| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 130 | 4g | 1g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 12g | 4g | 5g | 1.2g |
One of the many reasons I absolutely cherish the Papaya Leaf Salad is because it merges my love of the sea with an exotic twist. Growing up in the coastal town of Portland, Maine, I’ve known the magic of fresh, simple ingredients from a young age. My heart lies with New England seafood, but my adventurous spirit never shies away from exploring new culinary territories. This luscious salad, resplendent with a vibrant medley of vegetables and a tantalizing dressing, brings together flavors that are as delightful to your palate as they are beneficial for your health.
A Taste of the Tropics
This salad is particularly close to my taste buds because it reminds me of that first captivating encounter with papaya leaves. Their unique flavor, combined with the crisp coolness of assorted vegetables, takes me back to the tranquil beaches of the tropics, perfectly balancing my inherent adoration of maritime flavors. The hint of fish sauce rounds out the salad—think of it as the playful nod to my passion for Atlantic goodies.
Health in Every Bite
My daughters, Erin and Samantha, love this salad too. But more than the delightful flavors, I cherish the Papaya Leaf Salad for the health benefits it packs. Papaya leaves are known for their curative properties, including boosting digestion and enhancing immunity. The assortment of vegetables like red bell pepper, cucumbers, and cabbage, apart from providing a melange of flavor and texture, contribute to your daily dose of essential nutrients. The add-on of lime juice not only peps up the salad but also lends a nice punch of vitamin C.
I’ve noticed that this salad goes exceptionally well with seafood, especially a grand old dish of Maine lobster or even a comforting bowl of clam chowder. It provides the much-needed relief with its breezy, refreshing notes, all the while keeping things interesting with the crunchy peanuts and crispy fried shallots. It’s akin to recipes like the Thai Green Papaya Salad, exhibiting the same vibrant texture and tangy-ness. Plus, the heat from the green chilies is a grand call back to my beloved New England clam chowder, with its splendid punch of spices.
Satisfying, nourishing, and oh-so delicious, the Papaya Leaf Salad is a creation that pays homage to global flavors while staying true to my coastal roots. It’s the proof that culinary love transcends borders, and good food, much like the sea, unites us all.
What You’ll Need
- 2 Papaya Leaves
- 2 cups Shredded Cabbage
- 1 large Carrot, julienne
- 1 medium Red Bell Pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium Cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup Fresh Mint Leaves
- 1 cup Fresh Cilantro Leaves
- 2 Fresh Green Chilies, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons Lime Juice
- 2 tablespoons Fish Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Roasted Peanuts, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup Crispy Fried Shallots
Method
Step One
Start by washing the papaya leaves thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Next, julienne the leaves and place them in a large salad bowl.
Step Two
Add the shredded cabbage, sliced carrot, red bell pepper, and cucumber to the bowl. Toss well with the papaya leaves to combine.
Step Three
Add the fresh mint leaves, cilantro leaves, and finely chopped green chilies to the salad bowl. Again, toss everything well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
Step Four
In a small bowl, combine the lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir well until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Step Five
Drizzle this dressing over the salad, making sure to coat all the ingredients evenly. Give the salad another good toss to mix everything together.
Step Six
Finally, sprinkle the chopped peanuts and crispy fried shallots over the top of the salad. This will give it a nice, crunchy texture and enhance the flavors of the dish.
Step Seven
Chill the salad in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and intensify, resulting in a refreshing and flavorful salad.
