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Easy Tropical Papaya Vinaigrette Dressing

Close-up of thick, vibrant orange papaya salad dressing blended smooth in a small glass jar.

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Make this bright, sweet, and tangy papaya dressing at home. It is simple to prepare and adds a fresh, tropical flavor to green salads or slaw.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup ripe papaya, cubed
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce (omit for vegetarian)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 small red chili, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup neutral oil (like canola or grapeseed)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Place the cubed ripe papaya, lime juice, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, fish sauce, grated ginger, and minced chili (if using) into a blender.
  2. Blend the mixture until it is completely smooth. Scrape down the sides as needed.
  3. With the blender running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the neutral oil until the dressing emulsifies slightly.
  4. Taste the dressing and add a pinch of salt if needed. If you want it thinner, add a teaspoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
  5. Transfer the papaya dressing to an airtight container. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

  • If you prefer a thicker dressing, reduce the amount of lime juice slightly or add 1/4 of an avocado for creaminess.
  • For a vegan papaya dressing, substitute maple syrup for honey and omit the fish sauce, adding a teaspoon of soy sauce or tamari for savory depth.
  • This dressing works well as a marinade for chicken or shrimp before grilling.

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