These crispy zucchini and spinach fritters are packed with flavor and perfect for a quick snack or as a side dish. They’re light, fresh, and come with a tasty garlic tzatziki dip!
Honestly, these fritters disappear faster than you can say “healthy snacks!” I love making them in batches and saving the leftovers. They’re just as good cold! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This is the star of the fritters! Look for firm, medium-sized zucchinis. If you can’t find zucchinis, yellow squash works as a good substitute.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds nutrition and color. You can swap it with kale or Swiss chard if you prefer, just chop them well.
Parmesan cheese: While it’s optional, it adds a lovely flavor. For a dairy-free version, nutritional yeast makes a tasty alternative.
Greek yogurt: Essential for the tzatziki dip! If you need a dairy-free option, use vegan yogurt. It won’t taste quite the same, but it will still be creamy.
Dill: Fresh dill gives a great flavor to the dip. If you don’t have it, try using mint or even a pinch of dried oregano.
How Do You Get Crispy Fritters?
To achieve crispy fritters, the key is removing extra moisture from the zucchini. Once grated, wrap it in a kitchen towel and squeeze out as much water as you can. This helps the fritters hold together and fry better.
- Combine zucchini, spinach, and other ingredients in a bowl. If the mixture feels too wet, add more flour—this keeps them from falling apart.
- Fry the fritters in a hot non-stick skillet, and avoid overcrowding the pan. This allows them to cook evenly and become golden brown on both sides.
These tips will help your fritters turn out delicious and crispy every time!
Zucchini Spinach Fritters with Garlic Tzatziki Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions or shallots
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
For the Garlic Tzatziki Dip:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 small cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and another 15-20 minutes for cooking. Overall, you’ll be enjoying these delicious fritters in about 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by placing the grated zucchini into a clean kitchen towel. Wrap it up and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This helps keep your fritters nice and crispy.
2. Mix the Fritter Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the drained zucchini, chopped spinach, flour, Parmesan cheese (if you’re using it), eggs, minced garlic, green onions, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well. Your mixture should hold together as patties—if it feels too wet, add a bit more flour.
3. Cook the Fritters:
Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Using a scoop or your hands, take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape them into small patties. Place them gently in the hot skillet.
4. Fry Until Golden:
Cook the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked all the way through. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet; it’s better to cook them in batches if needed.
5. Drain the Fritters:
Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help drain off any excess oil, keeping them crisp.
6. Make the Garlic Tzatziki Dip:
While the fritters are cooking, prepare your garlic tzatziki dip. In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir well and place in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the warm zucchini spinach fritters with the garlic tzatziki dip on the side. Enjoy this healthy and delicious treat!
These fritters are not only tasty but also a great way to sneak in some vegetables!
FAQ for Zucchini Spinach Fritters with Garlic Tzatziki Dip
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Zucchini?
Absolutely! While zucchini is the main ingredient, you can substitute it with grated carrots or yellow squash. Just be sure to remove excess moisture for the best texture in your fritters.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make these fritters gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Just be aware that the texture may vary slightly!
Can I Prepare the Fritters in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the fritter mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before cooking. You can also cook them in advance and store them in the refrigerator; simply reheat in a skillet or oven before serving.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a hot skillet or toaster oven to regain their crispiness!
