If you’re searching for a light yet incredibly flavorful dish that combines fresh garden veggies with Mediterranean flair, look no further than the incredible Zucchini, Feta, and Spinach Fritters with Garlic Tzatziki Recipe. These fritters are delightfully crispy on the outside, tender and savory inside, bursting with fresh spinach, tangy feta, and moist zucchini. Paired with a creamy, garlicky tzatziki, this recipe offers a harmonious balance of textures and flavors that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these fritters are guaranteed to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple and wholesome, each playing a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color for this dish. From the fresh vegetables to the creamy feta and bold garlic, every component here ensures your fritters and tzatziki shine brilliantly.
- Zucchinis (2 medium): Grated zucchini provides moisture and a tender bite, forming the fritter’s base.
- Feta cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled): Adds a salty creaminess and authentic Mediterranean tang.
- Fresh spinach (1/2 cup, chopped): Brings vibrant color and a subtle earthiness to the mix.
- Onion (1/2 small, finely chopped): Delivers a mild sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed into the batter.
- Large egg (1, beaten): Acts as the perfect binder holding the ingredients together.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Helps give structure so fritters hold their shape during cooking.
- Breadcrumbs (1/4 cup, optional): For an extra crunch and texture boost in the final fritter.
- Salt (1/2 tsp) and black pepper (1/4 tsp): Season perfectly to enhance all flavors.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp for frying): Adds richness and ensures a golden, crispy exterior.
- Greek yogurt (1/2 cup): The creamy base for the garlicky tzatziki sauce.
- Cucumber (1 small, grated): Fresh and cooling, it’s essential for authentic tzatziki texture.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp for tzatziki): Gives the sauce a luscious silky finish.
- Garlic clove (1, minced): Bright, bold flavor that defines the tzatziki’s irresistible punch.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tbsp): Adds a zesty brightness balancing the creaminess.
- Fresh dill (1 tsp, chopped, optional): Introduces herbal notes that complement the tangy yogurt beautifully.
How to Make Zucchini, Feta, and Spinach Fritters with Garlic Tzatziki Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
The secret to crispy fritters starts here. Grate the zucchinis and place them inside a clean kitchen towel, then squeeze firmly to remove as much excess moisture as possible. This step prevents soggy fritters and ensures they’ll crisp up beautifully when cooked.
Step 2: Mix the Fritter Batter
In a large bowl, toss together the drained zucchini, crumbled feta cheese, chopped spinach, and finely chopped onion. Add the beaten egg, flour, breadcrumbs (if you like an extra crunch), salt, and pepper. Stir everything thoroughly until well combined — you’ll see a colorful, hearty batter ready to transform into golden fritters.
Step 3: Heat the Olive Oil
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. It’s important to get the pan nice and hot before adding your batter — this ensures each fritter will develop that perfect crispy crust.
Step 4: Cook the Fritters
Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the skillet, flattening each gently to form small patties. Cook each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. The aroma at this stage is absolutely mouthwatering and a sure sign you’re on the right track.
Step 5: Drain Excess Oil
Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels. This extra step helps soak up any residual oil so your fritters stay crisp and not greasy.
Step 6: Prepare the Garlic Tzatziki
In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out any juices first), olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and dill if desired. Stir until smooth and season with salt and pepper to taste. This creamy sauce perfectly complements the crispy fritters with its freshness and zing.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Plate your golden zucchini, feta, and spinach fritters alongside a generous dollop of the garlicky tzatziki. Serve warm and prepare for instant compliments!
How to Serve Zucchini, Feta, and Spinach Fritters with Garlic Tzatziki Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your presentation and taste with fresh herbs like chopped dill, parsley, or mint sprinkled on top. A lemon wedge on the side adds a lively brightness if you want to squeeze a bit extra citrus over the fritters before digging in.
Side Dishes
Pair these fritters with a crisp green salad, some roasted cherry tomatoes, or even a warm grain like quinoa for a more filling meal. The fresh tzatziki ties everything together beautifully, balancing hearty veggies and creamy cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the fritters with layers of tzatziki between them for a stunning appetizer tower, or serve on mini skewers for bite-sized party treats. They also make fantastic flatbread toppings or additions to a mezze platter to share with friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover zucchini, feta, and spinach fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping them cool maintains freshness, while the flavors develop even more overnight.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked fritters on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, perfect for quick future meals.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is in a skillet over medium heat to restore crispiness, or use a toaster oven. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy and limp.
FAQs
Can I make these fritters gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply replace the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. Almond flour or chickpea flour work wonderfully, and gluten-free breadcrumbs will keep that desired crunch.
Is it necessary to squeeze out the zucchini moisture?
Yes, squeezing out as much moisture as possible is crucial to avoid watery fritters. It helps achieve that lovely crispy texture everyone loves.
Can I substitute feta with another cheese?
Feta is traditional and gives that distinctive tang, but you can swap it with goat cheese or ricotta for a milder flavor and creamier texture. Just keep in mind the saltiness may vary.
How spicy is the garlic tzatziki?
The garlic tzatziki is pleasantly garlicky but not overpowering. You can adjust the garlic quantity to your taste or omit it if you prefer a milder sauce.
Are these fritters suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, these fritters are perfect for vegetarians. They contain no meat but are packed with delicious vegetables, cheese, and eggs.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something magical about the crisp, tender texture combined with fresh, tangy flavors in the Zucchini, Feta, and Spinach Fritters with Garlic Tzatziki Recipe. It’s a dish that feels special yet is surprisingly easy and quick to make. Whether you whip them up for a cozy dinner or impress guests with a memorable appetizer, these fritters offer a wonderful way to celebrate fresh veggies with Mediterranean flair. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Zucchini, Feta, and Spinach Fritters with Garlic Tzatziki Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Zucchini, Feta, and Spinach Fritters are a delightful, crispy savory treat perfect for a light meal or snack. Packed with fresh vegetables and creamy feta cheese, they are pan-fried to golden perfection and served alongside a refreshing garlic tzatziki sauce, which adds a cool, tangy contrast. This recipe is quick to prepare and combines Mediterranean flavors for a wholesome and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Fritters
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1/2 cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup (60g) fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (30g) breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
Garlic Tzatziki
- 1/2 cup (120g) Greek yogurt
- 1 small cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini: Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out the excess moisture to prevent watery fritters and help them crisp up better during cooking.
- Mix the fritter batter: In a large bowl, combine the dried zucchini, crumbled feta cheese, chopped spinach, finely chopped onion, beaten egg, all-purpose flour, breadcrumbs if using, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Heat the oil: Pour the olive oil into a large skillet and heat over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking, preparing the pan for frying the fritters.
- Cook the fritters: Spoon portions of the mixture into the hot pan and flatten them gently to form round fritters. Cook each fritter for 3-4 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, flipping carefully to avoid breaking.
- Drain the fritters: Remove the cooked fritters from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil, keeping them crisp and less greasy.
- Make the garlic tzatziki: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and fresh dill if using. Stir well until smooth and season with salt and pepper to taste for a fresh, creamy dip.
- Serve: Warm the fritters slightly if needed, then serve them with a generous dollop or side of garlic tzatziki sauce for dipping or topping, enhancing every bite with zesty flavors.
Notes
- For extra crunch, breadcrumbs are optional but recommended.
- Make sure to squeeze out zucchini moisture thoroughly to achieve crispier fritters.
- Fresh dill is optional in the tzatziki but adds a lovely, authentic flavor.
- If preferred, fritters can be kept warm in a low oven while cooking batches.
- Use plain Greek yogurt for the best creamy texture in the tzatziki.
