Zucchini Feta and Spinach Fritters with Garlic Tzatziki – Greenku Recipes

If you’re looking for a healthy, flavor-packed, and easy-to-make dish, look no further than these Zucchini Feta and Spinach Fritters served with creamy Garlic Tzatziki. These golden fritters are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavor. Perfect as a light lunch, snack, or crowd-pleasing appetizer, they’re also a smart way to sneak extra veggies into your meal.

Inspired by Greek cuisine, these fritters bring together the earthy richness of spinach, the slight tang of feta cheese, and the refreshing bite of zucchini. They’re reminiscent of Spanakopita and Latkes, but lighter, greener, and served with a tangy sauce that takes it all to the next level.

Besides being incredibly delicious, these fritters are also a powerhouse of nutrients. Zucchini, for instance, is packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C. If you’re curious about how it benefits your health, check out this detailed guide on zucchini’s nutritional profile from Healthline. Spinach adds an iron boost, while feta offers protein and calcium without being overly rich. And when paired with a homemade Garlic Tzatziki, it’s not just tasty—it’s cooling, probiotic-rich, and digestion-friendly. If you’ve never made tzatziki from scratch before, Serious Eats has a fantastic tutorial on creating authentic tzatziki sauce.

What Makes These Fritters Special

Zucchini Feta and Spinach Fritters stand out because they combine:

• Bold Mediterranean flavors from herbs, garlic, and feta
• Nutrient-dense greens like baby spinach
• A versatile texture—crispy edges and moist centers
• High adaptability for gluten-free or low-fat diets

They’re the kind of recipe that feels indulgent but is rooted in fresh, wholesome ingredients.

Nutritional Highlights of the Ingredients

Zucchini

• Low in calories, high in hydration
• Full of antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin
• Great for digestion and weight management

Spinach

• Rich in iron, folate, and vitamin C
• Promotes bone and eye health
• High in fiber and phytonutrients

Feta Cheese

• Lower in fat than other cheeses
• High in calcium and protein
• Adds creamy, salty flavor without overwhelming

Garlic & Tzatziki

• Garlic offers antimicrobial and heart-health benefits
• Greek yogurt in tzatziki is probiotic and protein-rich
• Cucumber and lemon juice offer a refreshing counterbalance

Ingredient List (With Substitutions)

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 medium zucchini, grated
• 3 handfuls of baby spinach, finely chopped
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup fresh herbs (mint, dill, oregano)
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 scallions, minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying

Optional swaps:

• Use almond flour or oat flour for a gluten-free version
• Try dairy-free feta and flax eggs for a vegan twist
• Add grated carrots or chopped parsley for more veggie depth

Tools & Prep Tips

• Use a box grater to shred zucchini finely
• A mesh strainer or cheesecloth is essential for squeezing out water from zucchini
• Non-stick pans or cast iron skillets yield the crispiest texture
• Prepare tzatziki a few hours ahead so flavors develop

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Tzatziki
   • In a food processor, combine:
     • 1½ cups Greek yogurt
     • 4 garlic cloves
     • 1 small cucumber, peeled and chopped
     • 2 tsp olive oil
     • Juice of ½ lemon
     • 2 tbsp fresh dill
     • Salt to taste
   • Blend until smooth and refrigerate
2. Grate and Salt the Zucchini
   • Place grated zucchini in a strainer
   • Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10–15 minutes
   • Squeeze out as much liquid as possible
3. Mix the Fritter Batter
   • In a bowl, combine:
     • Zucchini, spinach, feta, herbs, scallions, garlic, and eggs
   • Add flour and baking powder gradually
   • Stir until batter holds together
4. Pan-Fry the Fritters
   • Heat ¼ cup olive oil in a skillet over medium heat
   • Scoop 3 tablespoons of batter per fritter into the pan
   • Flatten slightly and cook for ~3 minutes per side
   • Transfer to paper towel-lined plate

How to Serve

These fritters are versatile and pair beautifully with:

• A generous spoonful of Garlic Tzatziki
• Pita bread or flatbread
• A side of Greek salad or roasted veggies
• Served cold with hummus or tahini sauce

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat in a skillet to regain crispiness
• Freeze uncooked patties and pan-fry straight from frozen

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not draining zucchini—leads to soggy fritters
• Overmixing—makes them dense
• Frying on too high heat—burns the outside before cooking through
• Crowding the pan—causes uneven cooking

Variations to Try

• Add grated carrots or peas for a color boost
• Spice them up with red chili flakes
• Use ricotta instead of feta for a creamier texture
• Bake instead of fry for a low-fat option (400°F for ~20 mins)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Place on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

How do I keep the fritters crispy?
Drain the zucchini thoroughly and fry in hot oil. Cool on a wire rack or paper towels.

Can I freeze them?
Yes, both raw and cooked fritters freeze well. Separate with parchment paper before storing.

What can I use instead of feta?
Try ricotta, shredded mozzarella, or a vegan cheese alternative.

How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour like chickpea, oat, or almond flour instead of all-purpose.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re meal-prepping, cooking for guests, or just craving something crisp and comforting, these Zucchini Feta and Spinach Fritters with Garlic Tzatziki are a go-to recipe worth bookmarking. They’re fresh, adaptable, packed with veggies, and delightfully satisfying.