Coleslaw with Papaya – Fresh, Healthy & Refreshing

Last updated on July 17, 2025

Have you ever tasted a dish that takes you right back to a sun-soaked day at a picnic with family or friends? That’s how I feel every time I whip up this Coleslaw with Papaya. There’s just something about that vibrant mix of colors and flavors that brings on memories of laughter, sunshine, and carefree afternoons. This recipe is not just an accompaniment; it’s a little celebration of freshness and zest on your plate.

Even if you’ve never made a salad before, I promise this coleslaw recipe is uncomplicated and stress-free. You don’t need to be a culinary whiz to create this delightful dish that’s bound to impress everyone at your next gathering. Let’s embark on this cooking adventure together, and soon you’ll be enjoying a glorious bowl of coleslaw that has a healthy twist!

Why I Love This Recipe of Coleslaw with Papaya

Honestly, the magic of this Coleslaw with Papaya lies in the combination of flavors and textures. The crunch of the fresh cabbages and the sweetness of the julienned papaya come together beautifully in a creamy dressing that feels indulgent yet light. I enjoy how it perfectly complements grilled meats or simply stands out as a refreshing side on a hot day.

What I adore most about this recipe is its approachability. Beginner cooks will find that it’s simple to follow, yet it brings a sense of accomplishment to the table. This isn’t just about eating healthy; it’s about creating something heartwarming and delightful. Plus, when you serve it, you’ll see smiles all around as this vibrant dish captivates everyone’s attention.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Coleslaw with Papaya

To make this delicious Coleslaw with Papaya, gather these essentials:

Coleslaw with Papaya

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• Author: Sarah Mendez
• Total Time: 1 hour (includes chilling)
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

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Description

This Coleslaw with Papaya is a vibrant, refreshing twist on classic coleslaw. It combines crunchy white and purple cabbage with sweet green papaya, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing with a hint of exotic flavor. Perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, or as a light side dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 medium white cabbage – Cored and shredded, adds mild flavor and crunch
• 1 small purple cabbage – Cored and shredded, adds color and nutrients
• 1 small green papaya – Cored and julienned, provides subtle sweetness and crispness
• 80 grams mayonnaise – For creamy richness
• 50 grams strained yoghurt – Adds tang and lightens the texture
• 3 tablespoons cider vinegar – Brings brightness and acidity
• 2 tablespoons lime juice – Fresh and zesty
• 1 tablespoon honey – Balances acidity with a touch of sweetness
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – Optional, adds umami depth
• 1 teaspoon Asian fish sauce – Optional, for savory flavor punch
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Adds subtle heat and complexity
• ½ teaspoon fennel seeds – Coarsely crushed, offers a hint of anise
• 1 teaspoon sea salt – Enhances all flavors
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – Adds balance and heat

Optional Add-Ons

• Shredded carrots – For extra sweetness and crunch
• Toasted nuts – Walnuts or almonds for a nutty crunch
• Fresh herbs – Cilantro or mint for a bright, fresh finish

Substitutions and Shortcuts

• Savoy cabbage – A softer alternative to standard cabbage
• Dairy-free yoghurt – Use coconut yoghurt for a vegan option
• Rice vinegar – Works in place of cider vinegar
• Shredded carrots or apples – Use if green papaya is unavailable

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Instructions

1. Prepare vegetables: Wash, core, and shred the white and purple cabbages. Peel and julienne the green papaya.
2. Mix dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, strained yoghurt, cider vinegar, lime juice, honey, Worcestershire sauce, fish sauce, Dijon mustard, fennel seeds, sea salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
3. Combine: Add the prepared vegetables into the bowl with the dressing and toss until well coated.
4. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and soften the cabbage slightly.
5. Serve: Stir gently, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve chilled.

Notes

• Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare this a day in advance—just add herbs and nuts before serving for best texture.
• Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days, but best enjoyed within 24 hours.
• Pairing: Delicious alongside grilled meats, fish, or sandwiches.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad, Side Dish
• Method: No-cook
• Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
• Calories: 140
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: undefined
• Trans Fat: undefined
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: undefined

Keywords: coleslaw with papaya, tropical slaw, green papaya slaw, creamy cabbage salad, summer papaya coleslaw, mayo yoghurt slaw, cabbage and fruit salad

Essentials

1. 1 medium white cabbage (cored and shredded): The white cabbage provides a mild flavor and adds a nice crunch to the salad.
2. 1 small purple cabbage (cored and shredded): The addition of purple cabbage not only enhances the crunch but also adds a beautiful splash of color and nutrients.
3. 1 small green papaya (cored and julienned): Green papaya brings a subtle sweetness with a slightly crisp texture. It’s a wonderful contrast to the cabbages.
4. 80 grams of mayonnaise: This creamy element binds the salad and adds richness. For a healthier version, you can opt for light mayonnaise or a vegan alternative.
5. 50 grams of strained yoghurt: Yoghurt adds tanginess and a creamy texture while keeping the dish lighter than mayo alone.
6. 3 tablespoons cider vinegar: This acidic component balances the flavors and adds brightness to the dish.
7. 2 tablespoons lime juice: Fresh lime juice brings a lovely zestiness that elevates the overall flavor profile.
8. 1 tablespoon honey: A touch of natural sweetness complements the vegetables beautifully.
9. 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: This adds umami depth, but if you’re avoiding it, you can skip it.
10. 1 teaspoon Asian fish sauce: A little bit provides that punchy flavor. If you prefer, substitute it with a vegan fish sauce or simply omit it.
11. 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: It provides a subtle kick and rounds out the dressing.
12. ½ teaspoon fennel seeds (coarsely crushed): Fennel seeds add a hint of anise flavor that is refreshing and unique.
13. 1 teaspoon sea salt: This enhances all the flavors.
14. ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: A little heat balances the sweetness of the dressing.

Optional Add-Ons

• Carrots: Shredded carrots can add more sweetness and color.
• Nuts: A sprinkle of toasted walnuts or almonds offers a delightful crunch.
• Herbs: Fresh cilantro or mint can give it an aromatic twist.

Substitutions and Shortcuts

• Cabbage: You can swap one type of cabbage for another, such as savoy cabbage for a softer texture.
• Yoghurt: A dairy-free alternative like coconut yoghurt can be a great substitution.
• Vinegar: If you don’t have cider vinegar, white vinegar or rice vinegar can work well too.
• Papaya: If you can’t find green papaya, shredded carrot or even sliced apples can provide a similar texture and sweetness.

How to Make Coleslaw with Papaya Step-by-Step

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this delightful coleslaw. Follow these detailed steps:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

   • Start by washing all of your vegetables thoroughly. It’s always a good idea to rinse off any dirt or pesticides.
   • Core and shred the white and purple cabbages. The best way to shred cabbage is by cutting it in half and then slicing it into thin strips.
   • For the papaya, cut it in half and scoop out the seeds. Then, peel the skin, and julienne the flesh into thin strips.

2. Mix the Dressing:

   • In a large mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, strained yoghurt, cider vinegar, lime juice, honey, Worcestershire sauce, fish sauce, Dijon mustard, crushed fennel seeds, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
   • Whisk all these ingredients together until you have a smooth, well-combined dressing. This is where the flavors meld together beautifully, so don’t rush through this step.

3. Combine the Vegetables:

   • Add in the shredded white cabbage, purple cabbage, and julienned papaya into the bowl containing the dressing.
   • Using a spatula or tongs, gently toss the vegetables in the dressing until they are evenly coated.

4. Let it Sit:

   • Once everything is well mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it for at least 45 minutes. This not only allows the flavors to develop but also softens the cabbage slightly, making it even more enjoyable.

5. Serve:

   • After the sitting time is complete, give it a gentle stir and taste. You might like to adjust the seasoning a bit more with salt or lime juice.
   • Serve it chilled, and watch as everyone digs in!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the Ingredients

Mixing the cabbage and papaya too harshly can break down the vegetables and make them mushy. Gently fold them into the dressing to keep everything crisp.

2. Skipping the Marination

If you skip letting the coleslaw sit, you miss out on the flavor mingling. Patience pays off here, as the cabbage will absorb the dressing and turn even more delicious.

3. Not Tasting Before Serving

Different brands of mayonnaise, vinegar, or honey can vary in flavor. Always taste your coleslaw before serving and adjust seasoning to your preference.

4. Using Ripe Papaya

Make sure you use green papaya for this recipe. Ripe papaya is sweeter and softer, which may alter the desired taste and texture of your coleslaw.

Serving Suggestions for Coleslaw with Papaya

1. As a Standalone Salad

Enjoy this coleslaw as a light and refreshing salad on a warm day. It’s perfect for those hot summer afternoons when you crave something crisp and healthy.

2. Accompany Grilled Dishes

This coleslaw makes an excellent side dish for grilled chicken, fish, or pork, providing a wonderful contrast to the smoky flavors of the grill.

3. Use it as a Topping

Try adding it to tacos or sandwiches for a delightful crunch. It perfectly complements the richness of meats and adds a fresh dimension to your meal.

4. Pair with Quinoa or Rice

Serve it alongside a bowl of quinoa or rice for a wholesome, nutritious meal. The textures and flavors will blend beautifully, leaving you satisfied.

Nutritional Values of Coleslaw with Papaya

1. Low in Calories

One serving of this coleslaw is incredibly low in calories, making it suitable for those on a calorie-restricted diet, allowing you to indulge without guilt.

2. Rich in Nutrients

The combination of cabbage and papaya provides essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and dietary fiber, which are important for overall health.

3. Good for Digestion

Both cabbage and papaya are excellent for digestion due to their high fiber content. They can help to keep your gut healthy and support a healthy metabolism.

4. Healthy Fats

The presence of mayonnaise and yoghurt adds healthy fats, responsible for keeping you satiated while providing flavor and texture to the salad.

Conclusion & Next Steps

In conclusion, this Coleslaw with Papaya is even easier to make than it looks! With a few simple ingredients and some patience while it marinates, you’ll create a cozy, classic dish that impresses everyone. Remember, you can easily customize it to your taste with different ingredients or add-ons.

I encourage you to give this recipe a try—whether it’s your first time in the kitchen or a seasoned cooking session. Don’t hesitate to dive into the colorful world of fresh ingredients and fulfill your cravings for something healthy and vibrant.

If you’ve enjoyed this recipe, please share it with friends or family!

FAQs About Coleslaw with Papaya

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