A delightful blend of crispy zucchini, tangy feta, fresh herbs, and sweet red pepper—these fritters are golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and paired perfectly with cool, creamy tzatziki. Ideal as an appetizer, light summer meal, or snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crisp and Tender: Pan-fried to a golden crisp while remaining soft within.
- Fresh Mediterranean Flavors: Zucchini, feta, and herbs bring bright, vibrant tastes.
- Quick and Easy: Minimal ingredients, no complicated techniques—ready in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Swap herbs or cheese to suit your taste—perfect for seasonal variation.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the fritters:
- 2 cups grated zucchini (squeezed dry)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ⅓ cup diced red bell pepper
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
For the tzatziki:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped mint or dill
- Salt to taste
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine grated zucchini, feta, red bell pepper, parsley, and green onions.
- Beat in eggs, then stir in flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into the skillet, gently flattening into fritter shapes.
- Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Meanwhile, prepare tzatziki by mixing Greek yogurt, drained cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, mint or dill, and salt in a bowl. Chill until ready to serve.
- Serve the fritters hot with a side of tzatziki and garnish with fresh herbs.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4 as an appetizer or light meal (makes about 12 small fritters)
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 25 minutes
Variations
- Cheese swap: Use goat cheese, ricotta, or Parmesan instead of feta.
- Spicy kick: Add ¼ tsp chili flakes or finely chopped jalapeño.
- Herb mix: Use cilantro, chives, or basil in place of parsley and mint.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with chickpea flour or gluten-free blend.
- Baked version: Brush fritters with olive oil and bake on a parchment-lined tray at 400 °F (200 °C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
Storage/reheating
- Storage: Place cooled fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store tzatziki separately in a sealed jar.
- Reheating:
- Skillet: Reheat on medium heat with a light drizzle of oil for a few minutes until crisp.
- Oven: Warm at 350 °F (175 °C) on a wire rack for 5–7 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350 °F (175 °C) for 3–4 minutes.
- Tip: Do not microwave—fritters will lose crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen zucchini?
Yes, but thaw and squeeze out excess moisture thoroughly before using.
2. Why should I drain the zucchini?
Removing water prevents soggy fritters and ensures they hold together.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes—cook the fritters ahead and refrigerate. Reheat in oven or skillet before serving.
4. What is the best way to squeeze moisture from zucchini?
Place grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, twist, and squeeze firmly.
5. Is it okay to skip the baking powder?
Yes—but the fritters may be slightly denser and less fluffy.
6. Can I prepare batter ahead?
You can mix the batter in advance, but add baking powder just before frying for best texture.
7. What other dips work well?
Serve with garlic aioli, marinara sauce, or lemon-herb mayo for variety.
8. How do I know when fritters are done?
They should be golden brown on both sides and firm to the touch.
9. Can I freeze cooked fritters?
Yes—freeze in a single layer on a sheet until firm, then transfer to a bag. Reheat from frozen in a 350 °F oven for 8–10 minutes.
10. Are these vegetarian?
Yes—this recipe is vegetarian. To make vegan, use flax or chia egg substitute and dairy-free yogurt and cheese.
Conclusion
These Mediterranean Zucchini and Feta Fritters offer a delightful combination of crispiness, fresh flavors, and creamy tzatziki. Quick to make and endlessly adaptable, they’re sure to become a favorite for summer gatherings, family meals, or anyone craving a light yet satisfying bite. Enjoy!
Print
Mediterranean Zucchini and Feta Fritters
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 fritters
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Beignets de courgettes méditerranéens savoureux, croustillants à l’extérieur et fondants à l’intérieur, préparés avec de la feta, des herbes et du poivron rouge. Servis avec une sauce tzatziki fraîche et crémeuse.
Ingredients
- 2 tasses de courgettes râpées (pressées à sec)
- 1/2 tasse de fromage feta émietté
- 1/3 tasse de poivron rouge coupé en dés
- 1/4 tasse de persil haché
- 2 oignons verts, finement tranchés
- 2 œufs
- 1/2 tasse de farine tout usage
- 1/4 cuillère à café de levure chimique
- Sel et poivre au goût
- Huile d’olive pour la friture
- 1 tasse de yaourt grec
- 1/2 concombre, râpé et égoutté
- 1 gousse d’ail hachée
- 1 cuillère à soupe d’huile d’olive
- 1 cuillère à café de jus de citron
- 1 cuillère à soupe de menthe ou d’aneth hachée
- Sel au goût
Instructions
- Dans un grand bol, mélanger les courgettes râpées, la feta, le poivron, le persil et les oignons verts.
- Battez les œufs, puis incorporez la farine, la levure chimique, le sel et le poivre jusqu’à ce que le tout soit bien mélangé.
- Faire chauffer l’huile d’olive dans une poêle à feu moyen. Déposer des cuillerées de pâte et aplatir légèrement.
- Faire frire 2 à 3 minutes de chaque côté ou jusqu’à ce qu’ils soient dorés et croustillants. Égoutter sur du papier absorbant.
- Pour le tzatziki, mélanger tous les ingrédients dans un bol jusqu’à obtenir une consistance crémeuse. Réfrigérer avant de servir.
- Servez les beignets chauds avec un généreux accompagnement de tzatziki et d’herbes fraîches.
Notes
- Bien presser les courgettes pour éviter d’avoir des beignets détrempés.
- Utilisez de l’aneth ou de la menthe dans le tzatziki selon vos préférences.
- Les beignets peuvent être conservés au chaud au four jusqu’au moment de servir.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 fritters with dip
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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