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Fresh Vietnamese Green Papaya Salad Recipe Easy Authentic Lime Fish Sauce Dressing

Vietnamese green papaya salad - featured image
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A refreshing and tangy Vietnamese green papaya salad with a perfectly balanced lime fish sauce dressing, featuring crunchy shredded papaya, fresh herbs, and a hint of spice.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium-sized green papaya, peeled and shredded
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and shredded
  • 2–3 fresh Thai bird’s eye chilies, sliced thin
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 3 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon palm sugar, grated or finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
  • A handful of fresh cilantro and Thai basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • 6–8 cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • 1 small shallot, thinly sliced
  • Optional protein: cooked shrimp (6-8 medium-sized) or grilled chicken breast (1 cup, thinly sliced)

Instructions

  1. Peel and shred the green papaya and carrot using a mandoline or box grater into thin strips (about 10 minutes). If the papaya feels too tough, soak the shredded pieces in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well.
  2. In a small bowl, combine lime juice, fish sauce, minced garlic, grated palm sugar, and sliced chilies. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Adjust seasoning by adding more sugar or lime juice if needed.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded papaya, carrot, sliced shallots, halved cherry tomatoes (if using), and fresh herbs.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly using tongs or wooden spoons for 2-3 minutes to evenly coat without bruising the ingredients.
  5. Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts on top just before serving.
  6. If desired, toss in cooked shrimp or grilled chicken at the end.
  7. Give the salad a final taste and adjust with more fish sauce or lime juice if needed. Serve immediately for best crunch and flavor.

Notes

If making ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to maintain crunch. Adjust chili heat by removing seeds or substituting with milder peppers. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. Soaking shredded papaya softens it slightly while preserving crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: Vietnamese green papaya salad, fresh papaya salad, lime fish sauce dressing, authentic Vietnamese salad, easy papaya salad recipe, crunchy salad, summer salad

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