Health Hotline Magazine | June 2026

This Bacon Cheeseburger Salad delivers everything you crave in a classic burger—minus the bun. Juicy, savory flavors shine with sautéed onions, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese, all tossed over fresh greens and finished with a tangy Dijon mustard vinaigrette. It’s hearty, tastes indulgent, and is unbelievably satisfying. Cheeseburger Salad BACON

INSTRUCTIONS 1. In a large skillet over medium heat, place the bacon strips side-by-side, ensuring they are not overlapping. Cook, turning as needed, until nicely browned. Once done, use tongs to lift the bacon from the skillet, allowing the excess fat to drip off, transfer to a plate and let cool completely. Once cool, crumble or cut the bacon into bits for topping the salad. 2. While the bacon cooks, make the dressing by adding all ingredients to a jar with a tight-fitting lid, shake to combine and set aside. 3. Once the bacon is done, carefully transfer the grease from the skillet to a ramekin or small bowl (discard when cool) and lightly wipe the skillet with paper towel. Add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Add the ketchup and mustard and stir until combined. Transfer the beef to a bowl and set aside. 4. In the same skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil (unless there is enough fat from the beef, then you can use that). Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, 5 to 6 minutes. Return the beef to the skillet to warm it up, and toss to combine the beef with the onions. Sprinkle half of the cheese on top of the mixture, cover, and let the cheese melt. 5. Time to assemble the salad! Add the greens to a large bowl. Top with the ground beef mixture, then sprinkle the remaining cheese and the tomatoes over the top. Drizzle with the dressing, top with the bacon bits, toss and serve. Note: This recipe can be made on the grill, just use a cast iron skillet on top of a hot grill to cook the bacon, ground beef, and onions.

Serves: 4 | Prep time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 25 minutes | Total time: 40 minutes

INGREDIENTS • 4 slices Natural Grocers ® Brand Hickory-Smoked Uncured Bacon • 1 pound ground 100% grassfed beef • ½ teaspoon each Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Real Salt and Organic Ground Black Pepper • 2 tablespoons Natural Grocers Brand Organic Ketchup • 1 tablespoon Natural Grocers Brand Organic Dijon Mustard • 1 tablespoon Natural Grocers Brand Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil • ½ white or yellow organic onion, thinly sliced • 1 (5-ounce) container organic mixed salad greens • ½ cup Natural Grocers Brand Organic Sharp Cheddar Cheese Shreds • 1 cup organic grape or cherry tomatoes, cut in half or chopped • ⅓ cup Natural Grocers Brand Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil • 3 tablespoons Natural Grocers Brand Organic Apple Cider Vinegar • 1 tablespoon Natural Grocers Brand Organic Dijon Mustard • 1 teaspoon Natural Grocers Brand Organic Grade A Dark Maple Syrup • 1 medium organic garlic clove, minced • ½ teaspoon each Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Real Salt and Organic Ground Pepper For the dressing:

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