I absolutely love how these Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters with Garlic Herb Yogurt Sauce Recipe strike the perfect balance between cozy comfort and fresh veggie goodness. The crispy golden fritters packed with zucchini and sweet potato flavors paired with a bright, garlicky yogurt sauce quickly became a family favorite here. Trust me, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch with friends, these fritters always impress without requiring hours in the kitchen.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how the yogurt sauce “lifted” the earthiness of the fritters, making every bite feel light yet satisfying. You’ll find these fritters just as delightful on their own with a drizzle of that homemade sauce or as part of a bigger spread. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free if you watch your cornmeal brand, and perfect for sneaking veggies into picky eaters’ plates!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bursting with flavor: The sweet potato adds subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the fresh zucchini and herbs.
  • Simple homemade sauce: The garlic herb yogurt sauce brightens every bite and is super quick to whip up.
  • Great for meal prep: These fritters hold up well in the fridge, ideal for make-ahead lunches or easy snacks.
  • Kid-friendly and versatile: You can tweak the herbs or spices to suit your family’s palette, making it a win for all ages.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters with Garlic Herb Yogurt Sauce Recipe uses fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Using good quality herbs and fresh veggies really makes a difference, so grab the best you can find at your market or farmers’ stand.

  • Plain Greek or regular yogurt (or sour cream): I use Greek yogurt for creaminess, but sour cream works well too.
  • Fresh parsley: Adds a bright, garden-fresh note that’s essential in the yogurt sauce and fritters.
  • Fresh mint: Gives a refreshing lift—don’t skip it, unless you love a different herb in its place.
  • Fresh lemon juice: Just a splash brings brightness that cuts through the richness.
  • Olive oil: Use a good-quality one for frying and in the sauce—flavor really shines here.
  • Honey: Balances the tang of the yogurt with a gentle sweetness.
  • Garlic powder and fresh garlic cloves: The powder goes in the sauce, the fresh minced garlic in the fritters—two layers of garlicky goodness.
  • Zucchini: Freshly shredded and well-drained, it keeps the fritters light and moist.
  • Sweet potato: Provides the earthy sweetness and holds the fritters together beautifully.
  • Yellow onion: For a subtle aromatic depth; finely chopped so it cooks through.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Enhances all the natural flavors here.
  • Large eggs: Help bind everything together without heaviness.
  • Fine cornmeal: Adds a slight crunch and texture contrast.
  • Cornstarch: Helps make the fritters perfectly crispy and crisp up nicely.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters with Garlic Herb Yogurt Sauce Recipe my own depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. It’s also great fun to swap herbs or add spices to keep things interesting or tailor it for dietary preferences.

  • Add spice: Once, I tossed in a pinch of smoked paprika and chili flakes for a smoky kick that my family couldn’t get enough of.
  • Go dairy-free: Substitute the yogurt sauce with a cashew cream or coconut yogurt for a refreshing, vegan-friendly dip.
  • Seasonal veggies: Late fall? I sneak in some grated carrot or parsnip alongside sweet potato—it adds more texture and sweetness.
  • Low carb twist: Try swapping cornmeal for almond flour and reduce the sweet potato just a bit, and you still get great flavor and crispiness.

How to Make Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters with Garlic Herb Yogurt Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Whip up the garlic herb yogurt sauce

Start by mixing plain yogurt, chopped parsley, mint, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, honey, and a dash of garlic powder in a small bowl. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground pepper. I always make this sauce first because it benefits from chilling while you prepare the fritters, letting all the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 2: Drain shredded veggies thoroughly

This step is key. Combine shredded zucchini, sweet potato, and finely chopped onion in a bowl with 1 teaspoon salt. Layer paper towels on top and press down to start drawing out moisture. Then, grab the bottom paper towel like a sachet and squeeze as much liquid as possible over the sink. I discovered this trick after soggy fritters haunted my early attempts—it really makes the difference between crispy and mushy!

Step 3: Mix eggs, herbs, and seasonings

In another large bowl, whisk together eggs, minced garlic, chopped parsley and mint, remaining salt, and pepper. Fold in the drained veggies. Then, sprinkle in the cornmeal and cornstarch and stir until everything’s well combined. The batter will look thick but still moist—perfect for forming crispy fritters.

Step 4: Fry to golden perfection

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Carefully spoon about 2 tablespoons of the mixture into the hot oil, flattening gently with a spatula. I always use a fork to lift the batter out to avoid any excess liquid slipping in that can make frying tricky. Cook until golden brown on each side, around 3 minutes per side, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat but don’t overcrowd the pan to keep the temperature steady.

Step 5: Serve warm with yogurt sauce

These fritters are best served warm, straight from the skillet, with a generous dollop of that refreshing garlic herb yogurt sauce. I like to set the sauce in small bowls on the table and let everyone dip away—it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

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Pro Tips for Making Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters with Garlic Herb Yogurt Sauce Recipe

  • Squeeze the liquid twice: After the initial press with paper towels, wrap the shreddings tightly in a clean kitchen towel and give them another good squeeze to ensure minimal moisture.
  • Don’t rush the frying pan: Let the oil get hot enough so the fritters sizzle gently, ensuring a crispy crust and preventing soggy insides.
  • Keep fritters warm: If making a big batch, keep cooked fritters on a baking sheet in a warm oven (about 200°F/90°C) while finishing the rest.
  • Use a fork to scoop batter: This avoids gathering excess liquid into the pan which can cause oil splatter and sogginess.

How to Serve Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters with Garlic Herb Yogurt Sauce Recipe

The image shows two golden-brown vegetable fritters stacked on each other on a white plate, each fritter having a crispy texture with green and orange bits visible inside, likely from zucchini and carrots. The top fritter is topped with a dollop of white creamy sauce sprinkled with black pepper and small green herbs. On the right side of the plate, there is a small bunch of fresh green leaves, possibly arugula, with a couple of red cherry tomatoes. A silver fork is positioned on the left side of the plate, all set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I typically sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or mint on top for a pretty fresh pop of color and flavor. A light drizzle of extra lemon juice or a little flaky sea salt can also elevate the fritters just before serving.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I often serve these fritters with a simple green salad drizzled with vinaigrette or alongside some roasted veggies for a heartier meal. They’re also fantastic with scrambled eggs for breakfast or brunch!

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve arranged these fritters stacked like mini towers with dollops of the yogurt sauce between layers, garnished with fresh herb sprigs and lemon zest. It’s not only gorgeous but also super fun to serve family-style so everyone can dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover fritters store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. My go-to is to layer them with parchment paper between to prevent sticking and preserve their crisp edges as much as possible.

Freezing

I’ve frozen batches before by flash freezing on a baking sheet, then transferring to freezer bags. When ready to enjoy, just reheat from frozen to retain the crispy texture.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is in an air fryer or oven to revive that crispness—about 3-4 minutes at 375°F (191°C) in the air fryer or 8-10 minutes in the oven. Microwaving works in a pinch but often softens the fritters, so I save that for busy days.

FAQs

  1. Can I make the Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters with Garlic Herb Yogurt Sauce Recipe vegan?

    Yes! To make this recipe vegan, swap the eggs with a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use dairy-free yogurt or cashew cream for the sauce. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

  2. What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

    If fresh parsley and mint aren’t available, using good-quality dried herbs can work in a pinch, but reduce the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Fresh herbs do give the best flavor and bright aroma in this recipe though, so I recommend grabbing some when you can.

  3. Why is it important to remove moisture from the zucchini and sweet potatoes?

    Vegetables like zucchini contain a lot of water, and if not squeezed out well, your fritters can turn soggy and fall apart during cooking. Draining the moisture ensures crispiness and helps the batter hold together nicely.

  4. Can I bake these fritters instead of frying?

    Absolutely! You can bake them on a lined baking sheet at 375°F (191°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. While they’ll be slightly less crispy than frying, it’s a lighter option that still tastes great.

Final Thoughts

This Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters with Garlic Herb Yogurt Sauce Recipe holds a special place on my table for its perfect blend of flavors, textures, and nourishing ingredients. I love sharing it with friends because it feels both humble and a little special at the same time. If you give it a try, I hope it brings the same cozy comfort and freshness to your kitchen that it does to mine—enjoy every crispy, herby bite!

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Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters with Garlic Herb Yogurt Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 317 reviews
  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 1012 fritters 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Zucchini & Sweet Potato Fritters are a delightful, crispy, and colorful appetizer or side dish perfect for any meal. Made with shredded zucchini, sweet potato, fresh herbs, and a light cornmeal batter, they are pan-fried to golden perfection and served with a refreshing garlic herb yogurt sauce. They are easy to make, nutritious, and offer a delicious way to enjoy seasonal vegetables.


Ingredients

Scale

Garlic Herb Yogurt Sauce

  • 1/2 cup (120g) plain Greek or regular yogurt (or sour cream)
  • 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh mint
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 Tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fritters

  • 2 cups (about 240g) shredded zucchini (12 medium zucchini, about 1/2 lb.)
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded sweet potato (1 small, peeled or unpeeled)
  • 1/3 cup (45g) finely chopped yellow onion
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh mint
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/3 cup (40g) fine cornmeal
  • 1 Tablespoon (8g) cornstarch
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, chopped parsley, chopped mint, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, and garlic powder. Taste the sauce, then add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 3 days.
  2. Drain the Vegetables: Line a large bowl with paper towels. Add shredded zucchini, shredded sweet potato, and chopped onion to the bowl. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt over the vegetables and gently mix. Top with another layer of paper towels and press down firmly to begin absorbing moisture. Then, lift the vegetables by the towel and wring out as much liquid as possible over the sink using the paper towels or a clean dish towel or cheesecloth.
  3. Make the Fritter Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped mint, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper until combined. Fold the drained vegetables into the egg mixture. Stir in the cornmeal and cornstarch until the batter is well mixed and cohesive.
  4. Cook the Fritters: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the fritter batter, ensuring excess liquid is left behind. Place the batter into the skillet and flatten gently with a spatula into small patties. Fry without overcrowding the pan for about 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat until all batter is used.
  5. Serve: Serve the fritters warm with the prepared garlic herb yogurt sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy immediately for best texture.
  6. Storage: Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To reheat, microwave briefly or use an air fryer at 375°F (191°C) for 3-4 minutes. Alternatively, bake on a lined baking sheet at 375°F (191°C) for 8-10 minutes until heated through.

Notes

  • Wringing out the moisture from the vegetables is crucial to ensure crispy fritters and prevent sogginess.
  • You can substitute sour cream for the yogurt sauce if preferred.
  • The recipe yields approximately 10-12 fritters depending on size.
  • Use a cast iron or non-stick skillet for best frying results.
  • For a gluten-free version, ensure cornmeal and cornstarch are certified gluten-free.
  • Adjust the herbs according to preference; dill or chives would also work well.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 fritters with sauce (about 130g)
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

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