Papaya Salad With Lime Dressing – How to cook it Right!

Discover the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia with this refreshing Papaya Salad with Lime Dressing. This delightful dish, also known as Som Tum, is a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.

The crispness of the green papaya, combined with the tanginess of the lime dressing and the crunch of roasted peanuts, creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Thailand. It’s a light, healthy, and incredibly flavorful salad that’s perfect for a summer lunch or as a side dish to your favorite grilled meats.

Ingredients Required

A handful of fresh ingredients is all you need to create this exotic and delicious salad.

• 1 medium green papaya, peeled, seeded, and shredded
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup long beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
• 2-3 fresh red chilies, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced

How to cook Papaya Salad With Lime Dressing?

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and authentic Papaya Salad.

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, and minced garlic until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Papaya

Use a julienne peeler or a food processor with a shredding attachment to shred the green papaya. Place the shredded papaya in a large bowl.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

Add the cherry tomatoes, long beans, and chilies (if using) to the bowl with the shredded papaya.

Step 4: Toss with Dressing

Pour the prepared lime dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Garnish the salad with chopped roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Your Papaya Salad Questions Answered

What is green papaya and where can I find it?

Green papaya is simply unripe papaya. It has a crisp texture and a neutral flavor, which makes it perfect for salads. You can find it at most Asian grocery stores or specialty food markets.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the ingredients and the dressing in advance, but it’s best to toss the salad just before serving to maintain its crispness. The papaya will soften if it sits in the dressing for too long.

Is there a vegetarian or vegan version of this recipe?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian or vegan by substituting the fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative. The rest of the ingredients are plant-based.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the salad?

The spiciness of the salad comes from the fresh red chilies. You can add more or less depending on your preference. For a milder version, you can remove the seeds from the chilies before slicing them.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Papaya Salad

• Use a Mortar and Pestle: For a more authentic flavor, use a mortar and pestle to pound the garlic and chilies before adding them to the dressing. This releases their essential oils and creates a more fragrant dressing.
• Add Protein: To make this salad a more substantial meal, you can add cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or fried tofu.
• Chill the Papaya: For an extra refreshing salad, chill the shredded papaya in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before tossing it with the other ingredients.