Easy Thai Papaya Salad
Make authentic Thai Papaya Salad at home with fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and simple techniques in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 medium green papaya, about 2 pounds, peeled and shredded
- 2 medium carrots, cut into thin matchsticks
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh peanuts, roughly chopped
- 3 green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Thai bird's eye chilies, finely sliced
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar or honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- 1
Pound the minced garlic and sliced chilies together in a mortar and pestle for about 1 minute, until they become fragrant and slightly bruised.
- 2
Add the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped peanuts to the mortar, then gently bruise everything together for another 30 seconds to release the tomato juices without completely crushing the ingredients.
- 3
Combine the lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar, sesame oil, and rice vinegar in a small bowl, whisking until the sugar fully dissolves.
- 4
Transfer the shredded green papaya and matchstick carrots to a large mixing bowl.
- 5
Pour the garlic and chili mixture from the mortar into the bowl with the papaya and carrots.
- 6
Add the green onions and fresh cilantro to the bowl.
- 7
Pour the lime-based dressing over all the vegetables.
- 8
Toss everything together vigorously using two spoons or salad tongs for about 2 minutes, until the papaya softens slightly and releases its juices, about 2 minutes.
- 9
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning by adding more lime juice for brightness, fish sauce for depth, or palm sugar for balance.
- 10
Season with sea salt and white pepper to your preference.
- 11
Let the salad rest for 5 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld together.
- 12
Divide among serving bowls and garnish with additional peanuts and cilantro if desired, then serve immediately while everything is still crisp.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fish sauce | Coconut aminos or tamari | Provides similar umami depth while being vegetarian and offering lower sodium than traditional fish sauce |
| Palm sugar | Raw honey or maple syrup | Contains more micronutrients and a lower glycemic index while maintaining sweetness to balance spice |
| Roasted peanuts | Raw almonds or cashews | Raw nuts retain more nutrients and enzymes while providing similar crunch and protein content with less oil |
| Sesame oil | Extra virgin olive oil | Higher in polyphenols and more heart-healthy while still providing richness and a protective coating for vegetables |
| Green papaya | Shredded cabbage or broccoli slaw | Equally crunchy, more accessible in most regions, and packed with additional probiotics and sulfur compounds |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 195 |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 385mg |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sugar | 11g |
| Protein | 8g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
