Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Spicy Cashew Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light spiralized zucchini noodles tossed in a creamy, Whole30-friendly cashew sauce with a kick of spice and crisp sautéed vegetables. This asian fusion-inspired whole30 (whole30, vegan) ready in about 30 minutes blends thinly sliced red bell pepper, large, julienned carrot, stalks, sliced green onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain 1/3 cup soaked raw cashews and blend in a high-speed blender with 1/4 cup water, 2 tbsp coconut aminos, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp grated ginger, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes until smooth and creamy; set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper and 1 julienned large carrot, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 cups spiralized zucchini noodles, 2 sliced green onions, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to the skillet. Toss and cook for 2 minutes until noodles are just heated through but still firm.
  4. Step 4: Pour the prepared cashew sauce over the vegetables and noodles, stirring gently to coat evenly; cook for another 1 minute until warmed and fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately for a fresh, spicy zucchini noodle stir-fry.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Spicy Cashew Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Spicy Cashew Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Spicy Cashew Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Spicy Cashew Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Spicy Cashew Sauce whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, vegan, low-carb, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

Related recipes