Salted Papaya Ribbons with Lemon and Mint – a refreshing and flavorful salad that is great as a start to a meal, an afternoon snack or a sweet dessert – cheers!
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Did this weekend fly by for everyone else, or just me?
While it was a perfect mix of fun things and relaxing down time – yes I enjoyed a short nap – it just went too quickly.
A sign of a good weekend, I suppose?
It definitely was. My weekend started on Friday, when I spent the whole day in the kitchen. It was glorious – I created and photographed two project recipes, with French Open tennis in the background. My perfect day, really.
I spent part of Saturday on wedding planning – it is just under three months away and I am getting kind of excited. Okay, quite a bit excited. Our band said yes this past week, and I have been giddy ever since. Definitely one of the biggest details for me, the music. Saturday night we joined friends for dinner and a Tony Starlight show, which is always a great time. Yesterday we went to a potluck to send off our friends moving to Boston – great food and friends out in a perfect Portland summer evening.
The Grand Floral parade was this weekend, as was the World Naked Bike Ride. Normally we have a fantastically warm May, and as soon as the Rose Festival events begin, so does the rain. More often than not, my parade experiences have included rain. Not complaining – I have lived here long enough that it’s just all part of the fun. This year, no rain! Our summer has not even officially started, and we are having gloriously bright sunny hot days.
I don’t know about you, but hot days for me = cool food. Light food. Raw food?
For this refreshing salad, I channeled my summers in Hawaii at my grandfather’s house – every morning was breakfast of a half papaya. A glass of guava juice. Fresh. Perfect.
This salad is exactly that – fresh, sweet, salty (the salt really brings out the flavors here), cool. I will be enjoying this all summer long.
Salted Papaya Ribbons with Lemon Mint Dressing
inspired by Melon Salad with Lemon-Sherry Dressing
YIELD: four servings as starter salad, two as a large salad
dairy, egg, soy and gluten free, vegan
INGREDIENTS:
juice and zest of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon brown rice syrup or agave
2-3 grinds black pepper
1 large papaya, peeled
2 kiwi, peeled
1/2 pint blackberries
2-3 sprigs fresh mint
pinch sea salt
INSTRUCTIONS:
In medium size mixing bowl, combine lemon juice and zest, vinegar, sweetener and pepper. Whisk together, set aside.
Slice papaya in half, remove seeds. Slice each half into three pieces. Using a mandoline (or sharp paring knife and steady hand), cut papaya slices into long ribbons.
Slice kiwi into thin slices.
Add papaya ribbons, kiwi, and blackberries to mixing bowl with lemon dressing. Toss to coat, transfer to serving plates. Top with fresh mint and sprinkle with sea salt.
Enjoy.
How is your summer starting? Any fun plans or vacations?
Gwen @[email protected] says
Yes, I even had a 3 day weekend and am still pouting that I have to go back to work tomorrow. Is it papaya season already?? Yayyyyy!
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
I got hounded for salting my fruit before…Looks like THEY were the one’s missing out!
Another winner buddy!
Kristina Sloggett says
hmm, hounded? they definitely are missing out. not a great deal of salt here, no need to be afraid of it! there are so many who do not realize how a bit of salt REALLY enhances flavor!
Heather @ Better With Veggies says
This looks simply delicious – perfect for a hot day to really enjoy the summer flavors! Bring on summer. 🙂
Eileen says
This fruit salad sounds like the best possible thing to eat on a sweltering day! Forget dinner. 🙂 I love the idea of slicing the papaya into long, thin ribbons–super fun!
Kristina Sloggett says
right, Eileen? a fun way to enjoy it, and YES I could have this for dinner tonight and be TOTALLY happy – it is a hot one today! xxo
Bianca says
You know, I think I’ve always gotten rotten papaya because I’ve always thought it had a funky taste….so I’ve avoided papaya for years. But this looks soooo good. Maybe I should try papaya again and add salt this time. Salt makes everything better.
Kristina Sloggett says
oh no! go to a store that will cut fruit for you, see if it is good or if you just don’t like the taste? and yes to salt! 🙂
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
Haha – my sister and her boyfriend did the naked bike ride a couple of years ago. It still perplexes me… doesn’t that hurt? Especially the mens?!
Kristina Sloggett says
I would think both would be uncomfortable! many of my friends participate each year – I’m fine just being on the sidelines. not necessarily spectating. this year, one guy painted an elephant head… down there… complete with trunk. it was awesome.
Heather (Where's the Beach) says
You must have sent the rain to us, it’s been relentless. Every time I think of papaya I think of my great grandmother. I’ve never actually had papaya, but she always had papaya pills and I love to take them! She was really into vitamins.
Kristina Sloggett says
ah, I have seen those papaya tablets! among other benefits, they are good for stomach upset, I think? hope your rain lets up soon, but please don’t send it back our way! 😉 XO