Low Fat Spicy Thai Papaya Salad (Som Tum)

Craving a burst of bold, authentic Thai flavors without the extra calories? This Low Fat Spicy Thai Papaya Salad (Som Tum) is a refreshing and nutritious dish that strikes the perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and sweet. Made with crisp julienned green papaya, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and crunchy green beans, this traditional favorite is elevated with a light yet flavorful dressing of lime juice, fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian twist), and coconut sugar. A quick toss ensures the bright flavors are evenly coated, while optional garnishes like roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro add a delightful finishing touch. Ready in just 20 minutes with no cooking required, this low-fat Thai salad is perfect as a guilt-free appetizer or zesty side dish for your next meal. Packed with fresh ingredients and complex flavors, it’s an easy way to enjoy a taste of Thailand at home!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 2 cups Green papaya (peeled and julienned)
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 0.5 cup Green beans (trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces)
• 2 cloves Fresh garlic cloves
• 2 pieces Bird's eye chilies (adjust to taste)
• 3 tablespoons Lime juice
• 2 tablespoons Fish sauce or low-sodium soy sauce (for a vegetarian version)
• 1 tablespoon Coconut sugar or brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted roasted peanuts (optional for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro leaves (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Peel the green papaya and julienne it into thin strips using a sharp knife or a julienne peeler. Place the julienned papaya in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2

Trim and cut the green beans into 2-inch pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes and set them aside.

Step 3

In a mortar and pestle, gently pound the garlic cloves and bird's eye chilies until they are roughly crushed but not a paste.

Step 4

Add the lime juice, fish sauce or soy sauce, and coconut sugar to the mortar. Continue mixing and lightly pounding until the sugar dissolves, forming a dressing.

Step 5

Pour the dressing over the julienned papaya in the mixing bowl. Add the green beans and cherry tomatoes, then use a pair of tongs or clean hands to gently toss the ingredients together, ensuring the dressing is evenly mixed with the salad.

Step 6

Taste the salad and adjust seasoning, adding more lime juice, fish sauce, or sugar as needed to balance the flavors of spicy, sour, salty, and sweet.

Step 7

Transfer the salad to a serving plate and garnish with unsalted roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.

Step 8

Serve immediately as a refreshing low-fat appetizer or side dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(876.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	465.7

Total Fat 10.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 1.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2871.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 91.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.1g	0%
Total Sugars 48.4g
Protein 15.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 193.0mg	0%
Iron 4.2mg	0%
Potassium 1812.2mg	0%

*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: 18.2%

Protein: 11.7%

Carbs: 70.2%