Bright, refreshing, and bursting with tropical flair, this Caribbean Papaya Salad is a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors. Featuring juicy ripe papaya, crisp red bell pepper, and zesty red onion, this vibrant dish is brought to life with a tangy citrus dressing infused with a hint of heat from scotch bonnet pepper. A touch of honey adds delicate sweetness, while fresh cilantro provides a burst of herbal freshness. Ready in just 15 minutes, this no-cook recipe makes an ideal side dish for barbecues, a colorful companion to grilled seafood, or a light and healthy standalone salad. With its quick prep time and bold island-inspired flavors, this papaya salad is a must-try for any fan of tropical cuisine.
Peel the papaya, cut it in half, and scoop out the seeds. Slice the papaya into thin strips or cubes as desired, and place them into a large mixing bowl.
Thinly slice the red bell pepper and red onion. Add them to the bowl with the papaya.
Finely chop the fresh cilantro and add it to the mixture.
For the dressing, zest and juice the lime into a small bowl. Whisk in the olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Finely mince the scotch bonnet pepper (remove seeds for less heat) and stir it into the dressing.
Drizzle the dressing over the papaya salad mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, lime juice, or honey to your preference.
Let the salad marinate for 5-10 minutes in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve chilled as a side dish or enjoy on its own as a light, tropical salad.
Calories |
584 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.4 g | 39% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.8 g | 24% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1257 mg | 55% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 82.5 g | 30% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.4 g | 59% | |
| Total Sugars | 46.7 g | ||
| Protein | 7.1 g | 14% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 208 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 2.9 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 2050 mg | 44% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.