Microwave yellow squash is a delicious and simple way to make your favorite summer squash side dish. Cooked, seasoned, and ready in under 5 minutes!
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Microwaving yellow squash is an easy way to make your favorite veggies whether you're home or away. Imagine the hotel meals, dorm room, or uses for this simple steamed squash recipe when the oven breaks down.
We love microwave recipes because the convenience is always appreciated. From Microwave Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes and Microwave Grilled Cheese to Chocolate Drizzled Popcorn, we always find a reason to keep the microwave in use. But steaming vegetables is our favorite way to use it, and is what w use it for most often.
Yellow squash is known for its mild flavor and tender texture, but it becomes even more delicious when steamed to perfection. This cooking method preserves the natural sweetness of the squash and enhances its vibrant color, making it a wonderful addition to your plate.
If you love summer squash, make sure to check out these Summer Squash Recipes and my Instant Pot Zucchini!
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💛 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's simple. All you need is plastic wrap, a bowl, water, and your favorite summer squash! Once you know how to microwave summer squash you'll never want to cook it any other way again!
- It's efficient. Steamed vegetables in the microwave save me so much time and effort that they're often a go-to when I need a veggie on the dinner plate. You're going to LOVE this microwaved summer squash recipe!
- It's frugal. This recipe is pretty cheap to throw together and even more so if you grow the yellow squash in your garden! Of course, if you have zucchini on hand, I'd recommend using them in our Zucchini Penne Pasta, Amish Zucchini Bread, and Old Fashioned Zucchini Bread.
🛒 Ingredients
Yellow Squash- You will need some fresh yellow squash for this recipe. Make sure to wash them well before use.
Water- You will need some water to steam the squash in, but the actual amount will vary based on the size of your bowl.
See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.
💰 Budget-Friendly Tips
Buy in Season: Squash is most affordable in summer and early fall. Stock up when prices drop and cook weekly. See: Seasonal Shopping (What to Buy and When)
Keep It Simple: Seasonings already in your pantry work great. No need for special blends or extra ingredients.
Use Exactly What You Need: Add water by sight, not measurements, so nothing goes to waste.
Make It a Side for Leftovers: Serve with leftover proteins or rice to stretch meals without cooking a full spread.
🥄 Instructions for Microwave Yellow Squash
Step 1: Wash and slice the yellow squash. Add to a microwave-safe bowl.
Step 2: Chop your onion and add it to the bowl of squash.
Step 3: Add in just enough water to cover the bottom of the bowl by about ½ inch to 1 inch.
Step 4: Cover the top of the bowl well with Cling Wrap and then microwave for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add additional time in 30 seconds- 1-minute increments if you want them cooked more.
Step 5: Drain the water and add in the seasonings, toss well.
Serve warm.
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
- Safety First- Use microwave-safe cling wrap and bowls to cook yellow squash in the microwave. Not all materials are safe for microwave use, so be sure to check.
- Adjust for Variations- Microwave strengths vary, so cooking times may differ. Aim for a slightly translucent appearance, with a firm outer texture and soft center.
- Water Level- Add water to cover the bottom of the bowl, about ½ to 1 inch deep. This provides ample moisture for steaming without submerging the squash. Adjust as needed based on personal preference.
❄️ Storage, Reheating & Make Ahead
Storage: Keep leftover Microwave Yellow Squash in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave in 20-30 second intervals until heated through. Add a tiny splash of water if it seems dry.
Make Ahead: Slice squash and onion ahead of time and store covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Cook when ready to serve.
🥗 Side Dishes or Pairing Ideas
Serve Microwave Yellow Squash with baked or grilled chicken, pan-fried pork chops, meatloaf, or roasted potatoes. It also pairs well with rice, buttered noodles, or alongside a simple garden salad for a quick veggie side.
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❓ Microwave Yellow Squash FAQs
Absolutely! Use a combination of yellow squash and zucchini or one or the other, depending on what you have on hand.
Yellow squash is a good source of fiber and vitamins like A, B6, and C. They also have a decent amount of potassium. They're a nutritional veggie that's often very affordable when in season in the Fall.
You can cut and prep your yellow squash and onion bowl and cover it in the fridge up to a day in advance. You can also slice the yellow squash and simply keep it in a Ziploc for about 1-2 days before cooking, but keep in mind it may dry out if not properly sealed.
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🐝 If you tried this Microwave Yellow Squash, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your buzz in the 💬 comments below. I'd truly appreciate it!
📖 Recipe
Microwave Yellow Squash
Ingredients
- 2 medium yellow squash, sliced - ($1.78)
- ½ small onion, chopped - ($0.45)
- 1 cup water, as needed - ($0.00)
- ½ teaspoon salt - ($0.01)
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper - ($0.01)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder - ($0.02)
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning - ($0.02)
Instructions
- Prep vegetables. Wash and slice the yellow squash. Place the squash and chopped onion in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Add water. Pour in just enough water to cover the bottom of the bowl, about ½ to 1 inch deep.
- Microwave. Cover tightly with microwave-safe plastic wrap and microwave for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the squash is tender. Add additional 30 second to 1 minute increments if softer squash is desired.
- Season. Carefully drain off excess water. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Toss gently to coat.
- Serve. Serve warm.
Notes
- Water amount. Water is added by sight, not strict measurement. Use just enough to lightly steam the vegetables.
- Microwave timing. Cooking time varies by microwave strength. Squash should appear slightly translucent when done.
- Safety. Use only microwave-safe bowls and plastic wrap, and vent carefully when removing the cover.
Nutritional Information
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Renee says
I haven’t made this yet but I’m looking at the nutrition since I’m on keto. The serving size says 1 scoop— how much is that 1/4 cup?? Looks good. Thanks
Nicole says
It's about a heaping 1/4 cup of cooked squash.