
Grilled Papaya Salad with Lime Chili Dressing and Crispy Shallots
Fire up your grill and get ready for a flavor explosion! This Grilled Papaya Salad is a masterpiece of smoky, sweet, tangy, and spicy goodness. With a zesty lime chili dressing and crunchy crispy shallots, it’s a vibrant dish that’ll make your taste buds dance. Let’s get cooking!
4.4 out of 5 (5 ratings)

Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Cuisine
Thai
Ingredients
- •1 medium papaya, peeled, seeded, and sliced
- •1 lime, juiced
- •1 tablespoon fish sauce
- •1 teaspoon chili flakes
- •1 teaspoon honey
- •2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- •1/4 cup shallots, thinly sliced
- •1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- •1/3 cup fresh mint leaves
- •2 cups mixed salad greens
- •2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, chopped (optional)
- •Salt to taste
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- 2
Peel, seed, and slice the papaya into wedges or large strips suitable for grilling.
- 3
Lightly brush the papaya slices with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and set aside.
- 4
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, chili flakes, honey, and a pinch of salt to make the lime chili dressing. Set aside.
- 5
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced shallots and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- 6
Place the papaya slices on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and the edges are slightly caramelized. Remove from the grill and let cool slightly.
- 7
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, fresh cilantro leaves, and fresh mint leaves.
- 8
Arrange the grilled papaya slices on top of the salad, then drizzle with the prepared lime chili dressing.
- 9
Sprinkle the crispy shallots and chopped roasted peanuts (if using) over the salad as garnish.
- 10
Taste and adjust with more salt or lime juice if needed. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Nutrition Information
Calories
220 calories
Protein
3g
Carbs
28g
Fat
12g
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different fruit instead of papaya for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can substitute papaya with other grill-friendly fruits like mango, peaches, or pineapple. These fruits provide a similar sweetness and texture when grilled, complementing the lime chili dressing.
Q: What can I use as a substitute for fish sauce in the dressing?
A: If you need a substitute for fish sauce, you can use soy sauce or tamari for a vegetarian option. For a closer flavor match, add a small pinch of miso paste to the soy sauce to mimic the umami of fish sauce.
Q: How do I prevent the shallots from burning while frying?
A: To prevent the shallots from burning, keep the heat at medium and stir them frequently as they cook. Remove them from the oil as soon as they turn golden brown, as they will continue to cook and darken slightly after being removed from the heat.
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: You can prepare elements of the salad in advance. Grill the papaya, make the dressing, and fry the shallots up to 1 day ahead. Store the dressing in the refrigerator and the crispy shallots in an airtight container at room temperature. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep the greens fresh and the shallots crispy.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep the dressing and crispy shallots separate to preserve their texture. Reassemble the salad just before eating, adding the dressing and shallots right before serving.
Q: Can I make this salad without grilling the papaya?
A: Yes, if you don’t have access to a grill or prefer not to grill the papaya, you can use fresh papaya instead. Simply slice it as directed and assemble the salad. The flavor will be less smoky, but it will still pair beautifully with the dressing and crispy shallots.
Q: What are some variations or additional toppings I can add?
A: You can customize this salad by adding grilled shrimp, chicken, or tofu for extra protein. Other toppings like sliced avocado, pickled red onions, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can add more flavor and texture. For a spicier kick, increase the chili flakes in the dressing.
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