Peanut-Crusted Cassava Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant salad featuring crispy cassava with a nutty peanut dressing, reflecting Tanzania's diverse agricultural bounty. This east african-inspired salads ready in about 35 minutes pairs julienned cassava, tablespoons peanut butter, tablespoons lime juice into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 East African cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 2 cups julienned cassava with 1 teaspoon sesame oil in a bowl. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15 minutes until edges are golden and crisp, flipping halfway through.
  2. Step 2: Whisk together 3 tablespoons peanut butter, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil in a small bowl until smooth and emulsified.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the baked cassava, 1/2 cup grated carrot, 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper, and 2 tablespoons shredded coconut. Pour the peanut dressing over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Peanut-Crusted Cassava Salad take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Peanut-Crusted Cassava Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep julienned cassava from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Peanut-Crusted Cassava Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Peanut-Crusted Cassava Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Peanut-Crusted Cassava Salad?

East African salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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