Healthy Papaya Recipes

Whir up cantaloupe with papaya and mango for a creamy smoothie with a taste of the tropics.

This Thai-inspired salad makes use of the papayas that grow throughout Hawaii. This version is tossed with tender, sweet pea shoots. Make an extra batch of the vinaigrette to keep on hand in the refrigerator--use it as a marinade for vegetables, a flavorful dressing for fresh melon or as a sauce to splash over grilled fish or chicken.

Salty feta, zesty lime and red onions provide a delicious counterpoint to fresh papaya and mint in this sweet and savory salad. Try it with grilled fish or chicken for a refreshing addition to your meal.

Crunchy jicama and walnuts pair with creamy papaya and avocado for an unusual salad.

Loaded with tropical fruits, this graham cracker-crusted pie is a refreshing end to any meal. For a delicious variation, substitute peeled, sliced peaches for the mango, papaya, or kiwi.

In Mexico, papayas are served with a wedge of lime and a pinch of salt. This sorbet honors the sweet-tart combination and transforms it into an elegant dessert. It's like a tropical vacation in your mouth.

With just a few simple steps, you can transform plain chocolate into a divine treat with this chocolate bark recipe. We stir dried papaya, pepitas and chile powder into this chocolate bark, which is perfect for a gift.

Tropical fruits combine with coconut milk in this healthy smoothie recipe that's like a vacation in a glass.

Beat the winter blues with a taste of the tropics; this papaya smoothie has an added buttermilk tang.

Ladyfinger cookies are piled into individual trifle dishes, then topped with orange liqueur, berries, papaya cubes, and a creamy, sweet dessert topping. A sprinkle of fresh mint adds the final touch.

Papaya is one of the most common fruits grown in Puerto Rico. Here, the unripe fruit is candied, transforming it into a dessert that is often served with queso de país, a soft white farmer's cheese. The slices are traditionally prepared over an open fire, but we've translated the recipe for an indoor kitchen. Soaking the papaya in a baking soda solution prevents it from falling apart when cooked. The leftover spiced syrup is delicious added to cocktails or drizzled over ice cream. Read more about this recipe.

Tinola, a comforting chicken soup seasoned with plenty of ginger and garlic, has countless variations throughout the Philippines. The soup calls for malunggay leaves (aka moringa), which can be found fresh or frozen at Asian markets. Bok choy is a good substitute. Feel free to increase the amounts of garlic and fish sauce for an even more flavorful soup. Serve this easy and healthy chicken soup on its own or with jasmine rice, quinoa or wild rice.