Sometimes the best side dishes are the simplest ones. This easy microwave zucchini and tomato sauté is fresh, light, and packed with flavor, but it comes together in just a few minutes with ingredients you probably already have on hand.

A little olive oil, fresh garlic, zucchini, grape tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper — that is really all it takes. As the tomatoes heat up, they start to burst and release their juices, which gives the whole dish a fresh, almost saucy finish without needing anything extra.

It is one of those recipes that feels easy enough for a busy weekday, but still tastes like something you actually wanted to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This zucchini and tomato sauté is:

• quick and easy
• made in one dish
• light and flavorful
• perfect for one serving
• a great vegetable side dish
• easy to make in a ceramic microwave cooker

It is also a nice way to use up a little zucchini and a handful of tomatoes without turning on the stove.

Ingredients

You only need a few simple ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced
• 1/2 cup zucchini, cut into 1-inch dice
• 1/2 cup grape tomatoes
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil

For the best garlic flavor, pressing the garlic works especially well here because it releases more of the juices into the dish.

How to Make Easy Microwave Zucchini and Tomatoes

Add the olive oil, garlic, zucchini, grape tomatoes, salt, pepper, and dried basil to your ceramic cooker.

Put the lid on and microwave for 1 1/2 minutes.

While it cooks, you may hear the tomatoes popping. That is completely normal. As they heat, they begin to burst and release their juices, which adds even more flavor to the dish.

Carefully remove the cooker from the microwave.

Mix everything well before serving so the zucchini gets coated in all of those garlicky tomato juices.

Why the Tomatoes Matter

One of the best things about this recipe is what happens to the grape tomatoes while they cook.

As they heat up, they soften and start to pop, releasing their natural juices right into the zucchini. That gives the dish a fresh, juicy flavor that makes it feel much more finished than you would expect from such a quick microwave side.

It is a simple detail, but it is really what brings the whole dish together.

Tips for Best Results

Mince the garlic finely

A fine mince, or even better, garlic pressed through a garlic press, helps the garlic distribute more evenly through the dish.

Cut the zucchini into even pieces

Try to keep the zucchini pieces close in size so they cook evenly.

Don’t worry if the tomatoes pop

That is supposed to happen. The released juices are part of what gives this dish so much flavor.

Stir well after cooking

Once everything comes out of the microwave, mixing it well helps coat the zucchini in the olive oil, garlic, basil, and tomato juices.

How to Serve It

This microwave zucchini and tomato sauté works well as a quick side for all kinds of meals. Try serving it with:

• grilled chicken
• fish
• pasta
• rice
• a simple egg dish
• crusty bread

It is also nice on its own when you just want something warm, savory, and light.

Why It Works So Well in a Ceramic Cooker

A ceramic microwave cooker works especially well for a recipe like this because it helps the vegetables cook gently and keeps all the juices in one place. That means the zucchini can soften while the tomatoes release their flavor into the dish, instead of drying out.

It also makes cleanup incredibly easy, which is always a win for a simple side dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Easy Microwave Side Dish Ideas

If you enjoyed this easy zucchini and tomato sauté, you may also like:

• easy microwave zucchini and squash
• quick garlic green beans
• warm tomato and herb vegetables
• simple microwave egg omelet

Recipe Card

Easy Microwave Zucchini and Tomato Sauté

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 1/2 minutes
Serves: 1

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced
• 1/2 cup zucchini, cut into 1-inch dice
• 1/2 cup grape tomatoes
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to the ceramic cooker.
2. Cover with the lid.
3. Microwave for 1 1/2 minutes.
4. Remove carefully and stir well before serving.

Note

The tomatoes may pop while cooking. That is normal, and their juices will add extra flavor to the dish.

For quick recipes like this, a ceramic microwave cooker just makes things easier — simple prep, easy serving, and hardly any cleanup afterward. Explore the Ceramic Cooker.