Green Papaya and Shrimp Salad with Lime Dressing

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, tangy salad featuring shredded green papaya, plump shrimp, and crunchy vegetables, tossed in a zesty lime dressing and topped with toasted peanuts for a refreshing and healthy dish. This vietnamese-inspired salads ready in about 35 minutes blends medium green papaya, shrimp, vegetable oil 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 250 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.

★ 3.9 (13 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz shrimp, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp chili garlic sauce, and 1 tbsp water until sugar dissolves; set aside.
  3. Step 3: Peel, seed, and julienne 1 medium green papaya (2 cups). Thinly slice 1 cup cucumber and halve 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes.
  4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups julienned green papaya, 1 cup sliced cucumber, 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 12 oz cooked shrimp, 1/4 cup chopped peanuts, 1/4 cup torn mint, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.
  5. Step 5: Pour lime dressing over salad and toss gently until evenly coated. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Green Papaya and Shrimp Salad with Lime Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Green Papaya and Shrimp Salad with 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 Green Papaya and Shrimp Salad with 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 Shrimp Salad with 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.

What goes well with Green Papaya and Shrimp Salad with Lime Dressing?

Vietnamese salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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