This recipe is brought to you in partnership with the National Pork Board, showcasing cooking with pork to create nutritious meals as part of a balanced lifestyle. All opinions are my own.

If you’re stuck in a rut and looking for something a little different that doesn’t take too much time to make, I highly recommend giving these pork and zucchini patties a try! They are excellent for meal prep if you prefer to cook 1-2 days ahead of time during those busy weeks like I do. Though I do enjoy cooking, I find that taking this approach to free up time when it may be limited leads to better productivity and overall happiness in the long run. It’s all about self-care and being aware of these little changes that make a huge impact over time.

Pork is versatile, delicious and takes on the flavor of anything you add to it. There are various lean cuts available on the market that could fit into any well-balanced meal plan easily. Have a look at the National Pork Board website for lots of recipes, information and inspiration! If this recipe sounds appealing to you then you’ll probably also enjoy these Mediterranean Pork Chops.

In my recipe, I’ve used ground pork and added freshly grated zucchini which cooked up beautifully and delivered a nice texture. It would probably be a great way to hide extra vegetables from your kids as well :) Some creamy feta crumbles add a great salty kick, lemon zest makes the flavors pop and finely chopped Thai chili brings a little spice to keep you coming back for more. Serve it with a fresh Greek salad and my feta sauce and I promise it’ll be amazing!

Helpful Tips:
To get the most accurate temperature reading, I suggest using a digital meat thermometer. Ground pork and sausage should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 160F and a meat thermometer will help you nail that temp!

Prepping all of the ingredients ahead of time will make your life easier. Pick up some ground pork during your next grocery run to store in the freezer until ready to use. Have all other ingredients ready to go before starting. Slice and chop ingredients for a salad 1-2 days ahead of time and assemble as needed. I usually have what we call our “fridge favorites” on hand and this includes sliced mini cucumbers, washed baby spinach, rinsed cherry tomatoes plus a variety of olives. When you have a protein like pork cooked and ready, it’s easy to just grab these prepped items from the fridge to enjoy on the side - the quantity is up to you.

If you’re following a diet that’s lower in carbs, grinding up some pork rinds to use instead of bread crumbs is a great way to bind these patties!

Herby Pork and Zucchini Patties
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 12-15 minutes | Makes eight 2 ounce patties

Ingredients:
1.5 lb ground pork (80/20 blend)
1 cup grated zucchini
1 extra large egg
½ cup panko crumbs or finely crushed pork rinds
2-3 cloves finely minced garlic
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon lemon pepper OR Greek seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon fresh chopped sage
¼ cup fresh chopped parsley
¼ cup feta crumbles
zest of a medium lemon
Optional: 1 small red chili

For the feta sauce:
¼ cup feta crumbles
½ cup plain greek yogurt
1-2 tablespoons fresh or dried herbs like dill, parsley, oregano, chives
The juice of your zested lemon
Salt and pepper to taste

To Serve: Freshly sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, baby spinach and red onion

Guidelines:
Combine all ingredients for the pork patties in a large bowl. Gently combine using a fork, then divide into eight equal portions and form into 1 -inch thick patties by using your hands.

Add a tablespoon of neutral oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Sear patties for 6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature registers 160F on a meat thermometer.

Blend ingredients for feta sauce in a food processor and season to taste. Serve pork patties with prepared salad ingredients and feta sauce!

The patties can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days and should be consumed within that time. I’ve found that reheating them in the air fryer or oven is best.