Have you ever heard of Cracker Salad? If you’re a fan of a tomato sandwich, then you’re going to absolutely love this recipe! It tastes like a tomato sandwich that you can eat with a spoon. Y’all have to try this one!

Cracker Salad

Don’t let the name fool you, it’s definitely not a traditional salad by any means!

There is not one bit of lettuce in it, but there is tomato, mayonnaise, saltine crackers, and a couple other things that add to the flavor.

It’s nothing fancy at all. It’s totally simple and easy, but it’s beyond delicious.

In fact, I actually prefer Cracker Salad to a tomato sandwich, both in texture and in flavor.

This is a recipe that you’ll want to make right before serving. Part of what makes this so delicious is the texture of the saltine crackers.

If you make this ahead of time, you’ll have a soggy cracker salad and no one wants to eat that! So, make it fresh and serve it right when you make it.

It makes a delicious, quick and easy lunch or dinner!

Other Names for Cracker Salad

Cracker salad is a quirky dish that’s loved by folks in the south. It goes by a few different names, depending on the region or who’s making it.

You may hear it called:

Southern Cracker Salad
Tomato Cracker Salad
Saltine Cracker Salad
Southern Tomato Cracker Salad
Georgia Cracker Salad
Old-Fashioned Cracker Salad
Mayo Cracker Salad
Savannah Cracker Salad
Vintage Cracker Salad
Classic Southern Saltine Salad

Why You’ll Love Cracker Salad

Tastes Like a Classic Southern Tomato Sandwich: If you’re a fan of tomato sandwiches, this is the next best thing!
A Taste of Tradition: This southern classic has been around a long time, especially in Southeast Georgia, where it’s sometimes called Georgia Cracker Salad. If you’ve never tried it, you’re in for a treat!
Simple Ingredients: This simple southern dish comes together with just a few ingredients, but the flavors are incredible.
Quick and Easy to Make: No difficult steps or long prep time. It’s a simple recipe that’s perfect for when you need a last-minute dish.

Ingredients for Cracker Salad

Large Tomatoes: Use garden fresh tomatoes or ripe summer tomatoes for the best flavor. If you can find heirloom tomatoes, they make a beautiful and tasty upgrade.
Mayonnaise: This is what brings everything together into a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing. If you’re a true Southerner, you know Duke’s Mayonnaise is the only way to go!
Shallot: Gives the salad a little sharpness without being overpowering.
Saltine Crackers: Salty crumbled crackers add a nice crunch and classic texture.
Green Onions or Chives: These add a fresh, mild onion flavor to balance the creamy mayo-based dressing.
Salt and Black Pepper: A little salt and a good dash of black pepper bring out all the flavors in this southern classic.

How to Make Cracker Salad

Prepare the Tomatoes: Start by removing the stem end of the large tomatoes. Slice them in half crosswise, then hold them over the sink or a medium bowl and give them a gentle squeeze to release some of the seeds and juice.

Salt Tomatoes and Set Aside: Dice tomatoes, then sprinkle with a little salt and set aside.

Mix the Mayonnaise Base: In a small mixing bowl, combine minced shallot, black pepper, half of the chives, and Duke’s mayonnaise. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, but save a few pieces for garnish.

Crumble the Crackers: Take a sleeve of saltines and crush them into pieces. If you like more bit of crunch, add another half sleeve for an extra crumbly texture.

Combine Everything: Gently fold the saltine crackers into the mayonnaise mixture until everything is coated. Be careful not to overmix. You want some nice crunch left in the salad! Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Recipe Tips

Use the Best Tomatoes: This great dish is all about the tomatoes, so make sure you use peak-season tomatoes for the best flavor.
Drain the Tomatoes Well: After you dice tomatoes, use a paper towel to pat them dry or let them sit in a colander for a few minutes. This keeps your crunchy little salad from getting too watery.
Add a Little Extra Flavor: If you like a stronger bite, toss in some thinly sliced red onion. It gives the salad a bit of sharpness without overpowering the fresh tomato taste.
Don’t Mix Too Soon: This salad is best served fresh, so don’t mix in the crackers until right before serving. That way, they keep their nice crunch and don’t get mushy.

More Easy Side Dishes

Ways to Serve Cracker Salad

Garnish with chopped tomatoes and chives on top. Serve immediately. No one wants a soggy cracker salad!

How to Store Leftovers

This simple southern dish doesn’t keep well the next day, so you’ll need to enjoy it fresh.

Cracker Salad

Ingredients

2-3 Large tomatoes
1 Cup Mayonnaise
1/2 Shallot Minced
1 sleeve saltine crackers sometimes I use 1.5 sleeves of crackers
1-2 Tbsp chives Chopped
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Remove the stem end of the tomatoes, and then halve the tomatoes crosswise. Over a bowl or the sink, give the tomatoes a squeeze so that they release some of their seeds and juice. It’s not necessary to remove all the seeds, but eliminating some of the liquid improves the texture of the salad. Dice tomatoes, sprinkle with salt, and set aside.
Combine minced shallot, half of the chives, chopped tomatoes (save a few for garnish), pepper, and mayonnaise, and stir to combine.
Crumble Saltine crackers, leaving some pieces a little bigger for texture. Start with 1 sleeve of crushed crackers (salted) and add an additional 1/2 sleeve if you feel you want more crunch. Add crackers to the mayonnaise mixture, and fold to gently combine. Taste for seasoning, and adjust as necessary. Garnish with reserved tomatoes and chives, and serve immediately.

Notes

Adapted from Dukes Mayo’s recipe

4 Comments

Debbie McCool says:

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This is delicious!!! I knew when I saw tomato and mayonnaise it would be a hit. My family loves tomato sandwiches and anytime you combine tomatoes with mayo it is the best flavor. My husband and I agreed this would be a regular side for us. In fact, my husband said next time put some bacon in it! My daughter loved it and wanted the recipe. Even though I know fresh tomatoes are the best to use, I think when I don’ have those this would be good with a drained can of petite diced tomatoes. Thank you so much for sharing!!!

Ilene says:

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I use to make cracker salad years ago but I forgot how glad to see this recipe

Cindy Okida says:

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Just now made it – hubby and I both agree this is wonderful

Classic Southern Cracker Salad Recipe (Totally Addictive)