Vietnamese Papaya Salad: A Step-by-Step Recipe

Vietnamese Papaya Salad, known as “Gỏi Đu Đủ,” is a delicious and refreshing dish that elegantly balances flavors and textures. This vibrant salad features a combination of crunchy green papaya, colorful vegetables, herbs, and a zesty dressing, making it a popular choice in Vietnamese cuisine. Follow this step-by-step recipe to create your own Vietnamese Papaya Salad at home.

Ingredients

For this delightful salad, you will need the following ingredients:

2 cups green papaya (shredded)
1 cup carrots (shredded)
1/2 cup red bell pepper (julienned)
1/2 cup cucumber (julienned)
1/4 cup fresh herbs (mint and cilantro)
1/4 cup roasted peanuts (crushed)
2 tablespoons fried shallots (optional)

For the Dressing

3 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon sugar
1-2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 small red chili (sliced, adjust for heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Begin by peeling the green papaya. Cut it in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, and then shred the flesh using a grater or a food processor. Repeat the same process for the carrots. Julienne the red bell pepper and cucumber into thin strips for added crunch.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, minced garlic, and sliced chili. Mix well until the sugar dissolved. Taste the dressing and adjust the flavors as necessary. You may want to add a bit more lime juice for tanginess or sugar for sweetness.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green papaya, carrots, red bell pepper, cucumber, and fresh herbs. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until well coated.

Step 4: Serve

Transfer the salad to a serving platter or bowl. Top with crushed roasted peanuts and fried shallots for added texture and flavor. Garnish with additional herbs if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispness of the vegetables.

Tips for the Best Vietnamese Papaya Salad

Make sure to use green (unripe) papaya for the best texture and flavor.
Feel free to customize the salad by adding proteins such as grilled shrimp or shredded chicken.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative.

Vietnamese Papaya Salad is not only refreshing but also a nutritious dish packed with vitamins and flavors. Enjoy this colorful salad as a side dish or a light meal, and experience a taste of Vietnam in every bite.