Spaghetti Squash 'Pad Thai'
Spaghetti Squash 'Pad Thai' is a creative, Asian-inspired stir-fry that uses roasted spaghetti squash strands as a low-carb noodle alternative to traditional rice noodles. The dish typically features the squash tossed with vegetables like bell peppers and carrots, protein such as shrimp or tofu, and a savory-sweet sauce made from tamarind, fish sauce, and lime. It's a modern, health-conscious fusion take on the classic Thai street food.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates and calories compared to traditional Pad Thai, thanks to the spaghetti squash base, while still providing protein and fiber. A typical serving offers a good source of vitamins A and C from the vegetables, with a rough ballpark of 250-350 calories per serving depending on the protein and sauce used.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbs | 22 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Vitamin A | 120 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Vitamin K | 35 mcg |
| Folate | 60 mcg DFE |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Manganese | 0.8 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Calcium | 80 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it represents a popular trend of adapting global cuisines for health-conscious diets, swapping out starches for vegetables. Nutritionally, spaghetti squash is unique for its stringy texture that mimics noodles but is packed with nutrients like beta-carotene and has a very low glycemic index.
