Exotic Thai Papaya Cucumber Salad recipe form Fiji

Exotic Thai Papaya Cucumber Salad

My family owned a lovely place in Fiji for several years. The tropical fruit, handmade fresh coconut oil, Fijian ice cream, colorful tropical flowers, fresh fish, and beautiful beaches were amazing, among other things. I would love to be there right now enjoying a baby coconut and some tree ripened mangoes, feet in the sand...

Fiji - the view from our deck

Our family has several recipes that evolved from the time my parents spent living in Fiji, that we would like to share with you on this blog. My mom is always creating, and these recipes have a Fijian, Asian, as well as an Indian influence.

You too can enjoy a taste of the islands!

This beautiful Thai salad is a great recipe to start with. it is so easy and versatile, and so fresh tasting - you will love it!



Thai Papaya Cucumber Salad Recipe:

Salad Ingredients:

Peeled Japanese cucumbers, cut into matchsticks, or julienned
Firm papaya cubes
Mung bean sprouts
Fresh chopped cilantro (lots!)
Clear noodles, prepared according to package directions (like mung bean noodles)
Slivered Napa cabbage
Red Jalapeno rings, to taste (or sweet red bell pepper slivers if you can't take the heat)
Grated carrot, a little for color, optional


Thai Dressing:

2 T. Peanut butter (if Paleo, use almond butter)
2 T. Thai fish Sauce
2 to 4 T. Agave/Vegetable glycerine mix (this sweetener recipe is on this blog), to taste
2 T. Bragg's Aminos
1/4 c. Rice oil
2 T. Fresh lime juice, to taste


Garnish:

Toasted peanuts or roasted cashews (Paleo), chopped


Method:

Prepare the above salad ingredients to fill a regular sized salad bowl, to taste.
Mix the Thai dressing ingredients together, to taste.
Pour dressing over salad and toss.
Serve immediately.


Variations:

You can omit the nut butter completely and substitute with 1 T. raw or toasted sesame tahini.

For a lighter salad, you may also omit the sesame tahini or any other nut butter and just add a teaspoon of toasted sesame seed oil. This is our favorite way to prepare this salad.

The Thai Salad before the noodles were added - you may omit the noodles if desired.

This time I used fresh rice stick noodles - They soak in boiling water 10 seconds and then they are done!

Pour Dressing over and toss well. Serve immediately.

The freshly mixed dressing.

Salad ready to serve.

Salad garnished with peanuts.

Papaya Tree

Enjoy!

Leila

Fijian flowers arranged by one of my daughters.