Tropical Papaya Avocado Delight Salad
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Tropical Papaya Avocado Delight Salad. This refreshing dish combines the sweetness of ripe papaya with creamy avocado, crispy romaine lettuce, and zesty red onion, all tossed in a flavorful dressing made with tangy white wine vinegar and the unique crunch of papaya seeds. Perfect as a light lunch or a colorful side dish for gatherings, this salad brings a tropical twist to your table. With its blend of textures and tastes, it's sure to impress your family and friends while providing a healthful and satisfying meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Romaine lettuce
1 head (washed, dried, and torn into bite-sized pieces)
Ripe papaya
1 (halved, peeled, seeds scooped out, and sliced)
Large avocado
1 (peeled and sliced)
Red onion
1 (sliced)
Sugar
1/4 to 1/2 cup (for dressing)
Dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon (for dressing)
Salt
2 teaspoons (for dressing)
Papaya seeds
2 tablespoons (for dressing, reserved from the papaya)
White wine vinegar or tarragon vinegar
1/2 cup (for dressing)
Salad oil
1/2 cup (for dressing)
Green onions
2 (finely chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing and drying the romaine lettuce thoroughly. Tear it into bite-sized pieces and set it aside in a large salad bowl or platter.
2
Next, prepare the papaya by cutting it in half lengthwise. Carefully peel the skin and scoop out the seeds, reserving 2 tablespoons for the dressing. Slice the papaya into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
3
In a blender, combine the reserved papaya seeds, sugar, dry mustard, salt, white wine vinegar (or tarragon vinegar), and salad oil. Blend until the mixture is smooth and the seeds resemble ground pepper. Chill the dressing in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
4
Once the dressing is ready, slice the ripe avocado and the red onion. Just before serving, add the sliced papaya, avocado, and red onion to the bowl of romaine lettuce.
5
Pour the chilled dressing over the salad, gently tossing to combine all the ingredients well. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of tropical flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Papaya Avocado Delight Salad?
It is a refreshing dish combining sweet papaya, creamy avocado, romaine lettuce, and red onion with a unique papaya seed dressing.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The salad features romaine lettuce, ripe papaya, avocado, and red onion, while the dressing uses papaya seeds, vinegar, oil, sugar, and dry mustard.
How do I prepare the papaya for the salad?
Cut the papaya in half, peel the skin, scoop out the seeds (saving 2 tablespoons for dressing), and slice the fruit into bite-sized pieces.
Can you eat the papaya seeds in the dressing?
Yes, the seeds are blended into the dressing where they provide a unique flavor and a visual texture similar to ground black pepper.
How is the papaya seed dressing prepared?
In a blender, combine the reserved seeds, sugar, dry mustard, salt, vinegar, and oil, then blend until smooth.
How long should I chill the dressing?
The dressing should be refrigerated for 1 to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld properly before serving.
What type of vinegar should I use?
White wine vinegar or tarragon vinegar are the recommended choices for this specific salad dressing.
Is this Tropical Papaya Avocado Delight Salad healthy?
Yes, it is a healthful meal featuring fresh fruits and vegetables that provide vitamins and essential nutrients.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, the recipe is naturally vegan-friendly, making it a great choice for plant-based diets.
What kind of lettuce is best for this salad?
Romaine lettuce is used for its crispy texture, which balances well with the creamy avocado and soft papaya.
When should I add the avocado to the salad?
Slice and add the avocado just before serving to ensure it stays fresh and does not brown.
What does the dressing taste like?
The dressing is tangy and sweet with a unique savory crunch from the blended papaya seeds.
How should I prepare the romaine lettuce?
Wash and dry one head of romaine lettuce thoroughly, then tear it into bite-sized pieces for the base of the salad.
Can I use green onions as a garnish?
Yes, the recipe calls for two finely chopped green onions to be used as a garnish for added flavor and color.
Is this a good dish for summer gatherings?
Absolutely, it is a bright, refreshing summer dish that is perfect for picnics or outdoor parties.
Can I substitute the salad oil?
You can use any neutral-flavored salad oil, such as canola or light olive oil, for the dressing.
How do I ensure the salad is not soggy?
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss it only right before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
What role does dry mustard play in the dressing?
Dry mustard acts as a seasoning and helps emulsify the oil and vinegar into a smooth dressing.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the ingredients and dressing ahead of time, but you should wait to assemble and dress the salad until you are ready to eat.
How much sugar is in the dressing?
The recipe suggests using between 1/4 and 1/2 cup of sugar, depending on your preferred level of sweetness.
How many papayas do I need?
One ripe papaya is sufficient for this recipe, providing both the fruit for the salad and seeds for the dressing.
Is the red onion raw in this salad?
Yes, the red onion is sliced and added raw to provide a zesty contrast to the sweet papaya.
What size avocado should I use?
The recipe specifies using one large avocado that has been peeled and sliced.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Yes, while it works as a side, it is also perfect as a light and satisfying lunch.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover dressing in the refrigerator. If the salad is already dressed, it is best consumed immediately as the lettuce will wilt.
Is this salad gluten-free?
The core ingredients are gluten-free, but always verify that your dry mustard and vinegar brands are certified gluten-free.
What texture should the dressing have?
The dressing should be smooth with tiny dark specks from the blended papaya seeds.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Grilled shrimp or chicken would make excellent additions if you want to increase the protein content.
What makes this salad 'tropical'?
The inclusion of papaya, avocado, and the unique seed-based dressing gives it a vibrant, tropical flavor profile.
How should I toss the salad?
Toss the ingredients gently to avoid mashing the avocado slices while ensuring they are evenly coated in dressing.