Grain-Free Zucchini Fries + Zesty Ranch Dip

These Grain-Free Zucchini Fries + Zesty Ranch Dip from The Whole Smiths are brought to you in collaboration with Thrive Algae Oil. Grain-free, paleo and absolutely delicious!

This year Brad and I decided we needed to go gangbusters on our garden. Like full on, maybe we call ourselves part-time farmers, type of gangbusters. In the past we’ve had a successful garden but it always left me wanting more. As in more, more. Like lots more veggies, tomatoes, strawberries etc. I wanted to be able to have a harvest large enough to share with friends, family and neighbors. And apparently now to make all the fried zucchini my hearts desires.

15 tomato, 8 squash plants, 8 strawberry plants, some eggplants, peppers and numerous other types of bounty later, I think we can safely say we will have more than enough to go around.  And then some. We already have about 10 spaghetti squash on the vine that should be ready to be harvested in the next week or so. With that being said, my mind is already coming up with new recipes and ways to use all of this fresh produce up. Like these Zucchini Fries!

It was perfect timing as well as I recently learned about Thrive Culinary Algae Oil and once we decided to partner together to showcase their algae oil, I knew exactly what I needed to make. Not only was I able to use their culinary algae oil to fry the zucchini, I was also able to successfully use their oil in a mayonnaise that would be a base for an amazing ranch dip. To say this recipe came together seamlessly would be an understatement. I haven’t even gotten to the part where I tell you how amazingly delicious it is!

If you’re like me, you probably haven’t heard of algae oil as a viable source of healthy fats. But the truth of the matter is that it’s INCREDIBLY heart healthy as it has the highest percentage of monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) coming in at 13 grams per serving.  Most olive oils have approximately 75% MUFAs where as Thrive’s Culinary Algae Oil comes in at 90%. It’s also 75% lower in saturated fats than olive oil with only .5% of a gram, which was demonstrated in the frying.

Typically fried foods leave me feeling so heavy and greasy, however this just wasn’t the case when using algae oil. There was no greasiness, no heaviness. These zucchini fries still retain the taste and satisfaction that comes with frying minus the residue. It was so light! It’s smoke point comes in at 485* which makes it perfect for frying foods.

As far as taste, it’s just as light. I feel like you could use it in place of any olive or avocado oil and not have the flavor change one bit. In fact, it’s milder than olive oil which worked particularly well with the zesty ranch.

To learn how to make the mayonnaise base, hop over to my 30-Second Homemade Mayo recipe. I’ve updated it to also give you the option of using algae oil now as well.

Needless to say, I’m a huge fan of Thrive’s Culinary Algae Oil and will continue to use and recommend it in recipes.

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5 from 1 vote

Zucchini Fries + Zesty Ranch Dip

Zucchini Fries + Zesty Ranch Dip from the Whole Smiths. An incredibly light and heart-healthy way to fry up your veggies! Paleo-friendly, vegetarian and gluten-free.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Course: Side / Appetizer

Cuisine: Paleo / Vegetarian / Gluten-Free

Servings: 4 -6

Author: the Whole Smiths

Ingredients

• 1 C. homemade mayo see above for recipe link
• 1 Tbsp. chives
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. onion powder
• 1/4 tsp. onion granules
• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp. chili powder
• 1/4 C. cilantro
• 1/2 jalapeno deseeded
• Dash of red pepper flakes more for additional heat
• 3 Tbsp. almond milk
• 2 large zucchinis cut into spears
• 1/2 C. almond flour
• 2 Tbsp. tapioca flour
• 1/4 tsp. dry mustard powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 1/4 tsp. chili powder
• 1 egg beaten
• Thrive Culinary Algae Oil (or other mild cooking oil)
• Salt to taste

Instructions

• Using an immersion blender, food processor, or blender combine mayo, chives, garlic, salt, onion powder, onion granules, garlic powder, chili powder, cilantro, jalapeño, red pepper, and almond milk
• Pulse to combine to form zesty ranch dressing
• Meanwhile combine almond and tapioca flours, dry mustard, salt, pepper and chili powder and combine
• In a large dutch over or frying pan add algae oil until there is about an inch of it in the pan
• Heat on medium high heat to about 350* (you can use a thermometer to gauge)
• Meanwhile dip one zucchini spear into beaten egg, let excess drip off
• Then add egg covered zucchini to flour and toss to coat
• Once oil is hot, add coated zucchinis, careful not to crowd pan and fry one each side 2-3 minutes
• Continue this process for remaining zucchini spears
• Once cooked, remove and place on paper towel to drain
• Salt to taste and serve with ranch

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