Green Papaya Salad Recipe with Mango, Cilantro and Honey Dressing

Fresh, colourful and full of contrasting textures, this Green Papaya Salad is a refreshing addition to any meal. Made with crisp green papaya, unripe mango, red bell pepper and fresh cilantro, it combines crunchy vegetables and fruit with a sweet, tangy dressing.

Honey balances the sharpness of vinegar and fish sauce, while olive oil brings the dressing together. The result is a vibrant salad that pairs especially well with grilled seafood and spicy dishes.

Serve it alongside our Suya-Spiced Grilled Prawns and Cilantro Cashew Dip for a complete Gourmet Cashews-inspired meal.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 1 small green papaya

• 1 bunch fresh cilantro

• 1 red bell pepper

• 1 unripe mango

For the Dressing

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon vinegar

• 3 tablespoons fish sauce

• 5 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

How to Make Green Papaya Salad

1. Prepare the Papaya and Mango

• Peel the green papaya and unripe mango.
• Slice both into thin strips of approximately equal size and place them in a large mixing bowl.

2. Prepare the Bell Pepper

• Wash the red bell pepper, remove the seeds 
• Slice the pepper into strips similar in size to the papaya and mango and add it to the bowl.

3. Add the Cilantro

• Wash and chop the cilantro.
• Add it to the salad ingredients and toss lightly to distribute.

4. Make the Dressing

• In a separate bowl, combine the honey, vinegar, fish sauce and olive oil.
• Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined.
• Season with a little salt and black pepper, tasting as you go.

5. Dress the Salad

• Pour the dressing over the papaya, mango, bell pepper and cilantro.
• Toss thoroughly until the fruit and vegetables are evenly coated.

6. Serve Fresh

Serve immediately for the crispest texture, or refrigerate briefly before serving if you prefer it chilled.

Pair with Suya-Spiced Grilled Prawns and Cilantro Cashew Dip for a refreshing balance of spicy, creamy and tangy flavours.

What Makes Green Papaya Salad Special?

Green papaya has a firm, crisp texture and a mild flavour that works well with bold dressings. Unripe mango adds a pleasant tartness, while red bell pepper contributes colour and freshness.

The honey, vinegar and fish sauce dressing balances sweetness, acidity and savoury depth, making this salad a natural companion to grilled seafood.

What to Serve with Green Papaya Salad

Enjoy this salad with:

• Grilled prawns or fish

• Grilled chicken & meats

• Rice dishes

• Seafood platters

For the full recipe combination, serve it with our Cilantro Cashew Dip and Suya-Spiced Grilled Prawns.

Tips for a Delicious Green Papaya Salad

• Cut the ingredients evenly. Similar-sized strips make the salad easier to toss and serve.
• Dress just before serving. This helps the papaya and bell pepper retain their crisp texture.
• Taste the dressing first. Fish sauce is naturally salty, so add extra salt sparingly.
• Adjust the sweetness and acidity. You can fine-tune the honey and vinegar to suit your preference.
• Keep leftovers refrigerated. Store any remaining salad in a covered container and enjoy while the ingredients are still crisp flavour.

More Gourmet Cashews Recipes

Complete your meal with Suya-Spiced Grilled Prawns and our creamy Cilantro Cashew Dip. Together, these recipes offer a delicious mix of spice, freshness and nutty flavour.