Name: Greek Zucchini Tots with Minted Yogurt Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 lb / 500 g zucchinis (courgettes); 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt; 1/2 cup plain flour (all-purpose flour, can substitute gluten-free flour); 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs); 2 eggs; 3/4 cup green onion, finely sliced (white and pale green parts only); 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated (store bought sandy type, or shredded cheddar or tasty cheese); 1 tbsp dried oregano (or 2 tsp other dried herbs); 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt; 150 g / 5 oz Greek feta cheese, crumbled; Olive oil spray; 3/4 cup plain Greek yoghurt (or any plain unsweetened yogurt); 1 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped; 1/2 tbsp lemon juice; 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or more); 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; Lemon wedges; Fresh oregano leaves

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 10 reviews

If you are craving a snack that bursts with fresh flavors and a delightful crunch, the Greek Zucchini Tots with Minted Yogurt Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These golden, bite-sized zucchini tots are packed with the earthy goodness of grated zucchini, fragrant oregano, and savory feta cheese, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Paired with a cool, tangy minted yogurt dip, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping appetizer or a fun side dish that everyone will rave about. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, these tots are irresistible.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white bowl filled with golden brown fritters that have a rough and crispy texture showing bits of green herbs inside. The fritters are clustered on a layer of white parchment paper and sprinkled with small white crumbles and fresh green herb leaves. Around the fritters are several bright yellow lemon wedges, and at the back of the bowl is a white container with smooth white sauce, with one fritter dipped in it held by a woman's hand. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of the Greek Zucchini Tots with Minted Yogurt Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each component lends a special touch — from the moisture and subtle sweetness of zucchini to the crunchy panko breadcrumbs that make every tot perfectly crisp.

1 lb / 500 g zucchinis (courgettes): Fresh and firm, grated to form the tot base loaded with moisture and flavor.
¼ teaspoon cooking salt / kosher salt: Helps to draw out excess water and season the zucchini gently.
½ cup plain flour: The binder that holds the tots together smoothly; gluten-free flour works beautifully too.
1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Adds an unbeatable crunch and lightness to the texture.
2 eggs: Essential to bind all the ingredients into a firm batter.
¾ cup green onion, finely sliced (white and pale green parts only): Brightens the tots with a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
½ cup parmesan cheese, finely grated: Offers a nutty, savory depth; cheddar or tasty cheese can be fun substitutions.
1 tablespoon dried oregano: Earthy and aromatic, it's the herb that brings a classic Greek essence.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Adds pungent warmth and a subtle bite.
¼ teaspoon cooking salt / kosher salt: A little more seasoning to enhance all the layers of flavor.
150 g / 5 oz Greek feta cheese, crumbled: The star tangy cheese that enriches the tots with creamy pockets of goodness.
Olive oil spray: For that golden, crunchy crust during baking.
Lemon wedges and oregano leaves (optional garnishes): Fresh accents that elevate presentation and flavor.
¾ cup plain Greek yoghurt: The base for the cool minted yogurt dip, creamy and refreshingly tart.
1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped: The herb that lifts the yogurt with bright, cooling notes.
½ tablespoon lemon juice: Adds zesty brightness to the dip.
½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: Smooths the yogurt and adds richness.
¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper: To season the yogurt dip perfectly.

How to Make Greek Zucchini Tots with Minted Yogurt Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F) or 180°C fan-forced. This ensures a hot oven right from the start to achieve that crispy golden exterior on your zucchini tots.

Step 2: Sweat the Zucchini

Grate the zucchinis using a box grater, then place the shreds in a large colander. Sprinkle with the initial salt and toss well with your fingers. Let them sweat for 30 minutes to release excess moisture — this is crucial to prevent soggy tots.

Step 3: Squeeze Out Excess Water

After sweating, grab handfuls of the zucchini and squeeze firmly to extract as much liquid as you can. Dry zucchini means crispier tots. Transfer the drained zucchini shreds to a large mixing bowl.

Step 4: Mix the Batter

Add all batter ingredients except the feta — flour, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, green onion, parmesan, oregano, garlic, and the second salt amount — to the zucchini. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese for those delightful pockets of saltiness.

Step 5: Shape the Tots

Dollop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto two baking trays lined with parchment paper. You should get about 29 tots total. Use your fingers to shape each dollop into the classic cylinder shape reminiscent of tater tots or potato gems. This step is fun and rewarding!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Spray the tots generously with olive oil spray; this helps create that crunchy crust. Bake for 30 minutes, turning the trays around the 20-minute mark for even browning. If you love extra golden crusts, spritz them again with olive oil before finishing baking. Keep an eye out for a beautifully crisp and golden surface.

Step 7: Prepare the Minted Yogurt

While the tots bake, combine the Greek yoghurt, chopped fresh mint, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and let it rest for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 8: Serve with Style

Remove the tots from the oven and serve immediately with the minted yogurt dip, lemon wedges, and sprinkled fresh oregano leaves if you want to add that extra pop of color and aroma.

How to Serve Greek Zucchini Tots with Minted Yogurt Recipe

Small golden-brown fritters with green herb bits are scattered on a white marbled surface. Each fritter has a crispy texture with some white crumbly cheese sprinkled on top. Some fresh green leaves are placed around the fritters for decoration. There are also a few yellow lemon wedges on the side, adding a bright contrast. One fritter is split open, showing a soft, moist inside with white chunks mixed in. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple yet effective garnishes like fresh oregano leaves and lemon wedges bring color and a zesty punch to your presentation. The oregano enhances the Greek flavors while lemon wedges invite your guests to squeeze on a citrus burst that brightens the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

These zucchini tots are delightful on their own or alongside a fresh Greek salad or a vibrant chickpea and tomato salad for a well-rounded meal. Pairing them with grilled meats or even stuffed grape leaves adds a wonderful Mediterranean flair.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the tots on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of the minted yogurt and perhaps some hummus or tzatziki for dipping variety. You can even skewer a few tots with a cube of feta and a cherry tomato for a fun finger food twist. The possibilities are endless and always delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place leftover zucchini tots in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They retain much of their texture and flavor, making them perfect for a quick snack or side during the week.

Freezing

You can freeze these tots before baking by shaping them and laying them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. The minted yogurt dip is best made fresh, but can be refrigerated separately.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the zucchini tots in a hot oven or toaster oven to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them soggy. A quick 5-7 minute reheat at 200°C works wonders.

FAQs

Can I use regular potato instead of zucchini?

While potatoes are great for tots, using zucchini gives this recipe its fresh, light character and Greek-inspired flavor. Substituting potatoes won’t provide the same texture or taste, but you could try a blend if you prefer.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can easily make this gluten-free by swapping the plain flour and panko breadcrumbs for certified gluten-free alternatives. The tots will still come out delicious and crunchy!

Can I bake these without eggs?

Eggs act as a binder here, so skipping them could lead to crumbly tots. However, you can try using flaxseed or chia seed "eggs" as vegan substitutes, though the texture might vary slightly.

How spicy are the Greek Zucchini Tots with Minted Yogurt Recipe?

This recipe is not spicy; it leans toward herby and savory. You can add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the batter if you like a little heat.

Can I prepare the minted yogurt dip ahead of time?

Yes! The dip actually tastes better after resting for a bit as the mint infuses the yogurt. Just cover and store it in the fridge for up to a day before serving.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a snack that’s fresh, flavorful, and a little bit fun, you owe it to yourself to make the Greek Zucchini Tots with Minted Yogurt Recipe. It’s a wonderful combination of crispy, creamy, and herbaceous that feels like a warm hug of Mediterranean sunshine on your palate. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends over, and let these tots bring a little Greek joy to your table.