Health Hotline Magazine | June 2025

This hearty salad is the perfect blend of crunchy broccoli, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese, all tossed in a rich, tangy dressing. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s a crowd-pleasing side dish that’s ideal for potlucks, barbecues, or even weeknight dinners. Salad Broccoli, Bacon & Cheddar

Serves: 8 | Prep time: 25 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes

INGREDIENTS • pieces Natural Grocers ® Brand Hickory-Smoked Uncured Bacon • ¾ cup avocado oil-based mayonnaise • tablespoons organic red wine vinegar • Natural Grocers Brand Bulk: tablespoon Organic Coconut Sugar teaspoon Real Salt teaspoon Organic Ground Black Pepper • large bunch ( ½ - ¾ pounds) organic broccoli • cup shredded Natural Grocers Brand Organic Sharp Cheddar Cheese • ½ small organic red onion, finely diced • small organic red pepper, seeded and diced

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Place the bacon strips in a large skillet over medium heat, ensuring they are not overlapping for even cooking, and cook, turning as needed, until lightly browned and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and let cool completely. When cool, chop into bite-sized pieces. 2. Make the dressing: Add the mayo, vinegar, coconut sugar, salt, and pepper to a large salad bowl and whisk until well combined. Set aside. 3. Blanch the broccoli: Place a pot of water over high heat and bring to a boil. Remove any leaves from the broccoli stem and trim the tough ends o . Cut the head into bite-sized florets and set aside; peel the stems and chop into bite-sized pieces. Once the water is boiling, add the broccoli stems to the pot. Set a timer for 30 seconds. When the timer goes o , add the broccoli florets and set the timer for 1 minute. After 1 minute, drain the broccoli and rinse under cold water. Allow the broccoli to cool completely. Once cool, transfer to the salad bowl. 4. Add the onion and the red pepper to the salad bowl and gently toss until all the ingredients are well coated in the dressing. 5. Add the bacon and shredded cheese to the salad bowl and toss the ingredients again until well combined. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. You may need to toss the salad a couple times to evenly redistribute the dressing just before serving.

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