Zucchini and Greek Yogurt Pancakes Recipe

Fluffy Zucchini and Greek Yogurt Pancakes Recipe for Breakfast Joy

Light and fluffy zucchini pancakes bring unexpected magic to your breakfast table.

Summer gardens overflow with these green treasures waiting to become something spectacular.

Creamy greek yogurt sneaks protein into every delightful bite.

Crisp vegetables mingle with smooth dairy, creating a morning meal that feels both indulgent and nutritious.

Grated zucchini adds moisture and subtle earthiness to each golden round.

Weekend brunch becomes an adventure with these surprisingly delectable pancakes.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this ingenious recipe.

Why Zucchini And Greek Yogurt Pancakes Are A Healthy Hit

  • Boost Vegetable Intake: Sneak zucchini into a delightful pancake recipe, making it an ingenious way to enjoy more vegetables without feeling like you're eating health food.
  • Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn grating, squeezing moisture, and precise pan-cooking skills that elevate your culinary confidence with minimal kitchen expertise required.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, light lunch, or even a savory dinner option that adapts to different mealtime needs and preferences.
  • Protein-Packed Breakfast Alternative: Greek yogurt and eggs provide substantial protein, transforming traditional pancakes into a more nutritionally balanced meal that keeps you satisfied longer.

Zucchini And Greek Yogurt Pancakes Ingredient List

Wet Ingredients:
  • Greek Yogurt: A creamy base that adds richness and tanginess to the pancake batter.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and binding for the pancake mixture.
  • Olive Oil: Creates a non-stick surface for cooking and adds a subtle flavor.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Forms the primary structure of the pancakes.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the pancakes rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the pancakes.
Vegetable and Herbs:
  • Zucchini: Adds moisture, texture, and a subtle vegetable flavor to the pancakes.
  • Chives, Dill: Provide a fresh, herbal garnish that brightens the final dish.

Easy Steps For Zucchini And Greek Yogurt Pancakes

Step 1: Prepare Zucchini

Grab a fresh zucchini and use a box grater to create delicate, thin strands. Take a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out all the extra moisture from the grated zucchini, which helps keep the pancakes crispy and light.

Step 2: Create Creamy Batter Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Greek yogurt
  • Eggs

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, creating a perfect foundation for your pancakes.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Add the following into the yogurt mixture:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir until the batter becomes completely smooth with no lumps.

Step 4: Incorporate Zucchini

Gently fold the drained zucchini strands into the batter, ensuring an even distribution throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Heat Cooking Surface

Place a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.

Allow the pan to reach an even cooking temperature.

Step 6: Cook Pancakes

Pour small amounts of batter into the hot skillet, creating pancakes about 3 inches wide.

Cook until golden brown edges appear and bubbles form on the surface.

Step 7: Flip and Finish

Carefully flip each pancake and cook the other side until golden brown and completely cooked through.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Transfer cooked pancakes to a warming plate. Sprinkle freshly chopped chives and dill on top for a burst of herbal flavor just before serving.

Tips To Make Zucchini And Greek Yogurt Pancakes Fluffy

  • Squeeze zucchini thoroughly to prevent soggy pancakes, ensuring a crisp and light texture that holds together perfectly.
  • Use full-fat Greek yogurt for richer, creamier pancakes with a luxurious mouthfeel and enhanced flavor profile.
  • Keep pancake size consistent by using a ladle or measuring cup for uniform cooking and professional-looking results.
  • Add fresh herbs like chives and dill at the last moment to preserve their bright, aromatic qualities and maximize flavor impact.
  • Serve immediately after cooking to maintain optimal crispness and enjoy the pancakes at their peak deliciousness.

Flavor Swaps For Zucchini And Greek Yogurt Pancakes

  • Herbed Mediterranean Pancakes: Add chopped fresh oregano, mint, and parsley to the batter for a robust Mediterranean flavor profile that complements the zucchini and Greek yogurt base.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Zucchini Pancakes: Incorporate finely diced jalapeños and a pinch of cayenne pepper into the batter for a zesty, kick-up-the-heat version that adds exciting complexity to the original recipe.
  • Whole Grain Nutty Pancakes: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and sprinkle in toasted sunflower seeds or chopped almonds for added texture and nutritional boost.

Tasty Sides With Zucchini And Greek Yogurt Pancakes

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the pancakes' richness and complements the herbal notes of chives and dill.
  • Create Protein-Packed Side: Serve alongside a light smoked salmon or prosciutto, which adds savory depth and balances the zucchini pancakes' delicate flavor profile.
  • Design Fresh Herbal Salad: Toss a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, which provides a peppery contrast and refreshing citrus undertone to enhance the pancakes' creamy texture.

How To Store Zucchini And Greek Yogurt Pancakes Properly

  • Refrigerate: Store cooled pancakes in an airtight container, layering with parchment paper between each pancake. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual pancakes in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality and taste.
  • Microwave Reheat: Place pancakes on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Warm for 30-45 seconds until heated through.
  • Skillet Reheat: Warm a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat, cook pancakes for 1-2 minutes per side, restoring their crispy exterior and soft interior.

FAQs For Zucchini And Greek Yogurt Pancakes

  • Can I use a different type of yogurt?

Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt with other thick yogurts like strained plain yogurt or even sour cream for similar texture and tanginess.

  • Is zucchini essential in this recipe?

While zucchini adds moisture and nutrition, you can replace it with grated carrots or squash if needed, maintaining similar vegetable content.

  • How do I prevent soggy pancakes?

Thoroughly squeeze out excess moisture from grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel to ensure crisp, light pancakes that aren’t watery.

  • Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Prepare the batter up to 2 hours in advance and refrigerate, but add zucchini just before cooking to maintain the pancakes’ texture and prevent excess liquid.

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Zucchini and Greek Yogurt Pancakes Recipe

Zucchini and Greek Yogurt Pancakes Recipe


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4.5 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Greek breakfast magic unfolds with zucchini and Greek yogurt pancakes, blending Mediterranean freshness and creamy comfort. Crisp edges, tender centers, and delightful nutrition make these pancakes a morning celebration you’ll crave repeatedly.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 medium zucchini
  • 1 cup greek yogurt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Using a box grater, shred zucchini into delicate, thin strands that will blend smoothly into the pancake mixture.
  2. Wrap the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and vigorously squeeze out all excess liquid to prevent soggy pancakes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, blend greek yogurt and eggs until the mixture becomes silky and homogeneous.
  4. Gradually add flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper to the yogurt mixture, whisking until a smooth, consistent batter develops without lumps.
  5. Gently integrate the drained zucchini into the batter, ensuring even distribution of vegetable strands throughout.
  6. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F), allowing the pan to reach an optimal cooking temperature.
  7. Pour small rounds of batter into the hot skillet, creating pancakes roughly 3 inches wide.
  8. Allow pancakes to cook for 2-3 minutes until golden edges form and bubbles appear on the surface, then carefully flip to cook the opposite side.
  9. Transfer finished pancakes to a warm plate to maintain temperature and prevent cooling.
  10. Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped chives and dill over the pancakes to add a burst of herbal freshness and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Squeeze zucchini thoroughly to prevent soggy pancakes, ensuring a crisp and light texture that doesn’t become watery during cooking.
  • Experiment with gluten-free flour blends for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same creamy and tender pancake consistency.
  • Enhance protein content by adding a scoop of protein powder to the batter, creating a more nutritionally balanced breakfast option.
  • Prep ingredients ahead of time and store batter in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, allowing for quick and convenient morning meals.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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