I never had papaya like the one I tasted in Thailand. It was unbelievably sweet, fresh, and full of flavor. Seriously, I didn’t even know papaya could taste that good!
After coming back, I looked for that same taste, but honestly, nothing quite matched up.
However, I still wanted to bring a bit of that experience home, so I made this yummy papaya salad.
It’s fresh, flavorful, and super easy to make. Plus, a little reminder for me. So let’s get into the recipe!
Ingredients Breakdown
FOR SALAD
- Ripe papaya
- Lettuce leaves
- Roasted almonds
- Roasted walnuts
- Feta cheese
- Black raisins
FOR SALAD DRESSING
- Sesame seeds (black or white)
- Olive oil
- Black pepper
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Honey mustard
How to Make This Healthy Papaya Salad
Roast the almonds and walnuts on a low flame, up until they turn light golden-brown. Set aside, let them cool completely.
Dry fruits add a lovely crunch to the salad. You can choose as per your taste.
Peel the papaya, remove the seeds, and cut it into small, bite-sized cubes. Ripe papaya for the best flavor.
Roughly chop the lettuce leaves. Any variety works here, so use what you have on hand.
Now let’s prepare the salad dressing. In a separate bowl, combine sesame seeds, olive oil, lemon juice, honey mustard, salt, and black pepper. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Set aside.
Now mix everything well. Serve fresh and enjoy every bite.
Love our Papaya Salad? Try the Chicken Salad or Quinoa Beet Salad next!
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use unripe or green papaya for this salad?
This recipe is made with ripe papaya for its sweetness. Green papaya is usually used in Thai-style spicy salads and has a different texture and flavor.
What kind of lettuce works best?
Any kind! Romaine, butterhead, or even arugula work well. Use whatever you have on hand or prefer.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but for the best texture, keep the dressing separate and mix everything just before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The papaya may release some moisture; therefore, it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Is this salad vegan?
Not as written (due to the feta and honey mustard), but you can make it vegan by using a dairy-free cheese and a mustard without honey.
What can I use instead of feta?
You can try goat cheese, paneer, or skip it entirely.
Super-Healthy Papaya Salad
Description
Ingredients
For Salad
- 4 cups papaya
- 4 cups lettuce leaves
- ¼ cup roasted almonds
- ¼ cup roasted walnuts
- ¼ cup feta cheese
Salad Dressing
- ¼ cup black raisins
- ⅓ cup sesame seeds black or white
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 pinch salt
- ¼ teaspoon honey mustard
Instructions
- Roast the almonds and walnuts on a low flame, up until they turn light golden-brown. Set aside, let them cool completely.
- Peel the papaya, remove the seeds, and cut it into small, bite-sized cubes. Then roughly chop the lettuce leaves. Any variety works here, so use what you have on hand.
- In a separate bowl, mix dressing ingredients. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Set aside.
- Now mix everything well. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- You can use arugula leaves or any type of lettuce leaves for this salad.
- Avocado is also a great addition. I’ve tried it and it tastes delicious.
