The 5-Minute Southern Tomato Salad I Can’t Stop Making

For a tomato salad unlike any other, make my 5-minute Southern tomato salad recipe. You just need a few ingredients, including some surprising item that makes this dish special.

Jul 23, 2024 - 16:00
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The 5-Minute Southern Tomato Salad I Can’t Stop Making
tomato crackers salad on a platter
Simply Recipes / Stephanie Ganz

I was in my 30s the first time I ever heard of something called “cracker salad.” Despite living in the South for most of my life, the Southern classic had slipped by me unnoticed, like a quiet neighbor you only connect with after years of living on the same block. 

Now that we’re acquainted, cracker salad has become a trusted friend. It’s one of my favorite ways to enjoy ripe summer tomatoes, with a creamy mayo-based dressing and a nice crunch from salty crumbled crackers.

What Is Cracker Salad?

According to writer Jed Portman, cracker salad is a Georgia specialty (Maybe that explains it—I’m from Virginia) that’s made of just a few ingredients and best served immediately. It includes peak-season tomatoes, crumbled crackers, mayonnaise, salt and pepper—all the flavors of an eat-it-over-the-sink tomato and mayonnaise sandwich in one crunchy little salad.

It Couldn’t Be Easier

I make mine with Saltines, but Ritz would be a nice, buttery upgrade. I would, however, avoid flatbread-style crackers or water crackers. They’re not going to give you the crumbly texture that defines this particular dish. 

Start with one sleeve of Saltines and add about 1 pound of tomatoes (two or three big tomatoes and maybe a few cherry tomatoes for flavor and textural contrast). Make a simple mayonnaise-based dressing by mixing mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, plus salt and pepper to taste. 

If you want a little sharpness, add some thinly sliced red onion or scallions. Fold it all together and serve immediately so the crackers retain a bit of crunch.

tomato cracker salad in a bowl
Simply Recipes / Stephanie Ganz

How To Make My Cracker Salad

For four servings, you’ll need:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise (I use Duke’s)
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 pound tomatoes, stemmed and roughly chopped
  • 1 sleeve saltine crackers
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, optional

Combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper in a small mixing bowl. Add the chopped tomatoes and red onion (if using). Crumble the saltine crackers on top. Gently fold the dressing into the mixture, and serve immediately.

Tips for Making Cracker Salad

Cracker salad is an easy, versatile recipe that’s perfect for summertime snacking. Here are a few suggestions to make it even better.

  • Use the best tomatoes you can find. To keep things interesting, try two or three different kinds of tomatoes.
  • Give the crackers a fire cracker upgrade before making the salad, baking them with a mixture of oil and spices to add depth of flavor and crispy texture.
  • Add fresh herbs at the last minute. Chives and basil are my favorites, but dill and parsley would be great too.
  • Add more summer vegetables, like cucumber, bell pepper, or corn for a fun twist on the original.
  • Serve with extra crackers (not crumbled) for scooping.
  • Cracker salad doesn’t keep well. Go ahead and eat it up!
tomato crackers salad on a platter (some already served)
Simply Recipes / Stephanie Ganz