Broccoli and Tamari Almond Salad

An easy, delicious side dish for family cookouts and barbeques, this delightfully crunchy salad abounds in nutrients that support oral, heart and brain health. The salad is tasty right after it’s made, but the flavor improves if you let it marinate for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. Add the almond-pepita topping just before serving.

Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C and calcium, both of which help reduce your risk for developing periodontal (gum) disease. A recent study of nearly 1,000 older adults reported that eating at least one serving of dark green vegetables a day (such as broccoli) may reduce age-related cognitive decline. Almonds are very high in magnesium, an essential mineral involved in more than 300 bodily functions, including blood sugar and blood pressure control.