Vegetarian Zucchini Fritters with Yogurt Dip

Introduction

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with fresh flavor, Vegetarian Zucchini Fritters with Yogurt Dip are the perfect snack, appetizer, or light meal. Made from grated zucchini mixed with herbs, spices, and a touch of flour, these fritters are pan-fried until golden brown and irresistibly crunchy.

The accompanying yogurt dip adds a creamy, tangy element that balances the fritters’ savory taste beautifully. It’s a versatile recipe that works equally well for parties, family dinners, or even as a lunchbox treat.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, fresh, and healthy while still being indulgent. Zucchini is often underrated, but here it shines as the star ingredient. The fritters are packed with flavor from garlic, onion, and herbs, and they’re naturally light yet satisfying.

What makes me love this recipe even more is its versatility — you can serve them as appetizers, side dishes, or even tuck them into sandwiches or wraps. Plus, they’re budget-friendly, quick to make, and a fantastic way to use up extra zucchinis from the garden.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Quick & Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes.
• Healthy Yet Crispy: Lightly pan-fried, not deep-fried.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for both kids and adults.
• Meal-Prep Friendly: Can be made ahead and reheated.
• Beautiful Presentation: Golden fritters with creamy dip look restaurant-worthy.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 (makes about 10–12 fritters)
• Calories (approx.): 200 kcal per serving (3 fritters + yogurt dip)
• Cuisine: Mediterranean / Western
• Course: Appetizer / Snack / Side Dish

Ingredients

For Zucchini Fritters:

• 2 medium zucchinis, grated
• 1/2 tsp salt (to draw out water from zucchini)
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley or dill, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan (optional, adds flavor)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• 2–3 tbsp olive oil (for pan-frying)

For Yogurt Dip:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh dill or parsley, chopped

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Grate and squeeze out excess water from zucchini.
2. Mix zucchini with onion, garlic, herbs, egg, flour, and seasoning.
3. Heat oil, shape mixture into patties, and pan-fry until golden brown.
4. Mix yogurt dip ingredients until smooth.
5. Serve hot fritters with chilled dip.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

• Grate the zucchinis and place them in a bowl.
• Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt and let sit for 10 minutes.
• Squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. This step is crucial for crispy fritters.

Step 2: Make the Fritter Batter

• In a mixing bowl, combine zucchini, onion, garlic, parsley/dill, parmesan (if using), egg, flour, black pepper, and chili flakes.
• Mix well until it forms a thick batter. If too watery, add a little more flour.

Step 3: Cook the Fritters

• Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Scoop 2 tbsp of batter, flatten into small patties, and place in the pan.
• Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden and crisp.
• Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining batter.

Step 4: Make the Yogurt Dip

• In a small bowl, whisk yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Stir in chopped herbs for freshness. Chill until serving.

Step 5: Serve

• Arrange fritters on a plate. Serve hot with a side of cool yogurt dip.

How to Serve

• As a starter at parties or family dinners.
• As a snack with tea or cocktails.
• As a side dish with grilled meats, fish, or a salad.
• Stuffed inside wraps, pita bread, or sandwiches.

Additional Recipe Tips

1. Squeezing out zucchini water is key — otherwise fritters will be soggy.
2. Keep heat medium to ensure fritters cook through without burning.
3. Add a spoon of cornmeal or breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
4. Double the yogurt dip recipe — it’s addictive!
5. You can make mini fritters for party finger food.

Variations

• Cheesy Fritters: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar.
• Vegan Option: Use flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) instead of egg.
• Gluten-Free: Use chickpea flour or rice flour.
• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or chili powder.
• Herby Twist: Try basil, mint, or cilantro instead of parsley.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store cooked fritters in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for crispiness.
• Freezing: Layer fritters with parchment paper and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.
• Dip: Best consumed fresh, but can be refrigerated for 2–3 days.

Special Equipment Needed

• Box grater or food processor (for zucchini)
• Cheesecloth/kitchen towel (to squeeze water)
• Skillet or non-stick frying pan
• Mixing bowls and spatula

Conclusion

Vegetarian Zucchini Fritters with Yogurt Dip are a delightful combination of crispy, golden fritters paired with a cool, tangy dip. They’re simple to make, versatile in use, and packed with fresh flavors. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, they’re guaranteed to be a hit at the table.

This recipe is not just about eating — it’s about enjoying healthy comfort food that feels indulgent yet nourishing. Once you try them, they’ll likely become one of your go-to quick-fix recipes for any occasion

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Vegetarian Zucchini Fritters with Yogurt Dip

Author: admin Courses: Appetizer & Snacks

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 200 kcal

Description

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with fresh flavor, Vegetarian Zucchini Fritters with Yogurt Dip are the perfect snack, appetizer, or light meal. Made from grated zucchini mixed with herbs, spices, and a touch of flour, these fritters are pan-fried until golden brown and irresistibly crunchy.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For Zucchini Fritters:

• 2 medium zucchinis, grated
• ¹⁄₂ tsp salt (to draw out water from zucchini)
• ¹⁄₂ small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh parsley or dill, finely chopped
• ¹⁄₄ cup grated parmesan (optional, adds flavor)
• ¹⁄₂ cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• ¹⁄₂ tsp black pepper
• ¹⁄₄ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp 2–3 olive oil (for pan-frying)

For Yogurt Dip:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh dill or parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini : Grate the zucchinis and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt and let sit for 10 minutes. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. This step is crucial for crispy fritters.
2. Step 2: Make the Fritter Batter : In a mixing bowl, combine zucchini, onion, garlic, parsley/dill, parmesan (if using), egg, flour, black pepper, and chili flakes. Mix well until it forms a thick batter. If too watery, add a little more flour.
3. Step 3: Cook the Fritters : Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Scoop 2 tbsp of batter, flatten into small patties, and place in the pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining batter.
4. Step 4: Make the Yogurt Dip : In a small bowl, whisk yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir in chopped herbs for freshness. Chill until serving.
5. Step 5: Serve : Arrange fritters on a plate. Serve hot with a side of cool yogurt dip.

Keywords: Vegetarian Zucchini Fritters with Yogurt Dip