Nut-Free Spicy Thai Papaya Salad (Som Tum)

Elevate your taste buds with this vibrant and flavor-packed Nut-Free Spicy Thai Papaya Salad (Som Tum), a refreshing twist on a classic Southeast Asian dish. This nut-free version is perfect for those with dietary restrictions while still delivering the authentic harmony of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. Crisp green papaya, green beans, and juicy cherry tomatoes form the vibrant base, while a bold dressing of lime juice, fish sauce (or vegan-friendly soy sauce), and palm sugar ties it all together. Enhanced with the gentle heat of bird’s eye chili and served alongside crunchy cabbage leaves, this salad is simple to prepare in just 20 minutes—making it a perfect appetizer or light meal. Whether you're craving a healthy, nut-free Thai dish or looking to impress guests with a flavorful, refreshing salad, this customizable recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser.

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 medium-sized Green papaya
• 2 whole Garlic cloves
• 1 whole Bird's eye chili (adjust to spice preference)
• 6 whole Cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup Green beans (trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces)
• 3 tablespoons Lime juice
• 2 tablespoons Fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegan option)
• 1 tablespoon Palm sugar (or brown sugar as a substitute)
• 0.5 medium-sized Carrot (optional, julienned)
• 4 whole Cabbage leaves (to serve)

Directions

Step 1

Peel the green papaya and remove the seeds. Shred the flesh into thin, matchstick-like strips using a julienne peeler or grater. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2

In a mortar and pestle, combine the garlic cloves and bird's eye chili. Pound gently until the garlic breaks down and the chili is slightly crushed, releasing its heat. Adjust chili quantity based on your spice tolerance.

Step 3

Add the trimmed green beans and cherry tomatoes to the mortar. Lightly crush them to release their juices but be careful not to pulverize them completely.

Step 4

Transfer the crushed mixture into the bowl with the papaya. If adding julienned carrot, mix it in at this stage for extra color and crunch.

Step 5

In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegan option), and palm sugar until the sugar dissolves completely.

Step 6

Pour the dressing over the papaya mixture. Toss well to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the dressing coats everything evenly.

Step 7

Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding more lime juice, fish sauce, or sugar as needed to balance the flavors.

Step 8

Serve the salad on a large platter or in individual portions, accompanied by cabbage leaves on the side for scooping or as a crunchy accompaniment.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1281.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	481.7

Total Fat 2.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 0.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2948.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 116.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.0g	0%
Total Sugars 63.4g
Protein 15.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 362.0mg	0%
Iron 5.6mg	0%
Potassium 2398.7mg	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: 3.9%

Protein: 11.5%

Carbs: 84.6%