Papaya Salad with Kiwi Lime Dressing

Papaya Salad with Kiwi Lime Dressing

Growing up we ate a lot of papayas. Mami used them to make aguas, smoothies, salads and nieve (ice cream).  They hold a special place in her heart since her father grew them in their backyard.  We always look forward to papaya paletas or thick slices of papaya with a hefty dousing of chile powder in the Summer.

These are the flavors of my childhood, the flavors I am drawn to, inspired by and the flavors I happily share with my children.

One of my favorite Spring salads includes papaya of course, but this papaya salad also includes a refreshing kiwi- lime dressing that ties it all together.  Slice your papaya paper thin to layer around the outside rim of the plate making a festive ring to add your spinach and remaining vegetables.  Blend your kiwis in a food processor or blender, but do not strain.  You’ll want to enjoy every last bit of kiwi flavor.  I serve this salad alongside roasted chicken or shrimp.

Tip: Toast the pepitas in the oven for a few minutes to release some of their natural oils. 

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Papaya Salad with Kiwi Lime Dressing

Author: Vianney Rodriguez

Ingredients

• 1 half of a medium papaya- peeled seeded and thinly sliced
• 4 cups spinach
• 1 cup chopped red cabbage
• 1 medium cucumber thinly sliced
• ½ small yellow bell pepper diced
• ½ small red bell pepper diced
• 1 cup pepitas
• Kiwi Lime Dressing recipe follows
• 2 Kiwis peeled and diced
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 tsp lime zest
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• Salt and freshly ground pepper

Instructions

1. Arrange the papaya slices around the outside of 2 salad plates. In the center of each plate add half the spinach, red cabbage, sliced cucumbers, diced yellow and red bell peppers.
2. Drizzle with kiwi-lime dressing and sprinkle pepitas over the top of each plate.
3. For Dressing:
4. Combine kiwis, olive oil, lime zest and lime juice in blender or food processor.
5. Blend until smooth, season to taste with salt and pepper