Skip to main content

Green-Papaya Salad

This vibrant green papaya salad is a masterclass in balancing the fundamental flavours of Southeast Asian cuisine. By combining the sharp acidity of fresh lime juice with the deep, savoury funk of toasted belacan and dried prawns, this dish delivers a complex flavour profile that remains remarkably light. It is a brilliant example of a low-sugar recipe that does not compromise on impact, providing a refreshing crunch that makes it a perfect side dish for grilled meats or a light lunch on a warm day.

While green papaya is the traditional choice for its firm, crisp texture, this versatile salad can also be made using seedless cucumber for a more cooling finish. It serves as a nutritious, high-fibre option for those seeking a healthy homemade meal with authentic Thai-inspired roots. Simply prepare the elements ahead of time and toss them together just before serving to ensure the vegetables retain their characteristic bite and freshness.

Poursuivre la lecture ci-dessous

Ingredients for Green-Papaya Salad

  • 2 teaspoons belacan (prawns paste)*

  • 3 (5 1/2-inch) fresh Holland red chillies*, sliced, including seeds

  • 1/2 teaspoons sugar

  • 5g small dried prawns* (1 tablespoon )

  • 3/4 teaspoons salt

  • 1 large shallot, halved lengthwise, then thinly sliced crosswise (60ml )

  • 1 (1 1/2-lb) piece green papaya* or 675g seedless cucumber (1 to 2

  • usually plastic-wrapped)

  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

  • 2 1/2 teaspoons sugar

  • a mini food processor

  • an adjustable-blade slicer fitted with julienne attachment

How to make Green-Papaya Salad

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 177°C.

Wrap belacan tightly in foil and bake 10 minutes. Open foil carefully and cool belacan to room temperature, about 15 minutes. Crumble belacan into mini food processor and finely purée with chillies and sugar.

Soak prawns in 240ml hot water in a bowl until soft, about 10 minutes.

While prawns soak, stir together salt and 240ml cold water until salt is dissolved, then add shallot and soak 5 minutes. Drain shallot in a sieve and pat dry.

Drain prawns in a colander and pat dry. Pulse prawns in cleaned mini processor until finely ground.

Peel, halve, and seed papaya (or cucumber). Cut into large pieces, then cut into 1/8-inch-thick matchsticks with slicer.

Stir together lime juice, sugar, and 1 tablespoon sambal belacan in a large serving bowl until sugar is dissolved. Add prawns, shallot, and papaya, tossing to combine well.

*Available at Southeast Asian markets and templeofthai.com.

Clause de non-responsabilité

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Historique de l'article

Les informations contenues dans cette page ont été évaluées par des cliniciens qualifiés.

  • 17 janvier 2026 | Publié à l'origine

    Auteur: :

    UK recipe editors

    Examiné par des pairs

    UK recipe editors
Vérification de l'éligibilité à la grippe

Demandez, partagez, connectez-vous.

Parcourez les discussions, posez des questions et partagez vos expériences sur des centaines de sujets liés à la santé.

vérificateur de symptômes

Vous ne vous sentez pas bien ?

Évaluez gratuitement vos symptômes en ligne

Inscrivez-vous à la newsletter destinée aux patients

Votre dose hebdomadaire de conseils santé clairs et fiables, rédigés pour vous aider à vous sentir informé, confiant et maître de la situation.

Veuillez saisir une adresse e-mail valide.

En vous abonnant, vous acceptez notre politique de confidentialité. Vous pouvez vous désabonner à tout moment. Nous ne vendons jamais vos données.