Cashew Pad Thai (whole 30 approved)

Did you know peanuts 🥜 are not whole 30 approved? 😳 I didn’t - & when I realized it, I didn’t really understand why. If I’m being honest, I still don’t really 🤷🏼‍♀️, but hey, I don’t make the rules! I’m just here to make the recipes & your life easier! Enter ✨CASHEW PAD THAI✨I normally make my homemade pad thai w. peanut butter, but not for this recipe! The base of this recipe is creamy cashew butter to make it W30 approved & it’s as dreamy as it is creamy!🥰

In my early twenties, I loved getting pad thai from a local restaurant. It was always that meal I never wanted to end! Every time I make it now, it takes me right back to the days when I fell it love with it🥰 So flavorful & satisfying, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love it! This recipe is GF, DF, paleo, vegan (no protein), & W30 approved! You’re welcome 🙃 Also worth mentioning, takes about 20 minutes to make. WIN 💯

WHAT YOU NEED for SAUCE:

(makes 2-3 servings)

▫️1/4 c. @woodstockfoods cashew butter

▫️2 tbsp. @coconutsecretofficial coconut aminos

▫️1 garlic clove, minced

▫️1 tsp. garlic powder

▫️1/2 tsp ginger

▫️1/4 tsp crushed red pepper

▫️1 tbsp toasted sesame oil

▫️1/2 fresh squeezed lime

.

REMAINING INGREDIENTS:

▫️4 c. zoodles

▫️1/2 red bell pepper, sliced

▫️3 large carrots, sliced

▫️protein (I like using chicken or shrimp best)

▫️1/4 c. raw cashews, chopped

▫️1/4 c. cilantro, chopped

▫️2 tbsp scallions, chopped

▫️1-2 tbsp sesame oil for pan

HOW TO:

1. Place all ingredients for sauce in a food processor. Pulse until fully mixed together & set aside. You‘ll notice the “sauce” is thick. That’s ok. Once you add it to the sauté pan w. your noodles it will thin out from the heat!

2. Next, heat 1-2 tbsp. of sesame oil in a medium sauté pan over med. heat. Add zoodles, bell pepper, & carrots. Let cook for 5-7 minutes. Add protein & sauce & reduce heat to low. Let all the flavors come together & let simmer for about 5 minutes.

3. Top your pad thai w. crushed cashews, cilantro, & scallions and ENJOY!