Thai Som Tam Green Papaya Salad
An authentic, vibrant Thai Som Tam salad that masterfully balances spicy, sour, sweet, and savory flavors. The crisp, julienned green papaya absorbs the bold dressing for a refreshing and explosive taste experience.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 medium green (unripe) papaya peeled, seeds removed, and julienned (about 4 cups)
- 1 cup green beans trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 tbsp dried shrimp optional, for authentic flavor
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1.5 tbsp palm sugar or light brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic peeled
- 2 Thai bird's eye chilies Thai bird's eye chilies adjust to taste
- 2 tbsp roasted peanuts crushed, for garnish
Notes
Storage: Best enjoyed immediately. If needed, store undressed salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Make-Ahead: Julienne the papaya and prepare the dressing up to a day in advance; combine just before serving. Substitutions: Use shredded carrots or cucumber if green papaya is unavailable. For a vegetarian version, omit dried shrimp and add a splash of soy sauce to the dressing. Serving Suggestion: Serve alongside grilled chicken or sticky rice for a complete meal.