Cold Green Papaya Salad with Roasted Peanuts and Lime Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing Vietnamese salad featuring crisp shredded green papaya, tangy lime dressing, and crunchy roasted peanuts for texture. This vietnamese-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes blends medium, shredded carrot, fresh lime juice, fish sauce into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and shred 1 medium green papaya (about 1 lb) using a julienne peeler or sharp knife into thin matchsticks. Combine with 1 shredded medium carrot in a large bowl.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp grated palm sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 thinly sliced bird’s eye chili until sugar dissolves.
  3. Step 3: Pour dressing over shredded papaya and carrot mixture. Toss thoroughly to coat.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves, and 2 thinly sliced green onions to the salad. Toss gently to combine.
  5. Step 5: Chill salad for 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and enjoy as a refreshing side dish or light meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cold Green Papaya Salad with Roasted Peanuts and Lime Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (20 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Cold Green Papaya Salad with Roasted Peanuts and Lime Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cold Green Papaya Salad with Roasted Peanuts and Lime Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cold Green Papaya Salad with Roasted Peanuts and Lime Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cold Green Papaya Salad with Roasted Peanuts and Lime Dressing vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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