It’s August and anyone with a garden tends to be overflowing with summer squash by now. So I bring a simple way to make zucchini and yellow squash in the microwave. This recipe will help break up your routine a little, yet it is still easy to make, which is perfect for these hot days of August.
Why is zucchini so prolific?
Zucchini is considered one of the easiest plants to grow in a garden. In addition, its production is cyclical, meaning the more you harvest, the more the plant will produce (harvestright.com). As my friend Dawn told me, “when they start coming in the garden you better start picking or they could quickly be a murder weapon.”
So, to recap, you need to pick them quickly before they get too big, but the more you pick the more the plant produces. See the problem? That’s why gardeners commonly have difficulty with zucchini supplies and will often gift friends and neighbors with the surplus bounty of their harvests.
Which is probably why this image showed up in my FB feed the other day!
How to make this green and yellow squash in the microwave
This recipe only requires 3 ingredients. And less than 10 minutes. Because zucchini is so readily available year-round, you’ll want to save this recipe for repeated use.
I use a combination of zucchini and yellow squash. I like the color contrast. But feel free to use all zucchini or all yellow squash, whichever variety is overtaking the garden is a good choice. 😄
Start by slicing the squash. If you have a food processor this is about a 30-second job and it works beautifully. But using a mandoline slicer or just a plain old knife works fine, too.
Place the squash slices in a microwave safe dish. Add a 6-ounce can of seasoned tomato sauce. By seasoned, I mean the basil, garlic and oregano version of tomato sauce. If you can only find plain tomato sauce, add a little Italian seasoning to the mix.
Then, add 1/3 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese. Mix together, cover and microwave for 5 minutes. Check for doneness and add a little time if needed. This is usually unnecessary unless the slices are a little thick or if you like your zucchini softer than I do. I typically prefer a little texture to my cooked zucchini.
Because I am addicted to cheese, I, of course, sprinkle a little more Parmesan on when serving. In theory, this is optional. 😃
Zucchini and Yellow Squash in the Microwave
Ingredients
- 2 summer squash zucchini and/or yellow squash
- 6 oz tomato sauce basil garlic and oregano flavored
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
Instructions
- Remove ends from the squash and slice thinly. Place slices in a microwave-safe dish.
- Add tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese and stir to mix.
- Cover and microwave on high for 5 minutes.
- Check for doneness by piercing with a fork or knife. If squash seems underdone, re-cover and microwave for 1-2 minutes more.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Recipe FAQs
The first time I made this I did exactly that. I placed the slices in a colander, salted them well and let them drain for 30 minutes or so. It’s an effective way to remove some of the excess liquid from zucchini. The next time, I skipped this step and noticed almost no difference. Maybe the tomato sauce gets a little more watery, but that stays in the dish when I’m spooning onto a plate. So now I skip the salting step altogether. I’d rather save the time and keep this super-fast and simple. If you feel strongly about it, feel free to pre-treat the squash.
If you prefer to use your oven, that is easy as well. About 20-30 minutes, covered, in a 375F oven should be just about right.
Big Trouble
The thought of making this in the microwave just seems crazy, but it makes it sound like a really easy dish! Very cool! Thanks for the smart idea, Sula!
Sula
You're welcome, its both easy and delicious!
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry
What a great idea to make it in the microwave, so quick, easy and tasty! Will have to give it a try!
Sula
Yes its so great when you need a quick side dish!
Jacqueline Meldrum
I would never gave thought if that's but it's so quick qnd easy.
Sula
Yes, give it a try!
Kylie Archer
perfect for busy week nights...and my zucchini glut come summer!
Sula
Yes a zucchini glut needs lots of easy recipes!
Caitlyn Erhardt
Thanks for a great easy recipe. this was the perfect side to our grilled chicken over the weekend and loved that I didn't have to turn my oven on!
Sula
Ah that's perfect, one thing on the grill and this zucchini and squash in the microwave - done!
Emily Flint
Ok, so I learned something new today...I had no idea you could cook zucchini in the microwave. This is brilliant!! I just planted a TON of squash so I will be the crazy gardener this year giving away zucchini, but not before I try this recipe!
Sula
Oh I am so jealous! MY backyard is really not vegetable garden friendly. So I count on other people's bounties to keep my addiction going - I LOVE squash in pretty much any variety!
Sondra
Mm sounds good!
Sula
I hope you try it soon!
Jessica Formicola
Oh wow, I've never thought to make squash and zucchini in the microwave! This will save me room in the oven in the future!
Sula
Yes it comes in very handy!
Mama Maggie's Kitchen
We had this yesterday and it was sooo yummy!
Sula
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!