Zesty Thai Green Papaya Salad
This vibrant Zesty Thai Green Papaya Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that perfectly balances sweet, sour, and spicy elements. Inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Thailand, this salad features julienned green papayas that provide a crunchy texture alongside crisp string beans and ripe plum tomatoes. Tossed in a zesty dressing made from fresh lime and lemon juice, Thai fish sauce, and accented with roasted peanuts and cilantro, this salad is a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or can serve as a stand-alone dish packed with vibrant flavors. Ideal for warm weather gatherings, it's a fantastic way to impress your guests with a taste of the tropics.
N/A
Servings
138
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
String Beans
8 ounces (trimmed and cut in half)
Plum Tomatoes
3 (halved, seeded, and sliced)
Roasted Unsalted Peanuts
1/2 cup (roughly chopped (reserve 2 tablespoons for garnish))
Green Papayas
2 (1 lb each) (peeled, seeded, and julienned)
Thai Fish Sauce
1/4 cup
Lemon Juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
Lime Juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
Sugar
2 tablespoons
Garlic
1 teaspoon (minced)
Red Pepper Flakes
2 teaspoons
Cilantro Leaves
1/4 cup (roughly chopped (reserve for garnish))
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil.
2
Add the string beans and blanch for 2 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately remove the beans and plunge them into a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process.
3
Once the string beans are cooled, drain well and cut each bean in half.
4
Wash the plum tomatoes, slice them in half lengthwise, and carefully scoop out the seeds. Cut the halves into 1/8-inch strips.
5
In a small bowl, roughly chop all but 2 tablespoons of the roasted unsalted peanuts for added texture.
6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the julienned green papayas, blanched string beans, tomato strips, chopped peanuts, fish sauce, fresh lemon and lime juices, sugar, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and 3 tablespoons of chopped cilantro. Toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
7
To serve, transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with the reserved peanuts and cilantro leaves for a beautiful presentation.
8
Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
7.5
Fat
15
Carbs
3.75
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Thai Green Papaya Salad?
It is a refreshing and vibrant Thai-inspired salad made with julienned green papayas, string beans, and tomatoes in a zesty lime and fish sauce dressing.
What does green papaya taste like?
Green papaya has a mild, neutral flavor and a very crisp, crunchy texture, similar to a cucumber or a green apple.
Can I use ripe papaya instead of green papaya?
No, ripe papaya is too soft and sweet. You need the firm, crunchy texture of an unripe green papaya for this specific dish.
Is this papaya salad recipe spicy?
Yes, it contains two teaspoons of red pepper flakes, providing a spicy kick that balances the sweet and sour elements.
How do I prepare the string beans for the salad?
The beans should be blanched in boiling salted water for two minutes, then immediately shocked in ice water to keep them crisp and bright green.
What are the primary flavors in the dressing?
The dressing is a balance of salty Thai fish sauce, sour lime and lemon juices, sweet sugar, and spicy red pepper flakes.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the Thai fish sauce with a vegan fish sauce alternative or high-quality soy sauce.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 138 calories.
What is the best way to julienne a green papaya?
After peeling and seeding the papaya, you can use a mandoline, a specialized papaya shredder, or a sharp knife to cut it into thin matchsticks.
Why should I seed the tomatoes?
Seeding the tomatoes prevents the salad from becoming too watery, ensuring the dressing stays concentrated and flavorful.
Can I substitute the peanuts if I have an allergy?
Yes, you can use roasted cashews or sunflower seeds, or omit the nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
How long should I let the salad sit before serving?
You can enjoy it immediately, but refrigerating it for 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together more deeply.
What should I serve with Thai Green Papaya Salad?
It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sticky rice, or can be served as a light, standalone refreshing meal.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check your fish sauce label to ensure it does not contain wheat additives.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days, though the papaya may lose some crunch over time.
Can I add extra protein to this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled shrimp, shredded chicken, or tofu are excellent additions that complement the zesty flavors.
What kind of tomatoes are best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for plum tomatoes because they are meaty and have fewer seeds, making them ideal for slicing into strips.
Why do I need both lemon and lime juice?
Using both provides a more complex citrus profile, combining the sharp tang of lime with the bright acidity of lemon.
Where can I find green papayas?
Green papayas are typically found in Asian grocery stores or international food markets.
What is the purpose of the ice water bath for the beans?
The ice bath stops the cooking process immediately, ensuring the beans stay 'tender-crisp' rather than becoming soft or mushy.
Can I use bottled citrus juice?
Freshly squeezed juice is highly recommended for the best flavor, as bottled juices often lack the necessary brightness.
Is there a lot of fat in this dish?
This salad is relatively low in fat, with 7.5 grams per serving, primarily coming from the roasted peanuts.
How much protein is in the Zesty Thai Green Papaya Salad?
Each serving provides about 3.75 grams of protein.
Can I adjust the sugar level?
Yes, you can increase or decrease the sugar to suit your personal preference for sweetness.
What is the best way to prep the garlic?
The garlic should be finely minced so that its flavor is evenly distributed throughout the dressing without overpowering bites.
Does the salad contain carbohydrates?
Yes, there are approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use fresh chilies instead of red pepper flakes?
Yes, minced Thai bird's eye chilies are a fantastic authentic substitute for red pepper flakes.
How many green papayas do I need?
You will need two green papayas, each weighing approximately one pound.
Is the cilantro necessary?
Cilantro adds a fresh, herbal note, but if you dislike it, you can substitute with fresh mint or Thai basil.
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes, you can whisk the dressing ingredients together and store them in the fridge for up to a week before tossing with the fresh ingredients.