Experience the vibrant flavors of Thailand with this Paleo Green Papaya Salad (Som Tum), a health-conscious twist on the beloved classic. This refreshing and nutrient-packed dish features crisp julienned green papaya, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tender green beans, all brought to life by a tangy, aromatic dressing made with fresh lime juice, Paleo-friendly fish sauce, and a touch of natural sweetness from palm sugar or raw honey. Roasted cashews add a satisfying crunch, while fragrant herbs like cilantro and basil elevate every bite. Perfect for summer, this quick and easy recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and Paleo-compliant, making it ideal for clean eating enthusiasts. Serve it as a zesty appetizer or pair it with grilled protein for a wholesome, flavor-forward meal.
Start by preparing the dressing. In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped chilies, lime juice, fish sauce, and palm sugar or raw honey. Stir well until the sugar or honey is completely dissolved, creating a balanced, tangy dressing.
In a large mortar and pestle, lightly pound the green beans to bruise them. If you do not have a mortar and pestle, you can use the back of a knife to slightly crush them.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the julienned green papaya, halved cherry tomatoes, and the bruised green beans.
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl, making sure to evenly coat everything. Mix well using your hands or a wooden spoon to ensure flavors are absorbed.
Add in the chopped roasted cashews, mixing them through the salad to incorporate their crunchy texture.
Finish by tossing the salad with fresh cilantro and basil leaves for an aromatic finish.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more lime juice, fish sauce, or chilies to suit your preference.
Serve immediately as a refreshing appetizer or accompany it with grilled protein for a wholesome meal. Enjoy your Paleo Green Papaya Salad!
Calories |
455 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 8.9 g | 11% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.8 g | 9% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2864 mg | 125% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 90.1 g | 33% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.7 g | 49% | |
| Total Sugars | 49.8 g | ||
| Protein | 13.5 g | 27% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 183 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 5.2 mg | 29% | |
| Potassium | 1683 mg | 36% | |
*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.