# Green Papaya Salad (Som Tum Thai) Recipe
Canonical URL: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/recipes/papaya-salad
Publication state: published
Updated: 2026-08-02
Primary keyword: green papaya salad (som tum thai) recipe
A practical, source-aware recipe for green papaya salad (som tum thai), with the history kept close to the method.
## Timing and Yield
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 30 minutes
- Total: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6  servings
## Ingredients
- 5 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
- 3 Tbsp. (packed) palm sugar or light brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. fish sauce
- 2 Tbsp. dried shrimp, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 Chinese long beans, halved crosswise or 15 green beans
- 1 1½- to 1¾-pound green papaya, peeled, halved, seeded
- 10 large cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 green onions, very thinly sliced
- 1 fresh red Thai chile with seeds, thinly sliced
- 2 Tbsp. coarsely chopped salted peanuts
- Julienne peeler or box grater
## Method
1. Step 1: Whisk 5 Tbsp. fresh lime juice, 3 Tbsp. (packed) palm sugar or light brown sugar, 2 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. fish sauce, 2 Tbsp. dried shrimp, chopped, and 4 garlic cloves, minced in medium bowl. Set dressing aside.
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/papaya-salad-step-1.webp
   Image description: Step 1: Step 1 for Green Papaya Salad (Som Tum Thai).
2. Step 2: Cook 3 Chinese long beans, halved crosswise or 15 green beans in medium saucepan of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Rinse under cold water. Cut into 2-inch pieces.
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/papaya-salad-step-2.webp
   Image description: Step 2: Step 2 for Green Papaya Salad (Som Tum Thai).
3. Step 3: Using julienne peeler, peel 1 1½- to 1¾-pound green papaya, peeled, halved, seeded until you have enough to measure 6 cups. Place in large bowl. Add 10 large cherry tomatoes, halved, 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 green onions, very thinly sliced, 1 fresh red Thai chile with seeds, thinly sliced, and reserved beans. Pour dressing over; toss. Sprinkle 2 Tbsp. coarsely chopped salted peanuts over and serve.
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/papaya-salad-step-3.webp
   Image description: Step 3: Step 3 for Green Papaya Salad (Som Tum Thai).
## Storage
Cool completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat only when the texture benefits from it.
## History Context
This salad builds on the history of the fascinating history of papaya, linking the dish to papaya’s longer story in food culture.
## Primary Image
- URL: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/variants/papaya-salad/papaya-salad-og.webp
- Description: Green Papaya Salad (Som Tum Thai). Photo: Takeaway / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).
- Status: editorial-placeholder
## Sources
1. Original Green Papaya Salad (Som Tum Thai) recipe. Bon Appétit. https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/green-papaya-salad