Discover the bold, refreshing taste of Thai Papaya Salad—Som Tum! 🇹🇭
This iconic Thai street food is a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. Made with crisp green papaya, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy peanuts, and a zesty lime dressing, it’s both delicious and healthy! Whether you’re craving a light lunch or a vibrant side dish, this easy and authentic recipe brings the flavors of Thailand right to your table.

Thai Papaya Salad

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Course: Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: Thailand

Ingredients Equipment Instructions Video Nutrition

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups shredded green papaya
• 2-3 long beans (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 6-8 cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2-3 red chilies (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp unsalted dry-roasted peanuts
• 1 tbsp coconut sugar (or palm sugar, melted)
• 1 tosp low-sodium fish sauce
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1 tbsp dried shrimp (optional, rinsed)
• A small pinch of salt
• Ice blocks (to cover shredded papaya)

Equipment

• 1 pestle and mortar
• 1 Small pot
• 1 knife
• Plate (for serving)
• Chopsticks (for serving)

Instructions

 

1. Prepare the Papaya

   Peel and shred the green papaya. Soak the shredded papaya in ice water for 10–15 minutes to make it extra crunchy and refreshing.
2. Toast & Melt

   Dry roast the peanuts in a pan without oil until fragrant.

   Melt the coconut sugar in a small pan or microwave until smooth.
3. Chop the Veggies

   Cut the cherry tomatoes in half. If using large tomatoes, dice them into bite-sized pieces.

   Cut long beans into 1-inch pieces.
4. Pound the Aromatics

   In a mortar and pestle, pound the red chilies with a pinch of salt (this helps keep them from jumping out).

   Add garlic, peanuts, and optional dried shrimp. Gently pound to release aroma.

   Add long beans and lightly pound—just enough to release juices, not mash them.
5. Mix it All Together

   Drain the papaya from the ice water.

   In a large bowl, mix the shredded papaya and cherry tomatoes with the pounded mixture.

   Add fish sauce and freshly squeezed lime juice. Toss everything until well combined.
6. Serve

   Serve immediately with fresh cabbage or cucumber on the side for added crunch and balance.

Watch & Cook

Health Benefits

• Promotes digestion with fiber-rich papaya
• Supports hydration and detox
• Boosts immunity with fresh lime and tomatoes
• Contains healthy fats from peanuts
• Low in calories and packed with antioxidants

Nutrition Facts (Per 1 Serving – Approx. 1 Cup)

• Calories: ~110 kcal
• Dietary Fiber: 4–5 g
• Vitamin C: ~60% DV
• Sodium: 250–350 mg
• Healthy Fats: From roasted peanuts