Vegan Papaya Salad with Peanut Lime Dressing

This is the kind of salad that you will be excited about eating. Living a raw or healthy lifestyle doesn't have to mean salad salad salad (and therefore boring boring boring).. but for those that want a salad type meal or side, why not try something different and more exciting like this?? This is kinda like the pad thai version of a salad. Super healthy, incredibly delicious, Thai inspired.. and honestly the dressing is so amazing on it's own that you can make it and use it on just about any salad you want, but the papaya makes this super interesting and extra filling. If you're feeling adventurous, give this a go! Recipe modified from Minimalist Baker <3





Ingredients:

salad:
1 small underripe green (or slightly green) papaya
3 large carrots
1 small head of cabbage
2 tomatoes
handful of spinach or another green of choice such as romaine
2-3 cucumbers
bell peppers, and any other raw veggies of choice
optional toppings: mung bean sprouts, raw peanuts, raw cashews

dressing:
1 Tbsp of minced garlic
2 Tbsp of raw peanuts or peanut butter
2 fresh chilies, or chili powder to taste
1 Tbsp coconut sugar
¼ tsp salt
¼ cup lime juice
3 Tbsp soy/tamari/liquid aminos sauce


Directions:

Chop all your veggies. Chop papaya by using a scraper to first remove the skin, then cut the fruit in half lengthwise, then scoop out the seeds and then chop into cubes.  Chop cabbage into thin strips. I made carrot "ribbons" with my veggie scraper, and cucumber "noodles" with a spiralizer. This is all for presentation though and not necessary. Feel free to cut everything however you'd like! Add any add-ons you may choose and toss it all together in a bowl and make it look pretty.



Blend together all your sauce ingredients in a blender or food processor. Drizzle over the full salad or individual bowls when serving-- up to you! If you want added protein feel free to add extra sprouts or micro greens, or tofu either raw or stir fried in a delicious peanut sauce. I kept it nice and simple and raw and wholesome and this salad alone was enough to fill me up. Feel free to get creative with it or use it as a side dish to another Thai-inspired meal.