Spicy Green Papaya Salads from Around the World: 18 Delicious Recipes to Ignite Your Taste Buds
When it comes to bold and refreshing flavors, few ingredients can match the pungent, tangy goodness of green papaya. In Southeast Asian cuisine, this underrated fruit is often paired with chili peppers, garlic, and fermented fish sauce to create spicy green papaya salads that are both simple and sublime. From Thai street food to Vietnamese family gatherings, these iconic dishes bring people together with their bold flavors and textural contrasts.
In the following pages, we’ll explore 18 spicy green papaya salad recipes from around the world, each with its own unique twist and flavor profile. Whether you’re a fan of creamy coconut or crunchy peanuts, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Thai Green Papaya Salad (Som Tum)
This classic Thai salad is a refreshing combination of crunchy green papaya, tangy tomatoes, and spicy chilies. It’s a perfect condiment for any meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 large green papaya, peeled and grated
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
– 1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts or cashews
– 1/4 cup fish sauce
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
– 1-2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, seeded and minced
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large mortar and pestle, combine garlic, papaya, and chilies. Pound until the mixture is well combined and slightly crushed.
2. Add tomatoes, peanuts or cashews, fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar. Pound until everything is well mixed and the papaya is broken down into small pieces.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is best served fresh.
Vietnamese Green Papaya Salad with Shrimp
This refreshing salad is a popular Vietnamese dish that combines the crunch of green papaya with the sweetness of shrimp and the tanginess of citrus. A perfect blend of flavors and textures to enjoy as a light meal or as an accompaniment to your favorite Vietnamese dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 large green papaya, peeled and grated
– 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup fish sauce
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt to taste
– 2 cups mixed greens (such as mint and basil)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine papaya, shrimp, fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and black pepper.
2. Add garlic and cilantro; toss to combine.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Serve over mixed greens.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Spicy Lao Green Papaya Salad
Experience the bold flavors of Laos with this refreshing salad featuring crispy green papaya, spicy chilies, and tangy lime juice.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium-sized green papaya (about 2 lbs)
– 2 cups mixed greens
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup grated carrot
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 2-3 bird’s eye chilies, seeded and minced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp fish sauce (optional)
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Peel the green papaya using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife.
2. Cut into thin strips and soak in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove bitterness.
3. Drain the papaya and pat dry with paper towels.
4. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cilantro, carrot, scallions, chilies, garlic, fish sauce (if using), and lime juice.
5. Add the drained papaya strips and toss gently to combine.
6. Season with salt to taste.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Green Papaya Salad with Peanuts and Lime
This classic Thai salad is a staple of street food markets and home cooking. With its perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, it’s a refreshing and satisfying treat for any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 2 large green papayas, peeled and shredded
– 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
– 1/4 cup fish sauce
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon palm sugar
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2-3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, seeded and chopped
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine papaya, peanuts, fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar.
2. Add the sliced onion and chopped chilies; toss to combine.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with additional peanuts if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cambodian Green Papaya Salad with Fermented Fish
This classic Cambodian salad is a refreshing blend of spicy, sour, and umami flavors. Bamianh Chkay is typically served as an accompaniment to grilled meats or as a snack on its own.
Ingredients:
– 2 green papayas, peeled and shredded
– 1/4 cup fermented fish sauce (such as prahoc)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine shredded papaya, fermented fish sauce, garlic, ginger, jalapeño pepper, and lime juice.
2. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Stir in chopped cilantro.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Green Papaya Salad with Grilled Chicken
This refreshing salad combines the tanginess of green papaya with the smokiness of grilled chicken, all wrapped up in a spicy and sour dressing. Perfect for a hot summer day or as a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 large green papaya, peeled and julienned
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 tablespoon palm sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– Salt, to taste
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
2. In a large bowl, combine green papaya, fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, and red chili flakes. Toss to combine.
3. Slice grilled chicken into thin strips and add to the bowl with papaya mixture.
4. Sprinkle cilantro and garlic over the top, then season with salt to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Green Papaya Salad with Crispy Pork Belly
A refreshing and savory Thai-inspired salad that combines the crunch of crispy pork belly with the tanginess of green papaya, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 large green papaya, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup crispy fried pork belly, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 teaspoon palm sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine sliced green papaya, crispy pork belly, and chopped cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the papaya mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Green Papaya Salad with Tofu and Fresh Herbs
This Thai-inspired salad is a perfect combination of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors. The crunch from the green papaya, creaminess from the tofu, and freshness from the herbs will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients:
– 1 small green papaya, peeled and grated
– 1/2 block firm tofu, cut into small cubes
– 2 cups mixed fresh herbs (cilantro, basil, mint)
– 1/4 cup Thai chili flakes
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine grated green papaya, tofu cubes, fresh herbs, Thai chili flakes, and garlic.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and lime juice.
3. Pour the dressing over the papaya mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Green Papaya Salad with Crab and Chili
This spicy and sour salad is a popular Thai street food dish that combines the crunch of green papaya with the sweetness of crab meat. A perfect blend of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more!
Ingredients:
– 1 large green papaya, peeled and grated
– 1/2 cup fresh crab meat (jumbo lump or claw)
– 1/4 cup chopped red chili peppers
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1/4 teaspoon palm sugar
– Salt to taste
– Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine grated papaya, crab meat, red chili peppers, and garlic.
2. In a small bowl, mix fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar.
3. Pour the dressing over the papaya mixture and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Green Papaya Salad with Mango and Cashews
This refreshing salad combines the tangy flavor of green papaya with the sweetness of mango and crunch of cashews, perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups green papaya, peeled and diced
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup toasted cashews
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the green papaya and mango.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the papaya mixture and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro and toasted cashews over the top.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Green Papaya Salad with Avocado and Coconut
This refreshing salad combines the crunch of green papaya with creamy avocado and the richness of coconut, perfect for a light and revitalizing meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 large green papaya, peeled and grated
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/4 cup shredded fresh coconut
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine grated papaya, diced avocado, and shredded coconut.
2. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and toss to coat.
3. If using fish sauce, add it now and mix well.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Green Papaya Salad with Cucumber and Mint
This Thai-inspired salad combines the sweetness of green papaya with the cooling effects of cucumber and mint, making it a perfect summer side dish or light meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium-sized green papaya, peeled and grated
– 1/2 cup diced cucumber
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce (or to taste)
– Salt, to taste
– Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine grated papaya, diced cucumber, and chopped mint.
2. Add the minced garlic and mix well.
3. Squeeze the juice of 1 lime over the salad and toss gently.
4. Season with fish sauce (or to taste) and salt.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Green Papaya Salad with Roasted Peanuts and Tamarind
A refreshing twist on traditional papaya salads, this recipe combines the crunch of roasted peanuts with the tangy flavor of tamarind.
Ingredients:
– 2 green papayas, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
– 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt to taste
– Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the papaya, peanuts, and tamarind paste.
2. Add fish sauce and lime juice, if using. Toss gently to combine.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Garnish with chopped cilantro.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Notes:
– Roast the peanuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until fragrant and lightly browned.
– Adjust the amount of tamarind paste to your taste, as it can be quite strong.
– This salad is best served immediately, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Green Papaya Salad with Lemongrass and Ginger
This Green Papaya Salad, also known as Som Tam, is a popular Thai dish that combines the crunch of green papaya, the pungency of lemongrass, and the warmth of ginger. This refreshing salad is perfect for hot summer days or as a light and spicy addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 large green papaya, peeled and grated
– 2 stalks of lemongrass, bruised
– 2 inches of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
– 1/4 cup of chilies, seeded and chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon of lime juice
– Salt to taste
– Chopped peanuts or cashews for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Combine papaya, lemongrass, ginger, chilies, and garlic in a large bowl.
2. Add fish sauce, lime juice, and salt. Mix well.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Garnish with chopped nuts, if desired.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Green Papaya Salad with Sesame Seeds and Soy Dressing
This refreshing Thai-inspired salad combines the crunch of green papaya, the nutty flavor of sesame seeds, and the tanginess of soy dressing, all wrapped up in a spicy package.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups shredded green papaya
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
– 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 teaspoon chili flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine papaya, cilantro, sesame seeds, and bell pepper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together ginger, garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, and chili flakes.
3. Pour the dressing over the papaya mixture and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Green Papaya Salad with Pineapple and Chili Lime Dressing
This refreshing salad combines the crunch of green papaya, the sweetness of pineapple, and a spicy kick from chili lime dressing. Perfect for a light and flavorful meal or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium green papaya, peeled and grated
– 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
– 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1-2 teaspoons chili flakes (depending on desired level of spiciness)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine grated green papaya, diced pineapple, and red bell pepper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, and chili flakes until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the papaya mixture and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top and season with salt to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Green Papaya Salad with Crispy Shallots and Fish Sauce
This refreshing salad combines the crunch of crispy shallots, the creaminess of fish sauce, and the tanginess of green papaya. A perfect blend of textures and flavors that will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients:
– 1 large green papaya, peeled and thinly sliced
– 2 shallots, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup fish sauce
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon palm sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the green papaya slices and fish sauce. Toss until the papaya is well coated.
2. Heat about 1 inch of oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the shallot slices until crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Remove the shallots from the oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together lime juice and palm sugar. Pour the mixture over the green papaya and toss to combine.
5. To assemble the salad, place a portion of the green papaya mixture on a plate, top with crispy shallots, and garnish with chopped cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Green Papaya Salad with Basil and Cherry Tomatoes
This refreshing salad combines the crunch of green papaya with the brightness of basil and sweetness of cherry tomatoes, making it a perfect side dish for any meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 large green papaya, peeled and grated
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or to taste)
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the grated green papaya and chopped basil.
2. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the bowl and toss gently.
3. Squeeze the lime juice over the salad and sprinkle with fish sauce (or to taste).
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Summary
Get ready to spice up your salad game with these 18 mouth-watering recipes featuring green papaya as the star ingredient! From Thai-inspired Som Tum to Vietnamese-style dishes with shrimp or Cambodian flavors with fermented fish, each recipe adds a unique twist. Add grilled chicken, crispy pork belly, tofu, crab, mango, cashews, avocado, coconut, cucumber, mint, roasted peanuts, tamarind, lemongrass, ginger, sesame seeds, soy dressing, pineapple, chili lime dressing, crispy shallots, or fish sauce for added flavor and texture. Explore the bold flavors of Southeast Asia with these delectable green papaya salads!