Post Holiday Detox: Papaya Caprese Salad

The final recipe in our post-holiday detox series from Kelsi Windmiller.

Papayas are one of the healthiest fruits around. Recently they have gained in popularity, so you should be able to find them in your local market. They are rich with potassium, folates, beta carotene, and vitamins. Papayas also carry an enzyme called papain. Papain has been known to help boost metabolism, aid digestion, and promote good moods. This makes them the perfect ingredient for a happy foods themed recipe. This salad is a tropical spin on the traditional Italian caprese salad. Fresh mozzarella also plays a large roll in this recipie. Some cheeses contain a protein that can help enhance dopamine and other neurotransmitters in your brain. I recommend buying fresh ovoline mozzarella in brine for this recipe. Red long hot peppers and cracked black pepper and just the right amount of heat. If you would like more of a leafy green salad try adding some baby spinach and ripe avocado.

papaya caprese salad ingredients

Papaya Caprese Salad

1 Medium Sized Papaya
3-4 Ovoline Mozzarella
2 Small Red Long Hot Peppers
1/8c Fresh Basil Leaves
1/8c Fresh Cilantro Leaves
3tbs Olive Oil
1tsp Kosher Salt
2tsp Cracked Black Pepper

papaya caprese salad

Start by slicing the papaya in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds with a spoon and peel its skin. Slice into half inch thick pieces and set aside. Drain the brine from the mozzarella and slice into slightly thinner pieces. Remove and discard the seeds from the long hot peppers then slice into a fine julienne. If you are sensitive to spice use less pepper in the salad, and be sure to thoroughly wash your hands before touching your face. If the basil leaves are large, rip them into smaller pieces. To serve, alternate slices of papaya and mozzarella on a plate. Sprinkle hot peppers, basil, and cilantro on top. Drizzle with olive oil and finish with salt and pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy!

papaya caprese salad

For the green salad, toss all of the ingredients in a large bowl with baby spinach leaves and sliced avocado.

More healthy recipes from the BLDG 25 Blog!

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Eunice
11 years ago

This looks delicious and refreshing! Gotta try it out soon :)

Mary
11 years ago

Simple and delicious! Thanks!

11 years ago

OMG! The tastiest dish EVAR! first found this recipe here and simce then cooking it almost every day. Sometimes i put there mint and it becomes even tastier.

Salad
11 years ago

Recipe