Green Papaya Salad – Zesty Thai Side Dish

If you’re craving something crisp, tangy, and totally refreshing, Thai Green Papaya Salad is the answer. Known in Thai as Som Tum, this spicy and sour salad is a bold fusion of crunchy vegetables, umami-packed fish sauce, and zesty lime juice. It’s the perfect appetizer or light lunch that awakens your taste buds with every bite.

Why You’ll Love Thai Green Papaya Salad

Thai Green Papaya Salad is more than just a salad—it’s a flavor explosion. The shredded green papaya is cool and crisp, balanced by the heat of Thai chilies, the tang of lime, and the sweetness of palm sugar. It’s low in calories, naturally gluten-free, and incredibly satisfying without being heavy. Plus, it’s easy to make in under 20 minutes.

Som Tum: A Unique Thai Classic

Originating in northeastern Thailand (Isaan region) and influenced by Lao cuisine, Som Tum is a staple of Thai street food culture. Traditionally made with a mortar and pestle, it’s often pounded fresh to order by Thai vendors, allowing diners to customize the heat and seasoning. You can find many variations, including some with fermented fish sauce (pla ra), dried shrimp, salted crab, or even green mango instead of papaya.

It’s a popular side dish eaten alongside grilled meats, sticky rice, or fried chicken—and has even gained international fame in Thai restaurants worldwide.

INGREDIENTS FOR THAI GREEN PAPAYA SALAD

Vegetables and Fruits:

• Green papaya – firm, unripe papaya, shredded into long strands
• Cherry tomatoes – halved for sweet and juicy bursts
• Long green beans – crisp and slightly sweet, cut into 2-inch pieces
• Garlic – fresh cloves, crushed for flavor

Seasonings:

• Thai chilies – fresh bird’s eye chilies for authentic heat
• Palm sugar – lightly sweet and earthy; helps balance flavors
• Fish sauce – adds umami and saltiness
• Lime juice – provides acidity and brightness
• Roasted peanuts – adds crunch and nutty depth
• Dried shrimp (optional)– for a briny kick (omit for vegetarian version)

HOW TO MAKE GREEN PAPAYA SALAD

1. Shred the green papaya. Peel the papaya, then use a julienne peeler or shred manually into long strips. Soak in cold water to keep it crisp.
2. Pound the aromatics. In a large mortar and pestle, pound garlic and chilies until roughly crushed.
3. Add sugar and liquids. Add palm sugar, fish sauce, and lime juice. Pound lightly until the sugar dissolves and ingredients combine.
4. Mix in veggies. Add shredded papaya, long beans, cherry tomatoes, and dried shrimp (if using). Lightly pound and toss to coat everything in the dressing.
5. Top and serve. Transfer to a serving plate, sprinkle with roasted peanuts, and serve immediately.

Thai Green Papaya Salad (Som Tum)

Make a zesty, spicy Thai Green Papaya Salad bursting with crunch and bold Southeast Asian flavors. A quick, healthy salad ready in 20 minutes!

Servings 4

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  

• 2 cups shredded green papaya
• 3/4 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 6 long green beans cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 Thai bird’s eye chilies adjust to taste
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 tbsp palm sugar or brown sugar
• 2 tbsp fish sauce use soy sauce or vegan fish sauce for vegan version
• 2 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed
• 1 tbsp dried shrimp optional
• 2 tbsp roasted peanuts crushed

Instructions

 

• Shred the green papaya and place in a bowl of ice water to keep it crisp.
• In a large mortar and pestle, pound the garlic and chilies until broken down.
• Add the palm sugar, fish sauce, and lime juice. Gently pound and stir until the sugar dissolves.
• Add long beans, halved tomatoes, and optional dried shrimp. Pound lightly to bruise and blend flavors.
• Drain papaya and add to the mortar. Gently pound and mix until well combined.
• Serve on a plate, garnished with crushed peanuts.

Notes

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 115
Carbohydrates: 15g (5% DV)
Protein: 3g (6% DV)
Fat: 5g (8% DV)
Saturated Fat: 0.7g (4% DV)
Fiber: 2g (8% DV)
Sugar: 7g (14% DV)
Sodium: 510mg (22% DV)
*Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: thai

Keyword: green papaya salad, som tum recipe, spicy papaya salad, Thai salad, vegan Thai salad

RECIPE TIPS

• Make Ahead: You can shred the green papaya and store it in ice water up to 24 hours in advance.
• No mortar and pestle? Use a large bowl and a rolling pin to mash and mix.
• Make it Vegan: Substitute fish sauce with vegan fish sauce or soy sauce.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use a certified gluten-free fish sauce or tamari.
• Lower Calorie Tip: Skip or reduce the peanuts and dried shrimp to cut fat and sodium.

SERVING IDEAS

• Serve with sticky rice and grilled chicken (Gai Yang) for an authentic Thai meal
• Pair with Thai spring rolls or tom yum soup
• Enjoy as a refreshing side to pad thai or pad see ew
• Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice and tofu for a vegetarian Thai platter

Did you make this recipe?

Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @wokwithsam on Instagram and hashtag it #wokwithsam.