Tamarind-Chili Green Papaya Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing, tangy salad featuring julienned green papaya, tamarind dressing, and fresh herbs for a bright, spicy kick. This asian-inspired salads ready in about 20 minutes pairs large green papaya, red chili, tamarind paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 152 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.7 (1724 ratings) Prep: 20 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 152 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and julienne 1 large green papaya (about 3 cups). Finely chop 1 red chili and halve 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp palm sugar, and 2 tbsp warm water until sugar dissolves. Pour over papaya, chili, and cherry tomatoes in a large bowl.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/4 cup roasted peanuts (chopped), 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped), and 1/4 cup mint (chopped) to the bowl. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  4. Step 4: Let sit 10 minutes for flavors to meld before serving to allow the tamarind and chili to infuse the salad.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tamarind-Chili Green Papaya Salad take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (20 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 Tamarind-Chili Green Papaya Salad?

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 large green papaya from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tamarind-Chili Green Papaya Salad?

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 Tamarind-Chili Green Papaya Salad 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 Tamarind-Chili Green Papaya Salad?

Asian 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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