Papaya Salsa with Cilantro and Lime

papaya cilantro salsa recipe with lime juice healthy tropical salsa with papayas and peppers

5 from 2 votes

Papaya Salsa with Cilantro and Lime

This papaya salsa recipe is loaded with fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and red onions for a great sweet & spicy dish. It's great as a dip for chips, or to top roasted chicken, baked fish, or with bean and rice tacos.

Prep Time15

Cook Time0

Total Time15

Course: Appetizer, Sauce

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Servings: servings

Calories: 83kcal

Author: Kelly Jensen

Cost: $4

Equipment

Mixing Bowl
Food Processor (optional)

Ingredients

1 large papaya
1/2 large red onion chopped (about 1/2 cup)
3 cloves garlic
2 jalapeno peppers stems and seeds removed *see note for spiciness
1 cup fresh cilantro diced
1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt
2 limes juiced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Black Pepper for garnish

Instructions

Prep your papaya: slice it in half lengthwise and scoop out the inner seeds by using a spoon. Remove the skin, and finely dice the soft inner flesh of the papaya. Set aside.
Finely dice the red onion and jalapeno peppers, and mince the garlic. You can do this by hand, or by pulsing the ingredients in a food processor (I've made this recipe with both methods, but I like the texture of hand-chopped. It only took me about 5 minutes longer than using a food processor - but up to you, whatever is easy!). Add the papaya, jalapeno, cilantro, salt, and lime juice. Pulse again until your salsa reaches the desired consistency.
If the salsa is watery (which it can be, depending on the ripeness of the papaya you use), you can choose to drain the salsa before serving.
Garnish with fresh cracked pepper, and drizzle a little olive oil over the salsa. Enjoy as a dip or as a topping for fish tacos, chicken, or burritos.

Notes

*A Note For More/Less Spicy Salsa

This recipe is what I could consider "medium" spicy salsa - it definitely has heat, but it's not overpowering. For a less spicy version, use only 1 jalapeno, or replace it with a milder green pepper such as poblano or bell pepper. For a spicier version, include the jalapeno seeds in the salsa for a fiery flavor.

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