A Southern Classic Bursting with Freshness and Crunch
If you’ve never heard of Tomato Cracker Salad, get ready to fall in love with one of the South’s most humble yet flavorful dishes. This easy and comforting recipe is a celebration of simplicity, relying on the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes, the salty crunch of crackers, and the creamy richness of mayonnaise to create something truly special. Think of it as a deconstructed tomato sandwich—with fewer steps and more flavor in every bite. The saltine crackers bring that perfect buttery crunch, absorbing just enough of the juicy tomato and creamy mayo mixture without becoming soggy. Green onions add a sharp bite that balances the richness, and a generous dash of black pepper brings it all together. Optional add-ins like sliced pickled jalapeños or chopped hard-boiled egg can give it an extra Southern flair. This dish is beloved across the Southern United States, especially in summertime when tomatoes are at their peak. It’s a go-to appetizer, snack, or even a light lunch. Best of all? It comes together in minutes with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. So grab your garden tomatoes, break out the saltines, and treat yourself to a spoonful of down-home Southern comfort.
Ingredients
- 4 medium fresh tomatoes, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 sleeve saltine crackers, broken coarsely by hand (not crushed)
- 1 small bunch green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts)
- ½ to ¾ cup real mayonnaise, preferably full-fat for the creamiest texture
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Optional additions: sliced pickled jalapeños for a tangy kick, or chopped hard-boiled egg for extra richness
Preparation
1. Prep the vegetables
Wash and chop the tomatoes into bite-sized chunks. Slice the green onions thinly, using both the white and green parts. If you’re using optional ingredients like pickled jalapeños or hard-boiled egg, go ahead and slice or chop them as well.
2. Mix the tomatoes and mayo
In a medium mixing bowl, gently stir together the chopped tomatoes and mayonnaise. Start with ½ cup of mayo and add more if needed to coat the tomatoes thoroughly. The goal is a creamy base that doesn’t overwhelm the tomatoes’ natural flavor. Add salt and a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper.
3. Add the crackers and onions
Right before serving, fold in the broken saltine crackers and sliced green onions. Be gentle—this salad is meant to be rustic and chunky. The crackers will soften slightly while still providing a satisfying crunch. If adding jalapeños or egg, fold them in at this stage as well.
4. Serve immediately
Tomato Cracker Salad is best served fresh. Letting it sit too long will make the crackers too soft, so it’s best to prepare and serve it on the spot. For a fun twist, serve it scooped into crisp lettuce leaves or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
This Tomato Cracker Salad is a delightful way to enjoy the best of summer’s harvest with minimal fuss. It’s nostalgic, refreshing, and full of character—just like any good Southern recipe should be.
Would you add your own twist to this recipe? Maybe a dash of hot sauce or a handful of crumbled bacon?
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