). It’s a dish beloved cross-culturally because it’s an easy-to-make, versatile condiment. Here’s everything you’ll need for this beautifully simple cucumber dip recipe:

• Plain Greek yogurt acts as the base of this cucumber dip. Choose Greek yogurt; regular yogurt is too runny for this recipe and will not result in a creamy dip. Use store-bought or make your own. 
• Cucumber adds texture, color, and refreshing flavor. I recommend using an English cucumber because they have fewer, smaller seeds, which makes them less watery. Their skins are thin, so you don’t have to peel them. The flecks of the darker green skin add a lovely visual to the dip. To use slicing cucumbers with waxy skin, peel them completely, and use a spoon to scrape out the large seeds. You can use Persian cucumbers for this recipe, but because they’re so small, they may be awkward to grate.
• Dried mint: Make sure the aroma of the dried mint is powerful and the color is green (not brown). It’s a key flavor element in this recipe and a cheerful sprinkle on top, too. 
• Garlic: Feel free to leave out the garlic or substitute garlic powder if raw garlic is hard on your stomach. Alternatively, feel free to increase the amount if you want a more fiery dip.
• Lime juice adds a subtle citrus flavor, which complements the mint. You can also use lemon if lime is not available; lime is just my own personal preference. 
• Extra virgin olive oil, both stirred in and drizzled on top of the finished cucumber dip, adds richness to contrast the tang of the yogurt and the mild bitterness of the cucumber. 
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper are key seasonings that lift the flavor of the dip.

How to Make Mast O’Khiar

It’s easy to put this cucumber dip together, but leave enough time for it to chill in the fridge for an hour. This time softens the flavor of the raw garlic and allows the flavor of the dried mint to bloom into the yogurt. Follow this step-by-step guide to put this beloved Persian cucumber dip together. 

• Grate the Cucumber. Using a box grater, coarsely grate 1 English cucumber (skin left on). Then, either using your hands or a muslin cloth, squeeze the juice out of the grated cucumber until you have squeezed most of the liquid out.
• Mix with the Greek Yogurt. Add the grated cucumber to 3 cups of Greek yogurt in a mixing bowl. 
• Season and chill. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons dried mint, juice of 1/2 lime, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, and a good pinch (about 1/2 tablespoon each) salt and pepper. Stir until evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning to taste. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
• Garnish and Serve. Remove the yogurt mixture from the fridge, stir, and spoon it into a serving dish, spreading it into an even layer using the back of the spoon. Sprinkle it with more dried mint and drizzle with a little more olive oil. Serve with fluffy pita for dipping, if you like. 

Make it Your Own

Traditionally, this cucumber dip was made with finely chopped cucumber, so if you don’t have a box grater, chop away! Here are two other ways to customize this recipe. 

• Add toppings: Some Persians add roughly chopped pistachios and/or walnuts with raisins and dried rose petals to their Mast O’Khiar. This version adds a sweetness and new textures to this dip.
• Add chili powder: I have previously varied this recipe by adding Aleppo pepper flakes to it, which adds a little mild heat and color. 

What to Serve with Mast O’Khiar Cucumber Dip

If this dish is being served as a starter, then it pairs well flatbreads such as pita bread or Persian Barbari bread. 

Persians are also partial to dipping potato chips in their Mast O’Khiar. Why not try making pita chips as an alternative and healthier version?

You can also serve this dish as an accompaniment to Kebabs such as Joojeh Kabob (Persian saffron chicken kebabs); or with Persian rice dishes such as Adas Polo or Baghali Polo (dill and fava bean rice) and Mahiche (braised lamb shanks).

More Yogurt-Based Dip Recipes

Appetizer and Mezze

Spinach Greek Yogurt Dip Recipe with Walnuts

Vegetarian

Greek Tomato Fritters with Sun-Dried Tomato Yogurt Dip

Dips and Condiments

Spinach Vegetable Dip with Pistachios and Zhoug

Greek

Easy Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

Browse all Mediterranean recipes. 

Visit Our Shop.