Slaws

Green Papaya Slaw

Name: Green Papaya Slaw
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 large green papaya, peeled and grated; 1 small red cabbage, shredded; 2 medium carrots, peeled and grated; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1/4 cup chopped scallions; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1 teaspoon chili flakes; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

By Lena Whitlock · June 19, 2026 · Slaws

Prep20 min

Cook0 min

Total40 min

Serves6

As a lover of seasonal salads and sides, I'm always on the lookout for new and exciting ingredients to add to my repertoire. One of my favorite discoveries in recent years is green papaya, a versatile and delicious fruit that's perfect for making a crunchy and refreshing slaw. In this recipe, I'll show you how to make a Green Papaya Slaw that's perfect for summer gatherings and picnics.

The key to making a great slaw is to use the freshest and highest-quality ingredients you can find. For this recipe, you'll need a green papaya, which can be found at most Asian markets or well-stocked supermarkets. You'll also need some red cabbage, carrots, and a few other ingredients to add flavor and texture to the slaw.

One of the things I love about this recipe is how easy it is to make. Simply shred the papaya and cabbage, grate the carrots, and chop the cilantro and scallions. Then, mix everything together in a big bowl and add a simple dressing made from lime juice, fish sauce, and chili flakes.

The result is a slaw that's crunchy, spicy, and utterly delicious. It's perfect for serving alongside grilled meats or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. And the best part is that it's incredibly easy to make, so you can whip it up in no time.

In this recipe, I'll show you how to make a Green Papaya Slaw that's sure to become a favorite in your household. With its unique flavor and texture, it's a great way to add some excitement to your summer meals. So let's get started and make some slaw!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
The slaw is crunchy, spicy, and utterly delicious
It's perfect for serving alongside grilled meats or as a side dish for a summer barbecue
The recipe is highly customizable, so you can add your own favorite ingredients to make it your own
It's a great way to add some excitement to your summer meals
The slaw is refreshing and flavorful, making it perfect for hot summer days

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making a great slaw is to use the right combination of ingredients and to dress it at the right time. In this recipe, we're using a combination of green papaya, red cabbage, and carrots to create a slaw that's both crunchy and flavorful.

The dressing is also important, as it adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor to the slaw. We're using a combination of lime juice, fish sauce, and chili flakes to create a dressing that's both refreshing and flavorful.

One of the things that makes this slaw so great is the way the flavors meld together. The lime juice and fish sauce add a bright and tangy flavor, while the chili flakes add a spicy kick. The cilantro and scallions add a fresh and herbal flavor, while the papaya and cabbage add a crunchy texture.

Overall, this slaw is a great example of how a few simple ingredients can be combined to create something truly delicious. By using the right combination of ingredients and dressing it at the right time, we can create a slaw that's both flavorful and refreshing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Green Papaya Slaw, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The key is to use the freshest and highest-quality ingredients you can find, so be sure to choose a ripe green papaya and fresh cilantro and scallions.

Here's what you'll need to get started:

1 large green papaya, peeled and gratedChoose a green papaya that's firm and heavy for its size. You can find green papayas at most Asian markets or well-stocked supermarkets.
1 small red cabbage, shreddedUse a mandoline or sharp knife to shred the cabbage into thin strips.
2 medium carrots, peeled and gratedChoose carrots that are firm and sweet. You can use a food processor to grate the carrots if you prefer.
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantroChoose fresh cilantro with bright green leaves and a fresh, herbal flavor.
1/4 cup chopped scallionsUse both the white and green parts of the scallions for the best flavor.
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juiceUse a manual or electric juicer to extract the lime juice. You can also use bottled lime juice if you prefer.
1 tablespoon fish sauceChoose a high-quality fish sauce that's made from anchovies and salt. You can find fish sauce at most Asian markets or well-stocked supermarkets.
1 teaspoon chili flakesUse a mild or hot chili flake depending on your desired level of heat.
Salt and pepper to tasteUse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mintChoose fresh mint with bright green leaves and a cool, refreshing flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large bowlMandoline or sharp knifeGrater or food processorManual or electric juicerMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerServing spoon and fork

How to Make Green Papaya Slaw

1
Peel and grate the green papaya, using a box grater or food processor to get the desired texture.
2
Shred the red cabbage into thin strips, using a mandoline or sharp knife.
3
Grate the carrots, using a box grater or food processor.
4
Chop the cilantro and scallions, using a sharp knife to get the desired texture.
5
In a large bowl, combine the grated papaya, shredded cabbage, grated carrots, chopped cilantro, and chopped scallions.
6
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, and chili flakes to make the dressing.
7
Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to combine, making sure that all of the ingredients are well coated.
8
Season the slaw with salt and pepper to taste, using kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
9
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
10
Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh mint and adjust the seasoning as needed.
11
Serve the slaw chilled, garnished with additional mint and cilantro if desired.
12
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature of the slaw, which should be around 40°F to 45°F for optimal flavor and texture.

Expert Tips

Use the freshest and highest-quality ingredients you can find for the best flavor and texture.
Choose a green papaya that's firm and heavy for its size for the best flavor and texture.
Don't over-dress the slaw, as this can make it soggy and unappetizing.
Adjust the amount of chili flakes to your desired level of heat.
Add the dressing just before serving to prevent the slaw from becoming soggy.
Use a variety of colors and textures to make the slaw visually appealing.
Experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to make the slaw your own.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using a green papaya that's too ripe, which can make the slaw too sweet and soft.
Over-dressing the slaw, which can make it soggy and unappetizing.
Not using the freshest and highest-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the slaw.
Not adjusting the amount of chili flakes to your desired level of heat.
Not refrigerating the slaw for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Not stirring in the chopped fresh mint just before serving, which can affect the flavor and texture of the slaw.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced mango or pineapple to the slaw for extra flavor and texture.
Use a variety of colors and textures to make the slaw visually appealing.
Experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to make the slaw your own.
Add some chopped nuts or seeds to the slaw for extra crunch and nutrition.
Use a different type of citrus juice, such as lemon or orange, for a different flavor profile.
Add some grated ginger or garlic to the slaw for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use a spicy pepper, such as jalapeno or serrano, for an extra kick of heat.

What to Serve With Green Papaya Slaw

This Green Papaya Slaw is perfect for serving alongside grilled meats or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. You can also use it as a topping for tacos or salads, or as a snack on its own.

Some other ideas for serving the slaw include:

Grilled chicken or fishTacos or saladsSummer barbecueSnack on its ownSide dish for a picnic or outdoor gathering

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This slaw can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

To freeze the slaw, simply transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to serve, simply thaw the slaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

To reheat the slaw, simply stir in some additional lime juice and chili flakes to taste, and serve chilled. You can also add some chopped fresh cilantro or scallions to the slaw for extra flavor and texture.

Some tips for storing and reheating the slaw include:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is green papaya and where can I find it?

Green papaya is a type of fruit that's commonly used in Asian cuisine. You can find it at most Asian markets or well-stocked supermarkets.

How do I choose a ripe green papaya?

Choose a green papaya that's firm and heavy for its size. Avoid papayas that are too soft or too hard, as they may be overripe or underripe.

Can I use a different type of citrus juice instead of lime juice?

Yes, you can use a different type of citrus juice, such as lemon or orange, for a different flavor profile.

How do I adjust the amount of chili flakes to my desired level of heat?

Simply add more or less chili flakes to the slaw to taste. You can also use a spicy pepper, such as jalapeno or serrano, for an extra kick of heat.

Can I make the slaw ahead and store it in the refrigerator?

Yes, you can make the slaw ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Can I freeze the slaw?

Yes, you can freeze the slaw for up to 3 months. Simply transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer.

How do I reheat the slaw?

Simply stir in some additional lime juice and chili flakes to taste, and serve chilled. You can also add some chopped fresh cilantro or scallions to the slaw for extra flavor and texture.

What are some other ideas for serving the slaw?

Some other ideas for serving the slaw include using it as a topping for tacos or salads, or as a snack on its own. You can also serve it alongside grilled meats or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

The Full Recipe

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