Servings
Font
Back
Greek Zucchini Fritters (Kolokithokeftedes)
4.9 from 78 votes

Greek Zucchini Fritters (Kolokithokeftedes)

Greek Zucchini Fritters (Kolokithokeftedes) combine grated zucchini, scallions, fresh herbs, feta cheese, and a mix of flour, baking powder, and breadcrumbs to form patties. The grated zucchini is salted and thoroughly drained to remove excess moisture, which is key to preventing soggy fritters. These are fried in olive oil until crispy and golden, served traditionally with a tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon, and dill.

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 8 (Makes 16 fritters)
Calories: 140 kcal
Course: Side Dish, Appetizer
Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs. zucchini (about 4 medium)
  • kosher salt
  • 4 scallion sliced, about 3/4 cup
  • 2 tablespoons dill fresh, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons parsley fresh, chopped
  • 2 egg
  • ⅔ cup feta cheese crumbled
  • ½ cup flour (I use white whole wheat)
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs
  • black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • lemon wedges for serving
Tzatziki:
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt 2% fat
  • ⅓ cup cucumber finely chopped or grated
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dill fresh, chopped, or mint; can use ¼ teaspoon dried dill or mint; or mint

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. To make the Tzatziki, mix the yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice and dill together in a bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  2. To make the fritters, grate the zucchini (with skin on) on a box grater. Grate the zucchini at an angle to get longer strands.
  3. Place the grated zucchini in a colander lined with cheesecloth. If you don’t have cheesecloth, you can place the zucchini directly in the colander. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons salt on the zucchini and toss to combine.
  4. Let the zucchini rest for 20 minutes, then gather up the ends of the cheesecloth and wring all of the liquid out. If you’re not using cheesecloth, you can squeeze the water out of the zucchini with your hands in batches or use a kitchen towel. It is important to squeeze out as much water as possible so that the fritters aren’t soggy- you’ll be amazed at how much water comes out!
  5. Place the zucchini in a large mixing bowl and add the scallions, dill, parsley, and eggs. Mix with a fork to combine.
  6. Add the cheese, flour, baking powder, breadcrumbs, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Mix with a fork to combine all ingredients well. If the mixture seems too wet, add a few more tablespoons of breadcrumbs.
  7. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast iron skillet or nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Place 8 dollops (about 2 tablespoons each) of the zucchini mixture into the pan and flatten them slightly with a spatula. The more you flatten them, the crispier the fritters will be.
  8. Cook 3-4 minutes until a golden brown crust forms, then flip them over. Cook another 2-3 minutes until browned underneath again.
  9. Remove the fritters from the pan. Pour the remaining tablespoon oil into the skillet and repeat the process with the remaining batter.
  10. Serve fritters hot and garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. Serve with Tzatziki or plain Greek yogurt.

Notes

  • Remove as much water as possible from the grated zucchini to prevent soggy fritters.
  • If zucchini is very moist, add extra flour and breadcrumbs, but note this may result in a denser texture.
  • Cook fritters over medium heat to avoid burning the exterior before the center cooks through.
  • Flatten fritters well in the skillet for a crispier outside.

Nutrition Information

Serving 2 fritters Calories 140kcal (7%) Carbohydrates 13g (4%) Protein 7g (14%) Fat 7g (11%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g (6%) Monounsaturated Fat 3g (15%) Trans Fat 1g (50%) Cholesterol 32mg (11%) Sodium 187mg (8%) Potassium 401mg (9%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 467IU (9%) Vitamin C 24mg (27%) Calcium 120mg (12%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8 (Makes 16 fritters)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 140

% Daily Value*

Serving 2 fritters
Calories 140kcal 7%
Carbohydrates 13g 4%
Protein 7g 14%
Fat 7g 11%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 3g 15%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 32mg 11%
Sodium 187mg 8%
Potassium 401mg 9%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 467IU 9%
Vitamin C 24mg 27%
Calcium 120mg 12%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.