Green Papaya and Carrot Salad with Roasted Peanuts and Lime Dressing

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

A refreshing Vietnamese green papaya salad tossed with shredded carrot, crunchy roasted peanuts, and a tangy lime and fish sauce dressing. This vietnamese-inspired salads (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 15 minutes pairs green papaya, carrot, roasted peanuts into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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.

★ 3.9 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups shredded green papaya and 1 cup shredded carrot.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons lime juice, 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 1 tablespoon sugar, 2 tablespoons water, and 1 minced garlic clove until the sugar dissolves and the dressing is well blended.
  3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the shredded papaya and carrot, tossing well to coat evenly.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves, and gently toss again.
  5. Step 5: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and sprinkle 1/3 cup roughly chopped roasted peanuts and 1 thinly sliced small red chili on top for garnish and a spicy kick if desired.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately as a refreshing side or light appetizer.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

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

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep green papaya from drying out.

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

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

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