Slightly sweet and definitely spicy, Garam Masala is a luscious and warming ingredient for almost any dish we prepare at this chilly time of the year. Made from a combo of interesting spices, you can find this once obscure spice blend  in almost any grocery store now. If you are a reader of our blog, you know that Cardamom, Cinnamon, Cloves, Bay Leaves and Black Pepper are full of nutrition – and they are just a few of the ingredients contained in the many recipes for Garam Masala.

This dish combines veggies of the season like sweet potatoes, carrots and oranges with it to create not only a power-packed nutrition combo, but a powerful delicious salad, too!

Sweet Potato and Red Grape Salad

1/4 Cup Low-Fat Mayonnaise

1/4 Cup Nonfat Plain Yogurt

2 TB Orange Juice

2 TB Orange Zest

1/2 Tsp Garam Masala

1 Cup Grated Carrot

1/2 Cup Chopped Celery

6 Cups Chopped Roasted Sweet Potatoes***

1 Cup Red Seedless Grapes, Halved

1/3 Cup Chopped Dates

1/4 Cup Chopped Toasted Walnuts

Step One

Mix mayonnaise, yogurt, orange juice, orange zest and Garam Masala in a small bowl to blend. (You can prepare this dressing up to a day ahead of time)

Step Two In a bowl toss the grated carrot, diced celery, sweet potatoes, halved grapes and chopped dates. Add dressing to salad and toss. Sprinkle salad with walnuts and serve.

** To Roast the sweet potatoes, spread the chopped potatoes on a baking sheet, toss with 2 TB olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper and 1Tsp garam masala. Roast in a 400F oven for about 30 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are browned.