If you’re looking for a delightful, fresh, and vibrant dish to brighten up your meal rotation, the Zucchini Fritters with Garlic Chive Yogurt Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. These fritters deliver a perfect balance of crispy edges and tender, flavorful insides, with the subtle tang of goat cheese and the freshness of zucchini shining through. Paired with a creamy, garlicky chive yogurt sauce, this recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a veggie-forward snack or side that’s bursting with personality and charm.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with six separate layers of ingredients arranged side by side. Starting from the top right, there is a light tan, grainy layer of almond flour. Moving left, a green, shredded zucchini layer with a fresh, moist texture. Below that, near the bottom left, is a mix of white salt and black pepper, speckled clearly. Next to that, in the bottom middle, there's a pile of small purple and white chopped red onions. Just above the onions, a layer of lumpy, white crumbled cottage cheese rests on the zucchini. Finally, the bottom right section contains a smooth, yellow beaten egg mixture. The bowl is seen from above, with all ingredients distinctly separated and ready to be mixed photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is key to making the perfect zucchini fritters with a luscious garlic chive sauce. Each simple component plays an essential role in flavor, texture, and color, combining to create a dish that feels both rustic and refined.

1 ½ pounds zucchini: About 2 to 3 medium to large zucchinis give the fritters their fresh, tender base with just the right amount of moisture.
1 shallot, finely diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering the dish.
2 large eggs, lightly beaten: These bind everything together perfectly, ensuring your fritters hold their shape.
½ cup almond flour: A great gluten-free option that adds nutty flavor and a delightful texture.
¼ cup crumbled goat cheese: Offers a creamy tang that elevates the flavor profile beautifully.
Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste: Essentials for seasoning that bring out every nuance of the other ingredients.
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, for frying: Helps achieve the irresistible golden crust.
1 cup plain yogurt: The base of the garlic chive yogurt sauce, providing a cool counterpoint to the warm fritters.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the sauce with a punch of aromatic flavor.
1 tablespoon finely chopped chives: Adds a hint of oniony freshness that complements the garlic perfectly.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sauce with a touch of seasoning.
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Gives the sauce a subtle kick to finish.

How to Make Zucchini Fritters with Garlic Chive Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

Start by grating the zucchini using a coarse grater, then place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial because getting rid of excess water ensures your fritters are crispy rather than soggy.

Step 2: Mix the Fritter Batter

In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini with finely diced shallot, lightly beaten eggs, almond flour, and crumbled goat cheese. Season generously with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Stir everything together until you have a thick, well-combined batter that’s ready to turn into golden fritters.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Chive Yogurt Sauce

Whisk together the plain yogurt, minced garlic, chopped chives, kosher salt, and ground black pepper in a small bowl. Adjust the seasoning to your taste and set aside in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Fry the Fritters

Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the skillet, gently flattening each to form a patty. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crunchy. Transfer the cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Serve

Plate your hot zucchini fritters alongside the chilled garlic chive yogurt sauce, ready for dipping or drizzling.

How to Serve Zucchini Fritters with Garlic Chive Yogurt Sauce Recipe

A stack of five golden-brown fritters with visible green herbs and small flecks of dark and light textures sit on a white plate. The fritters have a crispy outside and are thick and round, each one layered neatly on top of the other. On top of the stack, there is a dollop of white creamy sauce sprinkled with chopped green chives and cracked black pepper. A white fork rests on the plate near the base of the stack. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with scattered chive pieces around. In the background, a glass jar with extra white sauce is slightly out of focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle some extra chopped chives, a few crumbles of goat cheese, or a light drizzle of olive oil over the fritters to add a touch of elegance and enhance both presentation and flavor. A few fresh lemon wedges also bring a lively brightness that elevates the whole dish.

Side Dishes

These zucchini fritters pair wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or a simple grain like couscous or quinoa. Their fresh, mild flavors make them versatile, so they can complement light summer meals or cozy autumn dinners alike.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the plate—serve these fritters stacked high as a centerpiece appetizer or alongside a variety of dips for a fun party platter. You can even turn them into mini sandwiches with a dollop of the garlic chive yogurt sauce and some leafy greens between two fritters!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover fritters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let them cool completely before refrigerating to maintain their crispiness.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the uncooked fritters laid out on a baking sheet first so they don’t stick together. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen, adding a minute or two to the frying time.

Reheating

Reheat stored or frozen cooked fritters in a skillet over medium heat or in a toaster oven to restore their crisp texture. Avoid the microwave to prevent them from becoming soggy.

FAQs

Can I make zucchini fritters without almond flour?

Yes! While almond flour adds a lovely texture and nutty flavor, you can substitute it with regular flour, chickpea flour, or even breadcrumbs depending on your preference or dietary needs.

How do I prevent the zucchini fritters from being watery?

The key is squeezing as much liquid out of the grated zucchini as possible using a clean towel or cheesecloth. This step helps the fritters hold together and crisp up nicely when cooked.

Is goat cheese necessary for the recipe?

Goat cheese gives a wonderful tangy creaminess, but if you don’t have it or prefer another cheese, feta works well as a substitute. For a dairy-free option, you can omit it entirely or try a plant-based cheese alternative.

Can I bake these fritters instead of frying?

Absolutely! Bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as fried but still delicious and lighter.

How long does the garlic chive yogurt sauce keep?

The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the flavors.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly joyful about making and sharing the Zucchini Fritters with Garlic Chive Yogurt Sauce Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, effortlessly combining fresh veggies and bold flavors. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, a side, or a light meal, these fritters are sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own!

Zucchini Fritters with Garlic Chive Yogurt Sauce Recipe