Thai Papaya Salad

Thai Papaya Salad is known for its bold flavors and refreshing taste. Made with shredded green papaya, cherry tomatoes, peanuts, and a zesty dressing of lime juice, fish sauce, and chili, this salad offers a delightful balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. 

Ingredients:

• 1 green papaya, peeled and shredded
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2-3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
• 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, crushed
• 2 tablespoons dried shrimp (optional)
• Handful of fresh cilantro leaves
• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dressing:
   1. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped Thai bird’s eye chilies, fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Shred the Papaya:
   1. Using a julienne peeler or a sharp knife, peel and shred the green papaya into thin strips. Place the shredded papaya in a large mixing bowl.
3. Assemble the Salad:
   1. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, crushed roasted peanuts, and dried shrimp (if using) to the shredded papaya.
4. Toss with Dressing:
   1. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the dressing.
5. Adjust Seasoning:
   1. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Add more fish sauce for saltiness, lime juice for acidity, or sugar for sweetness.
6. Serve and Garnish:
   1. Transfer the Tangy Thai Papaya Salad to a serving plate or bowl. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and extra crushed peanuts for added flavor and texture.
7. Enjoy Fresh and Tangy:
   1. Serve the salad immediately as a refreshing appetizer or side dish. Enjoy the burst of flavors with every crisp and tangy bite of this authentic Thai delicacy!