If you’re on the lookout for a vibrant, mouthwatering dish that brings a perfect balance of fresh greens, creamy feta, and irresistible zest, you’ve just found it with this Zucchini, Feta, and Spinach Fritters with Garlic Tzatziki Recipe. These golden fritters are wonderfully crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful inside, and pair beautifully with a cool, garlicky tzatziki that elevates every bite. It’s a dish that feels both comforting and refreshing, perfect to serve as a snack, appetizer, or light meal any time of the year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the most out of this recipe is about having simple, fresh ingredients that each play a starring role. From the tender zucchini to the sharp feta and spinach, every component contributes to a delightful balance of texture, fragrance, and flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Greek yogurt: The creamy base for the tzatziki, giving it that silky texture and tang.
- Garlic cloves: Provides the essential punch in both tzatziki and fritters, adding depth and aroma.
- Cucumber: Adds a cool, crisp freshness perfectly complementing the garlicky sauce.
- Olive oil: Used for frying and drizzling, it brings a rich, fruity flavor and helps achieve crispy fritters.
- Lemon juice: Brightens up the tzatziki for a lively balance against the creamy yogurt.
- Dill: Fresh dill infuses both the fritters and sauce with unmistakable herbal notes.
- Zucchini: The star vegetable, grated to add moisture and that lovely tender texture in the fritters.
- Baby spinach: Adds vibrant color and earthy freshness to the mix.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled feta brings salty tang and creamy bursts that make each bite joyful.
- Fresh herbs (dill, mint, oregano): A medley of herbs intensifies the flavor profile with complexity and brightness.
- Eggs: The binder that holds everything together while adding richness.
- Scallions: Offer subtle onion flavor with a hint of sharpness.
- All-purpose flour: Helps absorb moisture and solidify the batter for easy frying.
- Baking powder: Gives the fritters a light lift and fluffiness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
How to Make Zucchini, Feta, and Spinach Fritters with Garlic Tzatziki Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Tzatziki
Begin by blending together Greek yogurt, garlic, peeled cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, and kosher salt until silky smooth. This garlicky tzatziki sauce is the bright, cooling partner your fritters will adore. Let it chill in the fridge so the flavors can meld—good things come to those who wait!
Step 2: Drain the Zucchini
Grate the zucchini and sprinkle it with salt in a fine mesh strainer over a bowl. This step draws out excess water so your fritters won’t be soggy. After about 10 to 15 minutes, squeeze out all the liquid using your hands. This step is key to fritters that are crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Step 3: Mix the Fritter Batter
In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini, chopped spinach, crumbled feta, fresh herbs, beaten eggs, minced scallions, and garlic. Stir everything to blend those flavors. Gradually add the flour and baking powder, mixing until everything just holds together—your batter should feel sticky but not runny.
Step 4: Fry the Fritters
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Drop spoonfuls of batter (about 3 tablespoons each) into the pan. Once the fritters start to set, gently press them down with a spatula for a nice even thickness. Fry each side for about 3 minutes until a gorgeous golden crust forms. Transfer to paper towels to drain the excess oil—this keeps them delightfully crisp.
Step 5: Serve Warm with Garlic Tzatziki
The moment of truth! Plate your zucchini, feta, and spinach fritters with generous dollops of the chilled garlic tzatziki. The creamy, tangy sauce cuts through the richness of the fritters perfectly and makes your taste buds sing with joy.
How to Serve Zucchini, Feta, and Spinach Fritters with Garlic Tzatziki Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh dill or finely chopped mint on top of your fritters for an added burst of herbaceous aroma and a pop of green color. You can also add a lemon wedge on the side for that extra zing if you love citrusy brightness.
Side Dishes
Pair these fritters with a crisp Greek salad, some warm pita bread, or a simple quinoa salad. They also make fantastic finger food alongside roasted vegetables or marinated olives, creating a Mediterranean feast your friends will rave about.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your fritters stacked with a drizzle of tzatziki between layers for added creaminess. For parties, offer mini versions as bite-sized appetizers on toothpicks alongside small bowls of tzatziki for dipping. Either way, these fritters steal the show and invite everyone back for seconds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place a sheet of parchment between layers to prevent sticking and maintain that lovely crisp exterior.
Freezing
Fritters freeze well when cooled completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep their deliciousness for up to 2 months and make an easy grab-and-go snack.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat your fritters in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. Microwave reheating is fine in a pinch but may soften the crispy crust. Always serve with fresh garlic tzatziki to keep every bite fresh and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use other greens instead of spinach?
Absolutely! Baby kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula can be great substitutes. Just make sure to chop them finely and remove any tough stems for the best texture.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the feta and yogurt?
You can try vegan feta-style cheese and coconut or almond yogurt, but keep in mind the flavor and texture will be different. The salty tang of traditional feta is hard to replicate exactly, but the dish will still be tasty.
How do I prevent the fritters from falling apart?
Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the zucchini and use enough flour to bind the batter. The eggs also help hold everything together, so don’t skip them!
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter up to 4 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge and give it a gentle stir before frying.
What’s the best way to grate zucchini quickly?
A box grater or food processor with a shredding attachment works best. Just be careful not to over-process so you keep some texture for your fritters.
Final Thoughts
This Zucchini, Feta, and Spinach Fritters with Garlic Tzatziki Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate: simple ingredients creating something truly spectacular. Whether you’re sharing with friends or indulging in a quiet evening, these fritters are sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen. Give them a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Zucchini, Feta, and Spinach Fritters with Garlic Tzatziki Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 fritters
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Zucchini, Feta, and Spinach Fritters with Garlic Tzatziki are a delightful, savory snack or appetizer perfect for any occasion. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, the fritters combine fresh zucchini, baby spinach, feta cheese, and aromatic herbs, pan-fried to golden perfection. Paired with a creamy and tangy garlic tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, and fresh dill, this recipe brings a refreshing Mediterranean flair to your table.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Tzatziki
- 1½ cups Greek yogurt
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 small cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 2 tablespoons dill
- Kosher salt, to taste
For the Fritters
- 2 medium zucchini, grated
- 3 handfuls baby spinach, chopped
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup minced fresh herbs (dill, mint, and oregano)
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 scallions, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Tzatziki: In a blender or food processor, combine Greek yogurt, garlic cloves, peeled and chopped cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh dill, and kosher salt. Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. Transfer to the refrigerator to chill until ready to serve.
- Drain the Zucchini: Place the grated zucchini in a fine mesh strainer set over a bowl. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Afterward, use your hands or a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out all the liquid, preventing soggy fritters. Set the drained zucchini aside.
- Mix the Fritter Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini, chopped baby spinach, crumbled feta cheese, minced fresh herbs, beaten eggs, minced scallions, and minced garlic. Stir the mixture thoroughly until well combined. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and baking powder while stirring until the batter holds together and is evenly mixed. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cook the Fritters: Heat approximately ¼ cup of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until warm. Using a spoon or scoop, drop about 3 tablespoons of the batter per fritter into the skillet, making three fritters at a time. After about 30 seconds, gently press each fritter down with a spatula to flatten. Fry for approximately 3 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes or until the other side is also golden and cooked through.
- Drain and Serve: Transfer the cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve the fritters warm alongside the chilled garlic tzatziki sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Be sure to thoroughly drain the zucchini to prevent watery fritters.
- Feel free to customize the fresh herbs based on preference; dill, mint, and oregano work beautifully together.
- Use a non-stick skillet for easier frying and flipping.
- These fritters can be made ahead and reheated in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
