Papaya Salad Contest @ The Lao food festival in Fresno California

fish sauce

🥗Healthier: soy sauce

💰Cheaper: salt + water

Soy sauce provides a similar umami flavor while being vegetarian.

palm sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey offers a natural sweetness with fewer processing steps.

green papaya

🥗Healthier: zucchini

💰Cheaper: cabbage

Zucchini can mimic the texture of papaya while being more accessible.

Thai bird chilies

🥗Healthier: jalapeño

💰Cheaper: red pepper flakes

Jalapeños provide heat with a milder flavor.

Peel and shred the green papaya into thin strips.

Julienne the carrots and add them to the papaya.

Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and add to the mixture.

Trim the green beans and chop them into 2-inch pieces.

In a mortar and pestle, pound garlic and Thai bird chilies until crushed.

Add palm sugar and continue to pound until dissolved.

Pour in lime juice and fish sauce, mixing well.

Combine the papaya, carrots, tomatoes, and green beans in a large bowl.

Pour the dressing over the salad and mix thoroughly.

Add crushed peanuts and toss gently to combine.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or more lime juice as needed.

Serve immediately, garnished with coriander leaves.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens