Grilled Papaya Salad with Chililime Dressing

Q: How spicy is the Chili-Lime Dressing, and can I make it milder? I’m not a fan of super spicy food.

The heat level of the Chili-Lime Dressing can easily be adjusted. Start with a small amount of minced chili (or red pepper flakes) and taste as you go. If you want a milder flavour, remove the seeds from the chili before mincing it, or use just a pinch of red pepper flakes. Remember, you can always add more spice, but it's harder to take it away!

Grilled Papaya Salad A Taste of the Caribbean

By Kendra ThompsonJuly 7, 2025

4.60 (10 Ratings)

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a bit of sunshine on your plate, luv? Ever tried papaya fruit recipes on the barbie? This Grilled Papaya Salad is a total game changer.

Sweet, smoky, and packing a chili lime punch honestly, what's not to love?

Brief Overview

This isn't your average salad . It has flavors inspired by the food from Southeast Asian , giving you a taste of the tropics with every bite.

It’s super easy, only takes about 20 minutes and serves four people.

Main Benefits

Papaya is great for digestion. This recipe is perfect for a BBQ or light lunch. What makes it special? The grilled papaya adds a smoky sweetness that you won't find anywhere else.

Get Your Grill On: Papaya Salad Time!

Alright, let's talk ingredients. This isn't just any tropical salad recipes , it’s got a real kick. You need a ripe papaya, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and mint for starters.

Oh, and don't forget the vegetable oil for grilling.

Chili Lime Dressing: The Magic Touch

Now, for the chili lime dressing recipes , this is where the magic happens. We're talking lime juice, fish sauce (or soy sauce for our veggie mates), honey, red chili, garlic, and ginger.

You know, the usual suspects.

Why This Recipe Rocks

Honestly, this vegan papaya salad recipes is a lifesaver on a hot day. It's light, fresh, and packed with flavour.

I remember the first time I tried grilled papaya recipes at a barbeque, I swear, the earth moved a little.

Now it's my go-to summer dish. This Caribbean Summer Salad is something else!.

Variations for the Adventurous Cook

Feeling adventurous? You can totally add grilled shrimp or chicken for extra protein. A bit of toasted peanuts for crunch is always a good idea.

And if you are missing papaya, Mango works wonders!.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Caribbean Cuisine as a side dish with grilled fish or even as a light lunch with some coconut rice.

It is even suitable as a Salad Pasta !. Pair it with a crisp white wine or light beer for the full experience.

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's talk ingredients for this Grilled Papaya Salad with Chili Lime Dressing . Honestly, finding quality ingredients is half the battle, innit? You're aiming for something that tastes like a holiday! This isn't your average Papaya Salad .

Main Players: Fruits & Veggies

Papaya: You'll need 1 medium papaya ( 500g / 17.6oz ). Look for mostly yellow with a touch of green. It should give slightly when you squeeze it. Avoid the mushy ones!
Red Bell Pepper: Grab 1 ( 150g / 5.3oz ). A vibrant one.
Red Onion: Half a red onion ( 50g / 1.7oz ), thinly sliced.
Fresh Herbs: 1/4 cup each of chopped cilantro and mint ( 5g / 0.2oz each). Fresh is key here, don't even think about dried!
Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ). Any neutral oil will do.

Why this works: Good papaya is the linchpin. The red pepper adds sweetness. Herbs give it freshness.

Dressing Deets: Zesty & Spicy!

Lime Juice: 3 tablespoons ( 45ml ). Freshly squeezed, always.
Fish Sauce: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ). Or soy sauce for a vegan option. Honestly, this is what gives it that proper Southeast Asian inspired salad vibe.
Honey: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ).
Red Chili: 1 small, minced or 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes ( 5g / 0.2oz ). Adjust to your spice level.
Garlic: 1 clove, minced ( 3g / 0.1oz ).
Ground Ginger: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1g ).

Seasoning Notes: Don't be shy with the chili. That chili lime dressing recipes are the heart of this salad and that's what makes it shine.

Taste as you go! If you love Caribbean Cuisine you will feel that it's similar to that.

Equipment Essentials

Grill: Or a grill pan. If you're grilling outside this could be Grilled papaya recipes .
Mixing Bowl: For tossing the salad.
Whisk: For the dressing.
Cutting Board & Knife: Obvious, but gotta mention it.

Equipment Needed: Nothing fancy. A frying pan can be used as a plan B if you don't have a grill. This Caribbean Summer Salad is about simplicity, right?

I remember one time I tried making this with a really overripe papaya. Disaster! It just fell apart on the grill.

Learn from my mistakes, okay? Also, feel free to add some Salad Pasta to it!.

Let's Grill Some Papaya : Hello Caribbean Summer Salad !

Alright, let's get cooking! Fancy a bit of sunshine in every bite? That's what we're aiming for! This Grilled Papaya Salad with Chili Lime Dressing is like a beach barbeque meeting a sophisticated supper.

Easy to whip up and guaranteed to impress, mate! It's one of my favourite Papaya Recipes and I can't wait to share it with you.

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

Essential mise en place is key here. Chop your cilantro and mint. Slice that red onion and bell pepper. Peel, seed and cut the papaya into wedges. Got it? Good.

Time saving tip: Do all your chopping before you even think about firing up the grill. Honestly, future you will thank you for this.

Time to Get Grilling: The Nitty Gritty

Whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, honey, minced chili, minced garlic and ginger in a bowl. This is your Chili lime dressing recipes !
Preheat your grill to medium high heat. It should be ready in about 5 minutes .
Brush papaya and bell pepper with vegetable oil. Don't be shy!
Grill for 2- 3 minutes per side. We want grill marks and slight softening.
Combine grilled papaya, bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and mint in a bowl.
Pour that amazing dressing over the salad. Toss gently.
Serve immediately!

The perfect grilling time is about 2- 3 minutes per side , for the papaya. You'll know it's ready when it's got those sweet grill marks.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Papaya Fruit Recipes

Want to be a Papaya Recipes ninja? Then listen up.

Common mistake: Overcooking the papaya. Don't do it! You want it slightly soft but still holding its shape. This also applies to Grilled Papaya Recipes !

make-ahead option: Prep all your ingredients and store them separately. Then combine everything just before serving. Prevents sogginess! This works pretty well even if you are trying to create a Vegan Papaya Salad Recipes .

I tell you, this is also perfect to go with Salad Pasta , Caribbean Cuisine is so colourful!

This Tropical Salad Recipes is awesome, hope that you will love it.

Recipe Notes for Your Grilled Papaya Masterpiece

Alright, let's talk about making this Grilled Papaya Salad truly yours . I've made this Papaya Salad more times than I can count.

Honestly, it is always a hit. Here are some pointers.

Serving like a Pro: Plating and Pairings

Presentation matters, right? For a simple yet elegant look, arrange the grilled papaya slices artfully. Scatter the other ingredients. A drizzle of extra dressing on top? Yes, please.

This Caribbean Summer Salad looks fab on its own.

Thinking of sides? I reckon some coconut rice would be cracking. A nice grilled fish would be spot on too. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc? Sheer perfection.

Storage Savvy: Keeping it Fresh

Honestly, this salad is best eaten fresh. Still, life happens. Got leftovers?

Store the dressed salad in the fridge for up to 24 hours . But keep in mind the papaya will soften a bit.

For the best results, keep the dressing separate and add it right before serving. I wouldn't recommend freezing this one, mate.

Variations: Making it Your Own

One of my favourite things about Papaya Recipes is the possibilities. Wanna make it Vegan papaya salad recipes ? Easy peasy. Just swap the honey for agave or maple syrup.

For a protein punch, chuck in some grilled chicken or tofu. Nutty crunch? Toasted cashews are your best bet. Grilled papaya recipes also work beautifully with mango if you can't find papaya.

Think of it as an excuse to experiment with Tropical salad recipes .

Nutrition Lowdown: Feel Good Food

So, papaya fruit recipes are not just tasty, they’re good for you! This salad clocks in around 150 calories per serving. It is packed with vitamins and fibre.

The Chili lime dressing recipes add flavour without a ton of extra calories. Think of it as a deliciously healthy way to spice up your day, influenced by Southeast Asian inspired salad .

And let's be honest, who doesn't need more sunshine in their diet?

So there you have it. A few extra notes to help you nail this Caribbean Cuisine inspired recipe. Don't stress too much about making it perfect.

The most important ingredient is having fun. Now, get grilling, you legend! This isn't just a Salad Pasta , this is an adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm not sure I like papaya. What does it taste like, and what if I want a substitute in these papaya fruit recipes?

Papaya has a subtly sweet flavour, a bit like a cantaloupe melon but with a softer texture. If you're not a fan, ripe mango makes a fantastic substitute in most papaya fruit recipes, giving you a similar tropical vibe.

Just remember to adjust the sweetness of the dressing if needed, as mango can be a bit sweeter than papaya. Alternatively grilled pineapple also works great.

Can I make this Grilled Papaya Salad ahead of time? I'm having a barbeque and want to prep everything beforehand.

You can definitely prep the individual components in advance! Slice the veggies, make the dressing, and even grill the papaya and bell pepper. However, I recommend storing them separately and combining everything just before serving.

This prevents the salad from becoming soggy, ensuring a vibrant and fresh tasting dish for your barbeque. Like a well planned roast dinner, prep is key.

Is there a vegetarian or vegan option for the fish sauce in the Chili Lime Dressing? I'm trying to cater for everyone.

Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, simply swap the fish sauce with soy sauce. For a vegan version, use soy sauce and substitute the honey with agave syrup or maple syrup. You might want to add a tiny pinch of salt if using agave, and a dash of rice vinegar to mimic the umami from the fish sauce.

Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking!

How do I pick the perfect papaya for this grilled papaya salad recipe? All the ones in the supermarket seem rock hard or mushy!

Finding the right papaya can be tricky, but here's the secret: look for a papaya that's mostly yellow with just a hint of green. It should yield slightly to gentle pressure, but not be overly soft or mushy. Think of it like picking the perfect avocado you want that sweet spot!

If it's too hard, it's not ripe enough; if it's too soft, it's past its prime.

How spicy is the Chili Lime Dressing, and can I make it milder? I’m not a fan of super spicy food.

The heat level of the Chili Lime Dressing can easily be adjusted. Start with a small amount of minced chili (or red pepper flakes) and taste as you go. If you want a milder flavour, remove the seeds from the chili before mincing it, or use just a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Remember, you can always add more spice, but it's harder to take it away!

What are the nutritional benefits of adding papaya fruit recipes to my diet?

Papaya is packed with vitamins A and C, as well as fiber, making it a healthy and delicious addition to your meals. It also contains an enzyme called papain, which can aid in digestion. Think of it as a tasty way to give your gut a little love! Plus, it's relatively low in calories, making it a guilt free treat.