I was thirty years old the first time I heard of something called “cracker salad.” Although I had lived in the South for most of my life, this Southern classic had passed me by unnoticed, like a quiet neighbor with whom you only feel close after years of living in the same neighborhood.
Now that we've met, cracker salad has become a trusted friend. It's one of my favorite ways to enjoy ripe summer tomatoes, with a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing and a nice crunch from crumbled saltine crackers.
What is cracker salad?
According to writer Jed Portman, cracker salad is a Georgian specialty (which may explain why, I'm from Virginia) made with just a few ingredients and best served immediately. It includes seasonal tomatoes, crumbled crackers, mayonnaise, salt and pepper: all the flavors of a tomato and mayonnaise sandwich, enjoyed over the sink in a crunchy little salad.
It couldn't be simpler
I make mine with saltine crackers, but Ritz crackers would be a nice buttery version. I would avoid flatbread or water crackers, though. They won't give you the crumbly texture that defines this particular dish.
Start with a packet of Saltines and add about 500g of tomatoes (two or three large tomatoes and maybe a few cherry tomatoes for flavour and texture contrast). Make a simple mayonnaise-based dressing by mixing mayonnaise with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
If you want a touch of spice, add finely chopped red onion or green onions. Mix everything together and serve immediately so the crackers retain a little crunch.
Simple Recipes / Stephanie Ganz
How to prepare my cracker salad
For four servings, you will 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 coarsely chopped
- 1 packet of salty crackers
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, optional
Mix mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt and black pepper in a small bowl. Add chopped tomatoes and red onion (if using). Crumble saltine crackers on top. Gently stir dressing into mixture and serve immediately.
Tips for Making Cracker Salad
Cracker salad is an easy and versatile recipe that’s perfect for summer snacking. Here are some suggestions for making it even better.
- Use the best tomatoes you can find. To make it more interesting, try two or three different varieties of tomatoes.
- Give crackers a spicy kick before you make the salad, cooking them with a blend of oil and spices to add depth of flavor and a crunchy texture.
- Add fresh herbs at the last minute. Chives and basil are my favorites, but dill and parsley would also work.
- Add more summer vegetables, like cucumber, peppers or corn for a fun twist on the original.
- Serve with extra crackers (not crumbled) for serving.
- Cracker salad doesn't keep well. Go ahead, eat it!
Simple Recipes / Stephanie Ganz
