Papaya Salad

Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a vibrant and refreshing papaya salad? This dish, bursting with tropical flavors and crunchy textures, is perfect for warm days or as a delightful appetizer. With fresh ingredients and a quick preparation time, you can enjoy this healthy salad that brings a taste of the tropics right to your table. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Ingredients

• 2 cups green papaya, shredded
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1-2 Thai chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Servings and Cooking Time

This recipe serves 2-3 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and no cooking is required.

Nutritional Value

Each serving (approximately 1 cup) contains about 150 calories, 5g of protein, 8g of fat, 15g of carbohydrates, and 3g of fiber. This is based on one serving for one person.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. Start by peeling the green papaya and removing the seeds.
2. Shred the papaya using a grater or a food processor.
3. In a large bowl, combine the shredded papaya with halved cherry tomatoes.
4. Add the trimmed and cut green beans to the bowl.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and chopped chilies.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.
7. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
8. Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for added crunch.
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
10. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Alternative Ingredients

If you can’t find green papaya, you can substitute it with shredded carrots or cucumber for a similar crunchy texture. You can also use soy sauce instead of fish sauce for a vegetarian option.

Serving and Pairings

Papaya salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or shrimp. It can also be served alongside rice dishes or as a refreshing side to spicy meals.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if needed, you can add a splash of lime juice to revive it. Freezing is not recommended as it affects the texture.

Cooking Mistakes

• Using ripe papaya instead of green will alter the texture and flavor.
• Not adjusting the spiciness can result in an overwhelming dish.
• Overdressing the salad can make it soggy.
• Forgetting to mix the ingredients thoroughly can lead to uneven flavor.
• Using stale peanuts can negatively impact the crunchiness.

Helpful Tips

• Choose firm green papayas for the best texture.
• Adjust lime and fish sauce to taste for a balanced flavor.
• Prepare all ingredients before mixing for a quicker prep time.
• Chill the salad for a refreshing taste.

FAQs

What is the best type of papaya for salad?

Green papaya is ideal for salad as it has a firmer texture and less sweetness compared to ripe papaya, making it perfect for savory dishes.

Can I make papaya salad in advance?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and mix them just before serving to maintain crunchiness.

Is papaya salad spicy?

The spiciness can be adjusted based on personal preference by varying the number of chilies used in the recipe.

What can I substitute for fish sauce?

Soy sauce or a combination of soy sauce and lime juice can be used as a vegetarian alternative to fish sauce.

How can I make it vegan?

Simply replace the fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari, and ensure the sugar used is vegan-friendly.

Conclusion

Papaya salad is not just a dish; it’s a vibrant celebration of flavors and textures. Easy to prepare and incredibly refreshing, it’s a perfect addition to any meal. Enjoy this tropical delight, and don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite ingredients!

Papaya Salad

A refreshing salad featuring shredded green papaya, cherry tomatoes, and crunchy peanuts, tossed in a zesty lime dressing.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Salad

Cuisine: Thai

Keyword: papaya salad, Thai salad, healthy recipes, refreshing salad

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 2 -3 servings

Calories: 150kcal

Ingredients

• 2 cups green papaya shredded
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1/2 cup green beans trimmed and cut
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts crushed
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1-2 Thai chilies finely chopped
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

• Peel the green papaya and remove the seeds.
• Shred the papaya using a grater or food processor.
• In a large bowl, combine the shredded papaya with halved cherry tomatoes.
• Add the trimmed and cut green beans.
• Whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and chopped chilies in a small bowl.
• Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss.
• Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro.
• Serve immediately for the best flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 3g