For many people, som tam conjures up images of shredded green papaya. But the Thai-style of salad—a combination of sour (som) and pounded ingredients (tam)—can be applied to a wide array of produce. Here, planks of fresh sweet watermelon get the som tam treatment, dressed in lime juice, serrano chile, fish sauce, and peanuts. The resulting salad packs a serious punch: It’s hot, sweet, spicy, salty, and savory, with a buzzing intensity that lingers long after your first bite. You can bulk it out with some poached shrimp or cold cooked chicken, or enjoy it by itself as a refreshing summer side.
Find more fresh watermelon recipes and our seasonal roundup of Farmers Market Challenge recipes this way.
