Papaya Salad, also known as Som Tum, is a vibrant and flavorful dish that hails from Thailand. This refreshing salad combines the crispness of green papaya with a tangy, spicy dressing, creating a dish that’s both crunchy and zesty.

Traditionally enjoyed as a street food favorite, Papaya Salad is celebrated for its balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or as part of a larger meal. Whether you’re looking to try a new recipe or add a tropical twist to your salad repertoire, Papaya Salad offers a unique and delicious experience.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups green papaya, peeled, seeded, and shredded
• 1 large carrot, peeled and shredded
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 Thai bird chilies, minced (adjust to taste for spice level)
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian option)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste (optional, for extra tanginess)
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
• Fresh Thai basil leaves for garnish (optional)

How to Make Papaya Salad:

Prepare the Ingredients

Peel and seed the green papaya. Shred it using a grater or a mandoline slicer. Peel and shred the carrot. Halve the cherry tomatoes and set them aside. Coarsely chop the roasted peanuts.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic and Thai bird chilies. Use a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon to mash them together to release their flavors. Add the fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, and tamarind paste (if using). Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the dressing is well combined. Adjust the seasoning to taste, balancing the salty, sweet, and sour flavors.

Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded papaya, shredded carrot, and halved cherry tomatoes. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Add Peanuts

Gently fold in the coarsely chopped roasted peanuts. These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the salad.

Garnish and Serve

Garnish the salad with fresh cilantro and Thai basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Enjoy

Enjoy your Papaya Salad as a refreshing and flavorful addition to your meal. It pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or as a stand-alone dish for a light lunch.

Chef’s Note:

Selecting Papaya:

Green papaya is used for this salad due to its firm texture and mild flavor. If you can’t find green papaya, you can use unripe yellow papaya, but the texture will be slightly different.

Adjusting Spice Level:

Thai bird chilies are quite hot. Adjust the number of chilies based on your heat preference. If you prefer a milder salad, start with one chili and add more if needed.

Sugar Alternatives:

Palm sugar adds a unique flavor, but you can use brown sugar as an alternative. Adjust the amount to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet salad.

Tamarind Paste:

Tamarind paste adds a tangy depth of flavor, but it’s optional. If you don’t have it, you can omit it or substitute with a bit more lime juice.

Serving Tip:

Papaya Salad is best served fresh. If you need to make it ahead of time, store the dressing and salad ingredients separately and combine them just before serving to maintain the crispness of the papaya.

Nutritional Information

(Per 1 cup serving):

• Calories: 120
• Total Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 500mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 15g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 3g
• Vitamin C: 45% of Daily Value
• Vitamin A: 90% of Daily Value
• Calcium: 6% of Daily Value
• Iron: 4% of Daily Value

Papaya Salad is a nutrient-rich dish that provides a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A, thanks to the fresh papaya and carrots. It also offers a crunchy texture and a balance of flavors, making it a delicious and healthful addition to any meal. Enjoy the refreshing taste and vibrant colors of this Thai-inspired salad as a delightful and nutritious option.