Spinach and Feta Fritters: A Mediterranean Delight

If you love Greek food and Mediterranean flavors, these Spinach and Feta Fritters are a must-try! Inspired by traditional Greek cooking, these golden bites are filled with fresh spinach, tangy feta, and aromatic herbs. Whether you’re looking for a healthy appetizer, a vegetarian main dish, or a satisfying snack, this recipe is versatile, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make at home.

Perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these fritters are a fun way to enjoy leafy greens while indulging in the comforting richness of cheese. Best of all, they align beautifully with the Mediterranean diet – one of the healthiest eating lifestyles in the world.

What Are Spinach and Feta Fritters?

Spinach and feta fritters are small, pan-fried patties made with a mixture of spinach, feta cheese, herbs, and a simple batter. They’re similar to Greek spanakopita (spinach pie) but without the pastry. Instead, the mixture is shaped into fritters and cooked until crispy and golden.

These fritters are popular in Greek homes as part of a meze platter (small plates served as appetizers), but they’re just as suitable for a quick weeknight dinner or a party snack.

A Traditional Dish in Greek Cooking

Spinach and feta are cornerstones of Greek cuisine. Dishes like spanakopita, hortopita, and tyropita showcase the country’s love for leafy greens and tangy cheese. Fritters (known as keftedes in Greek) are traditionally made with meat, vegetables, or legumes – and spinach fritters (spanakokeftedes) are a classic vegetarian variation.

What makes them distinctly Greek?

Herbs like dill, parsley, and oregano give freshness.
Feta cheese adds saltiness and creaminess.
Olive oil frying provides richness while keeping it heart-healthy.

How This Recipe Fits Into the Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes whole foods, vegetables, healthy fats, and moderate dairy. These fritters are a perfect fit because they are:

✔️ Rich in greens – Spinach provides vitamins A, C, K, iron, and fiber.
✔️ Protein-packed – Feta cheese offers calcium and protein.
✔️ Cooked in olive oil – A heart-healthy fat instead of processed oils.

This dish proves that healthy food doesn’t have to be bland – it can be crispy, flavorful, and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ 30-minute recipe – Quick enough for weeknights.
✅ Vegetarian-friendly – A great meatless option.
✅ Crispy & cheesy – Comfort food without being heavy.
✅ Versatile – Works as an appetizer, side, or light meal.
✅ Kid-approved – A tasty way to sneak in greens.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for authentic Greek-style spinach and feta fritters:

For the Fritters

2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped (or 1 cup frozen, thawed & drained)
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
2 large eggs, beaten
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano (or fresh dill/parsley)
½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra depth)
2–3 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

For Serving

Greek yogurt or tzatziki dip
Lemon wedges

Possible Substitutions & Variations

Cheese swap: Use ricotta or halloumi instead of feta.
Add veggies: Mix in grated zucchini or carrots.
Low-carb option: Use almond flour.
Vegan fritters: Replace eggs with flaxseed “egg” and use vegan feta.
Baked version: Bake instead of frying for a lighter option.

Kitchen Equipment Checklist

✔️ Large mixing bowls
✔️ Skillet or frying pan
✔️ Spatula
✔️ Grater (if adding zucchini)
✔️ Paper towels (for draining excess oil)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach

If using fresh spinach: chop finely, sauté for 2 minutes until wilted, then squeeze out excess liquid.
If using frozen spinach: thaw completely and press out water.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a bowl, combine spinach, feta, onion, garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and paprika.
In another bowl, mix flour and baking powder.
Add eggs to spinach mixture, then fold in flour mixture until thick and sticky.

Step 3: Fry the Fritters

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of batter per fritter, flatten slightly.
Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Serve

Serve warm with tzatziki or yogurt dip and fresh lemon wedges.

Expert Tips for Success

✅ Drain spinach well – Excess water makes fritters soggy.
✅ Use block feta – Crumble yourself for better flavor.
✅ Cook in batches – Don’t overcrowd the pan.
✅ Medium heat frying – Prevents burning outside before inside cooks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Adding wet spinach → leads to mushy fritters.
❌ Skipping herbs → makes fritters bland.
❌ Using too much oil → fritters become greasy.
❌ Overcooking → they’ll dry out instead of staying soft inside.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

These fritters can be enjoyed in many ways:

🥒 With tzatziki dip – A classic Greek pairing.
🥗 As a side with Greek salad – Tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta.
🥖 In a pita wrap – With lettuce, tomato, and tahini sauce.
🍳 For brunch – Topped with a poached egg.
🍷 As a meze platter – Served with hummus, olives, and warm bread.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving, 2 fritters)

Calories: ~180
Protein: 8g
Carbs: 12g
Fat: 11g
Fiber: 2g
Calcium: 15% DV
Iron: 10% DV

(Values may vary depending on ingredients.)

How to Store & Reheat

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Up to 2 months (separate layers with parchment paper).
Reheat: Oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes for crispiness.

FAQs About Spinach and Feta Fritters

1. Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes – bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.

2. Can I make them gluten-free?
Absolutely – use chickpea flour, rice flour, or almond flour.

3. Can I prepare them ahead?
Yes – make the batter a few hours ahead, refrigerate, then cook fresh.

4. Can I serve them cold?
They taste best warm, but can be enjoyed at room temperature in lunchboxes.

Final Thoughts

These Spinach and Feta Fritters are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and fresh – a true taste of the Mediterranean. Whether you serve them as a snack, appetizer, or light dinner, they bring Greek flavors straight to your table.

Healthy, quick, and crowd-pleasing, they’re sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Next time you’re craving comfort food with a healthy twist, give these Mediterranean fritters a try – and don’t forget the lemon wedge on the side!