If you are on the lookout for a vibrant and flavorful dish that feels both wholesome and delightfully indulgent, the Zucchini, Feta, and Spinach Fritters with Garlic Tzatziki Recipe is sure to win your heart and palate. This Mediterranean-inspired favorite brings a fantastic crunch paired with creamy feta and fresh spinach, all complemented perfectly by a tangy, garlicky tzatziki sauce. It’s one of those recipes that effortlessly feels special yet is surprisingly simple to whip up any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, creating a harmony of textures and flavors—from the fresh green vibrancy to the sumptuous creamy notes and crispy edges. These simple, fresh components are the secret to making these fritters truly irresistible.
- 2 medium zucchinis (grated): Adds moisture, a mild sweetness, and a tender bite to the fritters.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Helps draw out excess water from the zucchini and enhances all flavors.
- 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped): Brings an earthy, vibrant green pop and a nutritious punch.
- 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled): Introduces a creamy, tangy richness that melts in your mouth.
- 2 green onions (sliced): Offers a subtle sharpness and freshness to balance the richness.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Imparts a savory depth and a fragrant kick to the fritter mixture.
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten): Bind everything together while adding lightness.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure for crisp and tender fritters.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Adds extra crunch and firm texture to each bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses a hint of Mediterranean herbaceousness.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and a touch of spice.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (for frying): Essential for creating that golden, crisp crust with rich flavor.
- 1 cup Greek yogurt: The creamy base for the garlic tzatziki, cooling and luscious.
- 1/2 cucumber (grated and squeezed): Gives the tzatziki its refreshing crunch and hydrating quality.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced, for tzatziki): Delivers a punch of flavor and aromatic zest.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for tzatziki): Adds silkiness and depth to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Lifts the tzatziki with bright acidity.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped): Contributes fresh, slightly sweet herbal notes to the dip.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for tzatziki): Balances the flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for tzatziki): Adds a kiss of spice to the sauce.
How to Make Zucchini, Feta, and Spinach Fritters with Garlic Tzatziki Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
Begin by grating your zucchinis and sprinkling them with salt in a colander. This step is crucial because it draws out excess moisture, which could otherwise make your fritters soggy. Let the salted zucchini sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze the liquid out thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel. Removing as much water as possible is the key to crispy, golden fritters.
Step 2: Mix the Fritter Batter
In a large bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, chopped spinach, crumbled feta, sliced green onions, and minced garlic. To this vibrant veggie mix, add the lightly beaten eggs, all-purpose flour, breadcrumbs, dried oregano, and black pepper. Stir everything well until you have a thick, cohesive batter that holds together nicely.
Step 3: Pan-Fry the Fritters
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the skillet and gently flatten each dollop with a spatula. Cook the fritters for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and develop a satisfyingly crisp crust. Transfer the cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil and keep them perfectly crisp.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Tzatziki
While the fritters cook, whip up the garlic tzatziki sauce by combining Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (with excess water squeezed out), minced garlic, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Stir the ingredients until the sauce is smooth and flavorful. Chill the tzatziki in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
How to Serve Zucchini, Feta, and Spinach Fritters with Garlic Tzatziki Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your finished fritters with extra crumbled feta, a dusting of fresh dill, or a few torn mint leaves to brighten the plate. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also elevate the presentation and add richness.
Side Dishes
These fritters pair wonderfully with fresh salads, like a Greek tomato and cucumber salad or a simple lemony arugula, to keep the meal light and refreshing. Roasted potatoes or warm pita bread are also great for a more hearty accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the fritters stacked in a tower with dollops of garlic tzatziki layered between, or create a colorful platter with assorted Mediterranean dips. Wrapping a fritter and tzatziki in warm flatbread with a handful of greens makes for a fun, handheld treat perfect for casual meals and gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2 to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, but the texture is best preserved for eating sooner rather than later.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for an hour before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. This makes it easy to enjoy the Zucchini, Feta, and Spinach Fritters with Garlic Tzatziki Recipe whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated fritters in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, to restore their crisp exterior without drying them out. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the full crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture from the frozen spinach to avoid soggy fritters. Fresh spinach usually offers the best texture and flavor.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. The fritters will still be delicious and crispy.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
You can mix the batter a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated, but the fritters are best when cooked fresh to maintain their crispness.
How garlicky is the tzatziki sauce?
The garlic tzatziki in this recipe has a balanced garlic flavor—not overpowering but definitely present to complement the savory fritters beautifully.
Are these fritters suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these fritters are vegetarian-friendly and packed with plant-based goodness, thanks to the fresh vegetables and feta cheese for protein.
Final Thoughts
If you love dishes that are bursting with fresh flavors and satisfy with every bite, you absolutely must try this Zucchini, Feta, and Spinach Fritters with Garlic Tzatziki Recipe. It’s a dish that brings joy to the table with its crunchy edges and creamy, herbaceous heart. Whether it’s a snack, appetizer, or main course, these fritters truly shine and are a wonderful way to celebrate Mediterranean-inspired home cooking. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become one of your go-to favorites!
Print
Zucchini, Feta, and Spinach Fritters with Garlic Tzatziki Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 fritters (4 servings)
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Zucchini, Feta, and Spinach Fritters with Garlic Tzatziki are a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light main course. Crispy pan-fried fritters mix fresh zucchini, spinach, and tangy feta cheese, served alongside a refreshing garlic-infused tzatziki sauce. Easy to make and packed with vibrant flavors, this recipe is a delightful way to enjoy vegetables with a creamy, zesty dip.
Ingredients
For the fritters:
- 2 medium zucchinis (grated)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
For the garlic tzatziki:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber (grated and squeezed of excess water)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare zucchini: Place the grated zucchini in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Then, squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean kitchen towel to ensure the fritters are crispy.
- Make batter: In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini, chopped spinach, crumbled feta, sliced green onions, minced garlic, beaten eggs, flour, breadcrumbs, dried oregano, and black pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until a thick batter forms.
- Heat oil: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for frying the fritters.
- Cook fritters: Drop heaping tablespoons of the batter into the hot skillet, flattening each slightly with a spatula. Cook each fritter for 3–4 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crisp.
- Drain fritters: Transfer the cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil and keep them crispy.
- Make garlic tzatziki: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (with excess water squeezed out), minced garlic, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until the sauce is smooth and evenly mixed. Chill until ready to serve.
- Serve: Serve the warm zucchini, feta, and spinach fritters alongside the chilled garlic tzatziki sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, ensure to squeeze out as much liquid from the zucchini as possible before mixing the batter.
- These fritters can be made ahead of time and reheated in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
- The garlic tzatziki sauce can be prepared up to a day in advance to allow the flavors to deepen.
