Green Papaya Salad (Som Tum)

Experience the vibrant flavors of Thailand with Green Papaya Salad (Som Tum), a refreshing and tangy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This classic Thai recipe combines crunchy green papaya, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crisp green beans with a bold, umami-packed dressing made from fresh lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar, garlic, and fiery red Thai chilies. Accentuated with the savory bite of dried shrimp and the satisfying crunch of roasted peanuts, this salad is a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. Prepared in just 25 minutes with no cooking required, Som Tum is an irresistible appetizer or side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or sticky rice. Bursting with texture and authentic Southeast Asian flavors, this zesty salad is sure to be a showstopper at your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 medium green papaya
• 10 whole cherry tomatoes
• 50 grams green beans
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar
• 2 medium garlic cloves
• 2 whole red Thai chilies
• 3 tablespoons roasted peanuts
• 2 tablespoons dried shrimp

Directions

Step 1

Start by peeling the green papaya. Once peeled, cut it in half and scoop out the seeds using a spoon. Rinse the papaya under cold water.

Step 2

Shred the papaya using a box grater or a julienne peeler to produce thin, noodle-like strips.

Step 3

Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and set them aside.

Step 4

Trim the ends of the green beans and cut them into 1-inch pieces.

Step 5

In a mortar and pestle, add the garlic cloves and red Thai chilies. Gently pound until they break apart.

Step 6

Add the palm sugar to the mortar. Continue pounding until it dissolves into the garlic and chili mixture.

Step 7

Pour in the lime juice and fish sauce into the mortar, and mix to combine the dressing.

Step 8

Add in the green beans and pound gently to lightly bruise them so they absorb the dressing.

Step 9

Add the shredded papaya, cherry tomatoes, and dried shrimp to the mortar. Gently pound and mix the ingredients thoroughly to coat them in the dressing.

Step 10

Add roasted peanuts to the salad. Toss everything together until well combined.

Step 11

Transfer the salad to a serving platter, ensuring the vegetables are evenly distributed.

Step 12

Garnish with a few additional roasted peanuts and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	885 grams (885.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	598

Total Fat 17.20g	22%
Saturated Fat 3.30g	16%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.20g
Cholesterol 150mg	50%
Sodium 3235mg	141%
Total Carbohydrate 90.30g	33%
Dietary Fiber 15.30g	55%
Total Sugars 51.20g
Protein 33.90g	68%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 235mg	18%
Iron 5mg	28%
Potassium 2328mg	50%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 23.8%

Protein: 20.8%

Carbs: 55.4%