My aunt brings this to every gathering and leaves with an empty bowl. The creamy crunch is addictive.

For picky eaters, you can chop the broccoli even smaller so it feels more like a crunchy scoopable salad and less like big chunks of raw veggies. If your family likes a tangier dressing, whisk in 1–2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to the mayonnaise and sweetener. For extra flavor without adding carbs, sprinkle in a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or a little black pepper. If you don’t use sweeteners like erythritol, you can swap in another low carb option such as monk fruit or a stevia blend; just adjust the amount to taste since sweetness levels vary. To make it a bit heartier, stir in some diced cooked chicken or ham for a one-bowl lunch. If you need it to be dairy-free, skip the cheese and add a little extra bacon and a handful of sliced almonds or sunflower seeds for crunch. This salad also travels well: pack it in a flat, wide container so the creamy broccoli, cheddar, and bacon stay in an even layer, and keep it chilled in a cooler until serving time so that addictive creamy crunch is at its best.