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    Home » Side Dishes » Zucchini and Yellow Squash in the Microwave

    Zucchini and Yellow Squash in the Microwave

    Published: Aug 13, 2020 · Modified: Nov 8, 2021 by Sula · This post may contain affiliate links · 18 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    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.

    Ingredients needed

    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 ⅓ 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.

    micrwaved zucchini and yellow squash on a white plate

    Because I am addicted to cheese, I, of course, sprinkle a little more Parmesan on when serving. In theory, this is optional. 😃

    microwaved yellow squash and zucchini with a tomato sauce on a white plate
    5 from 45 votes
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    Zucchini and Yellow Squash in the Microwave

    An easy side dish to make yummy summer squash!
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time5 mins
    Total Time10 mins
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 59kcal
    Author: Sula

    Ingredients

    • 2 summer squash zucchini and/or yellow squash
    • 6 oz tomato sauce basil garlic and oregano flavored
    • ⅓ 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

    Sprinkle with additional cheese when serving, as desired.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 59kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 358mg | Potassium: 398mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 445IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 119mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.

    Recipe FAQs

    Should I salt and drain the zucchini before cooking?

    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.

    How do I bake this zucchini and squash dish?

    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.

    pin for microwave yellow squash and zucchini

    More zucchini recipes

    • Zucchini on the grill
    • Corn and Zucchini fritters
    • Zucchini Casserole with Ground Beef

    « Baked Potato on the Grill
    Beef Kabobs in the Oven or Grill »

    Filed Under: Side Dishes Tagged With: Plant Based, Salads and sides, Vegetarian

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mama Maggie's Kitchen

      April 06, 2021 at 6:49 pm

      5 stars
      We had this yesterday and it was sooo yummy!

      Reply
      • Sula

        April 07, 2021 at 8:36 am

        I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    2. Jessica Formicola

      April 05, 2021 at 8:21 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Sula

        April 06, 2021 at 6:41 am

        Yes it comes in very handy!

        Reply
    3. Sondra

      April 03, 2021 at 1:58 pm

      5 stars
      Mm sounds good!

      Reply
      • Sula

        April 03, 2021 at 8:30 pm

        I hope you try it soon!

        Reply
    4. Emily Flint

      April 02, 2021 at 11:18 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Sula

        April 02, 2021 at 1:40 pm

        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!

        Reply
    5. Caitlyn Erhardt

      August 29, 2020 at 6:51 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Sula

        August 29, 2020 at 8:13 am

        Ah that's perfect, one thing on the grill and this zucchini and squash in the microwave - done!

        Reply
    6. Kylie Archer

      August 29, 2020 at 6:26 am

      5 stars
      perfect for busy week nights...and my zucchini glut come summer!

      Reply
      • Sula

        August 29, 2020 at 8:11 am

        Yes a zucchini glut needs lots of easy recipes!

        Reply
    7. Jacqueline Meldrum

      August 29, 2020 at 5:33 am

      5 stars
      I would never gave thought if that's but it's so quick qnd easy.

      Reply
      • Sula

        August 29, 2020 at 5:39 am

        Yes, give it a try!

        Reply
    8. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry

      August 29, 2020 at 4:54 am

      5 stars
      What a great idea to make it in the microwave, so quick, easy and tasty! Will have to give it a try!

      Reply
      • Sula

        August 29, 2020 at 5:15 am

        Yes its so great when you need a quick side dish!

        Reply
    9. Big Trouble

      August 13, 2020 at 10:13 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Sula

        August 13, 2020 at 10:25 am

        You're welcome, its both easy and delicious!

        Reply

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