Microwave Zucchini is the easiest way to get a veggie on the table fast. They’re light, fresh, and surprisingly tasty for something this low-effort. Just two ingredients and a microwave-safe dish, and you’ve got a quick side that goes with pretty much anything.
Zucchini is one of those vegetables that quietly does it all. It’s full of fiber, vitamin C, and water, so you feel satisfied without adding loads of calories. I make it all the time when I want something fresh and low carb on the side, and it’s a quick way to get more vegetables into the day without overthinking it.
❤️ Why you will love this recipe
- Fast: Ready in just a few minutes in the microwave.
- Healthy: Packed with nutrients and low in calories and carbs.
- Simple: Only two basic ingredients needed.
- Versatile: Works as a side dish with almost any meal.
- Kid-friendly: Gentle flavor that little ones are more likely to try.
🗝️ Key ingredients & substitutions
- Zucchini: Slice into coins, thin strips, or zoodles. Yellow squash makes a good swap if that is what you have on hand.
- Salt: Helps draw out moisture and brings out flavor. You can also use garlic salt or a seasoning blend if you want extra flavor.
🥣 How to make microwave zucchini
- Slice zucchini: Use a spiralizer, vegetable peeler, or a knife to make thin rounds, matchstick shapes, or long strips. Any thin shape works.
- Trim zoodles: If the strands are too long, snip them a couple of times with scissors.
- Salt zucchini: Place in a colander over the sink, sprinkle with salt, and toss gently to coat.
- Rest: Let the zucchini sit for 30 minutes.
- Press moisture: After 30 minutes, press lightly with a paper towel to release moisture.
- Microwave zucchini: Place in a microwave safe bowl and heat for 1 minute. Check softness, then continue in 30 second bursts until tender, usually about 2 minutes total.
- Strain if needed: If extra moisture collects, drain it off and serve immediately.
🪄 Recipe notes & tips
- Cut shapes: Choose zucchini coins, thin slices, or zoodles. The key is keeping them thin so they cook evenly.
- Covering: Use a lid or a paper towel to trap steam and help the zucchini soften faster.
- Timing: Microwaves can be unpredictable, so yours might take closer to 3-4 minutes at full power to get the texture right.
- Moisture check: Press and drain before serving to avoid a watery side dish.
- Serving: Place in a serving dish as is, or add butter, parmesan cheese, or a little onion for extra flavor.
🫙 Storage instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftover zucchini in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until heated through.
- Freeze: Not recommended, as zucchini tends to get mushy once thawed.
- Meal prep: Slice zucchini ahead of time, salt, and keep it in the fridge to cook later the same day.
✨ Variations
- Cheesy: Sprinkle parmesan cheese after microwaving for a savory finish.
- Garlicky: Add garlic salt instead of plain salt for extra flavor.
- Veggie mix: Toss in sliced mushrooms, carrots, or even a little onion before cooking.
- Butter lover: Melt a small pat of butter over the warm zucchini for a richer taste.
- Spiced: A pinch of cinnamon gives the zucchini a warm flavor that leans slightly sweet, especially if paired with grains and dried fruit.
- Crispy: Skip the microwave and cook zucchini coins in the air fryer for a different texture.
🍽️ What to serve microwave zucchini with
- Proteins: Serve alongside Marry Me Chicken, baked salmon, or Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter for a hearty main.
- Grains: Add Instant Pot Basmati Rice, quinoa, or a savory Keto Oatmeal (Make-Ahead Mix) as a second side to round out the meal.
- Veggie sides: Pair the zucchini with a crisp Wedge Salad with Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing or crunchy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts for extra vegetables on the table.
- Extras: Top with parmesan cheese, serve with berries on the side, or round out the meal with a light dessert like Chocolate Cottage Cheese Mousse or Keto Apple Crisp.
❓ Frequently asked questions
Not really. While all cooking can cause a little nutrient loss, microwaving is one of the gentler methods. Because it cooks quickly and with hardly any water, it preserves more vitamins than boiling, which can wash nutrients away into the water.
Only if it is cooked too long. That is why short bursts are best, with a quick check in between. If extra moisture collects, just drain it off and the zucchini will stay tender instead of mushy.
You can use pre-sliced frozen zucchini, but it will turn out softer and release more water. Cook it straight from frozen in short bursts, drain off the liquid, and season well before serving. Fresh zucchini holds its shape better, which is why I prefer it for this recipe.
😋 More easy side dishes you will love
- Spicy Garlic Chinese Zucchini
- Microwave Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Mashed Rutabaga
- Sesame Broccoli
- Cilantro Lime Radish Rice
Have you made this recipe? I’d love to know <3 Tag me (@makehealthyrecipes) on Facebook and Instagram, Pin it on Pinterest, and please give it 5 stars with a review below! Don’t forget to subscribe to the email list (top right of this page) for sparkly new recipes in your inbox.
📖 Recipe
Microwave Zucchini (noodles or any shape!)
Ingredients
- 2 zucchinis
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Begin by slicing the zucchini. You can use a spiralizer or slice the zucchini into very thin, long matchstick shapes. A vegetable peeler works well here too, or you can simply slice the zucchini into thin rounds. Any shape will work as long as it's thin!2 zucchinis
- If the zoodles are extremely long, I cut them a couple of times with scissors here.
- Place the zucchini in a colander (strainer) over a sink and sprinkle with slat. Toss it together gently.1 teaspoon salt
- Allow the zucchini to sit for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, press gently on the zucchini with a paper towel to release any excess moisture.
- Place the zucchini in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for one minute. Check the softness and microwave for a further 30 seconds at a time until it is cooked to your liking. I usually do 2 minutes total.
- If any extra moisture has been released, strain it and then serve the zucchini immediately.
Notes
- Cut shapes: Choose zucchini coins, thin slices, or zoodles. The key is keeping them thin so they cook evenly.
- Covering: Use a lid or a paper towel to trap steam and help the zucchini soften faster.
- Timing: Microwaves can be unpredictable, so yours might take closer to 3-4 minutes at full power to get the texture right.
- Moisture check: Press and drain before serving to avoid a watery side dish.
- Serving: Place in a serving dish as is, or add butter, parmesan cheese, or a little onion for extra flavor.
Storage instructions:
- Refrigerate: Store leftover zucchini in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until heated through.
- Freeze: Not recommended, as zucchini tends to get mushy once thawed.
- Meal prep: Slice zucchini ahead of time, salt, and keep it in the fridge to cook later the same day.