Tomato Cracker Salad

This flavorful Tomato Cracker Salad might be the best-kept secret in the world of salads. Made with ripe plum tomatoes, green onions, and hard-boiled eggs, it’s topped with a sprinkle of cheddar cheese and tossed in a seasoned mayonnaise dressing. Just before serving, it’s mixed with crushed Saltine crackers for the perfect crunch. A guaranteed conversation starter on any salad menu.

Ingredients to Make Tomato Cracker Salad Recipe

Cracker salad has been a staple side dish in the South for generations. While its exact origins are unclear, it likely began as a creative way to turn a few humble ingredients into something memorable—perhaps even as a way to showcase the flavor of vine-ripened summer tomatoes. We’re big fans of simple tomato cucumber salads and plum tomato tarts, so it’s no surprise this dish found a place at our table. I first tried it as a girl and liked it, but after a few tweaks, I’ve grown to absolutely love it. If you like a tomato sandwich, you’ll love it, too! Ingredients you’ll need to make Southern Cracker Salad Recipe: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

• Crackers – One sleeve Saltine crackers for crunch.
• Tomatoes – Fresh tomatoes add acidity and a tomato flavor.
• Green Onions – Green onions add color and a hint of onion to the taste.
• Whole Eggs – Hard boiled eggs add protein.
• Cheese – Shredded cheddar cheese, freshly shredded preferred.
• Mayonnaise – Mayonnaise forms the base of the creamy dressing plus it adds moisture.
• Seasonings – Salt, black pepper, granulated garlic or garlic powder and onion powder.
• Hot Sauce – A few dashes hot sauce adds a hint of spice.

How to Make the BEST Tomato Cracker Salad Recipe

• Make the Dressing – Whisk together mayonnaise, salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder and hot sauce to taste until fully combined.
• Prep the Mix-ins – To the bowl add tomatoes, green onion, cheese and egg. Mix well with a large spatula or spoon.
• Refrigerate – Chill for 2-4 hours.
• Add Saltines – Just before serving, crumble saltine crackers and stir into the mayonnaise mixture.
• Serve immediately garnished with diced tomato and green onion.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Medium bowl and large rubber spatula for mixing everything together.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Whisk for combining the mayonnaise and seasonings.
• Cheese grater or food processor to for freshly shredded cheese.
• Medium pot or saucepan to boil the eggs.
• Sharp knife and chopping board to prep the ingredients.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Cheese: Cheese isn’t typically an ingredient found in cracker salad, but it’s a mainstay in mine. I wouldn’t leave it out for any reason. Unless, you’re allergic, of course. You could use colby jack cheese, medium cheddar cheese, monterey jack cheese or pepper jack cheese.
• Tomatoes: I prefer to use plum tomatoes for this salad, but you could use heirloom tomatoes, cherry tomatoes or a vine ripened tomato variety of your choice.
• Onion: You could use a sweet Vidalia onion, red onion or even shallots in place of green onions.
• Fresh Herbs: You could add fresh chives or parsley to expand the flavor profile.
• Mayo: You can use your favorite brand of mayonnaise, I used Duke’s.
• Cracker Options: While cracker salad is most often made with Saltines, you can use club crackers or Ritz crackers, if preferred.
• Important Note: The most important thing to remember about making cracker salad is, the crushed crackers must be the very last thing added just before serving. Otherwise, they will become mushy.
• Roughly Crush the Crackers: Make an effort to roughly crush the crackers and avoid grinding them into crumbs for the best texture.

Storage and Leftovers

• Make-Ahead Tip: To prepare in advance, whisk together the mayonnaise dressing and toss with the tomatoes, onion, cheese and chopped egg, then chill in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Toss with crushed Saltine crackers, just before serving.
• Chill the Crackers: While it may seem unconventional, I often set the sleeve of Saltine crackers into the fridge to chill alongside the mayonnaise mixture. This isn’t imperative so it you forget, no worries either way, will work.
• Leftovers: Store leftover Tomato Cracker Salad in an airtight container chilled in the fridge for up to 2 days. The crackers will soften once chilled.
• Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing cracker salad as the ingredients will break down when thawed.

Dishes to Serve with Cracker Salad

This salad is a stellar choice to serve with any of your favorite grilling or roasted entrees. A few of our favorites:

• Grilled Spice Rubbed Pork Tenderloin roasted to tender perfection.
• Juicy Baked Chicken Breasts come together in minutes in the oven.
• Buttery Baked Shrimp.
• BBQ Meatloaf Sliders for game day and quick meals.
• Chili Rubbed Skirt Steak melts in your mouth.
• Crockpot Chili with beef and beans.
• Oven Fried Chicken Tenders are coated with a panko and Parmesan breading.
• You may also enjoy this recipe for Tomato Relish from My Recipes.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Mixing Bowls
• Knife and Chopping Board
• Measuring Set
• Colander