If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious appetizer, these zucchini and cottage cheese bites are the perfect option. This recipe brings together the lightness of zucchini with a creamy, tangy cottage cheese filling, enhanced by the crunch of walnuts and the freshness of dill. It’s a nutritious, low-carb alternative to traditional appetizers, making it a great choice for those who want a flavorful snack without the guilt. Whether served at a party or as a light snack, these zucchini bites are sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Zucchini:
- 1 zucchini (300 g)
- 0.3 teaspoon salt
- Ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Filling:
- 180 g cottage cheese
- 30 g walnuts, chopped
- 15 g fresh dill, chopped
- 50 g sour cream
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 pinches of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Zucchini : Rinse the zucchini well and cut it into thin, 1/4-inch slices. Sprinkle the zucchini slices with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Drizzle them with the vegetable oil, tossing to ensure the slices are well-coated with the seasoning.
- Cook the Zucchini : Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the zucchini slices in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until the zucchini is golden and slightly tender but not mushy. Set the cooked zucchini slices aside on a plate to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Cottage Cheese Filling In a bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, chopped walnuts, fresh dill, sour cream, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly combined and the filling is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Zucchini Bites : Take a spoonful of the cottage cheese mixture and spread it onto each zucchini slice, or place a small dollop in the center of each round. If you prefer, you can stack two slices of zucchini together with the filling in the middle to create zucchini “sandwiches.”
- Serve : Arrange the zucchini and cottage cheese bites on a serving platter. Garnish with a few extra sprigs of fresh dill or a sprinkle of chopped walnuts for added presentation.
Conclusion
These zucchini and cottage cheese bites are a refreshing and satisfying appetizer that combines the natural sweetness of zucchini with the creaminess of cottage cheese, all topped off with a hint of garlic and crunch from the walnuts. They’re perfect for serving at parties or as a healthy snack between meals. Light, flavorful, and easy to make, this recipe is a great way to enjoy nutritious ingredients in a fun and delicious way.