Description: A delightfully simple and classic Southern “salad” that brings together the fresh flavors of summer tomatoes, the satisfying crunch of saltine crackers, and the zesty bite of green onions, all enveloped in a creamy mayonnaise dressing. This isn’t your typical leafy green salad; instead, it’s a nostalgic and comforting dish that’s perfect as an appetizer, a light lunch, or a savory snack. Think of it as a deconstructed tomato sandwich, brimming with flavor and texture.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized tomatoes, preferably vine-ripened for maximum flavor and juiciness
- 1 sleeve (approximately 40 crackers) of saltine crackers, coarsely broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small bunch of green onions, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup sliced)
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup of real mayonnaise (adjust to your preferred level of creaminess)
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste (be generous with the pepper!)
- Optional additions: Sliced pickled jalapeños for a touch of heat, and a hard-boiled egg, diced, for added protein and richness
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes. Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and gently pat them dry. Depending on your preference, you can either dice the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces or slice them. If your tomatoes have a lot of seeds, you can remove some of them to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
Step 2: Slice the Green Onions. Wash the green onions and trim off the roots. Thinly slice the green onions, including both the white and green parts. The green onions add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the salad.
Step 3: Break the Crackers. Open the sleeve of saltine crackers and coarsely break them into bite-sized pieces. You don’t want them to be too small, as they will soften slightly as they sit in the dressing.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, gently combine the diced or sliced tomatoes and the mayonnaise. Stir very gently until the tomatoes are evenly coated with the mayonnaise. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the tomatoes to become mushy.
Step 5: Season and Add Other Ingredients. Season the tomato and mayonnaise mixture with salt and plenty of freshly cracked black pepper. Remember, the crackers are already salted, so start with a small amount of salt and add more to taste. Stir in the broken saltine crackers and sliced green onions. If you’re using them, add the sliced pickled jalapeños and diced hard-boiled egg at this stage. Again, stir gently until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Tomato Cracker Salad is more than just a simple recipe; it’s a taste of Southern comfort food that’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. You’ll love it for so many reasons:
- Nostalgia: It evokes memories of childhood picnics and family gatherings, bringing back a sense of warmth and familiarity.
- Simplicity: With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, it’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or last-minute get-togethers.
- Freshness: The combination of juicy, ripe tomatoes and zesty green onions creates a burst of fresh flavor that’s perfect for summer.
- Texture: The contrast between the soft tomatoes, crunchy crackers, and creamy mayonnaise is a delight to the senses.
- Versatility: It can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or a light lunch, and can be easily customized to your liking with additional ingredients like jalapeños, hard-boiled eggs, or even a sprinkle of cheese.
- Easy to Adapt: Make it vegan by using vegan mayonnaise and ensure your crackers are vegan-friendly.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve immediately: Tomato Cracker Salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the crackers will soften over time.
- As an Appetizer: Serve it in a bowl or on a platter with crackers or toasted bread for dipping.
- As a Side Dish: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or burgers for a light and refreshing complement.
- As a Light Lunch: Serve it on lettuce leaves as wraps, or with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad.
- Top it on toasted baguette slices for a quick and easy bruschetta.
- Pair it with a chilled glass of sweet tea or lemonade for the ultimate Southern experience.
Tips:
- Use the freshest tomatoes possible: The quality of the tomatoes will greatly impact the flavor of the salad.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing will cause the tomatoes to become mushy and the crackers to break down too much.
- Taste and adjust: Adjust the amount of mayonnaise, salt, and pepper to your liking.
- Add a touch of sweetness: If your tomatoes are not very sweet, you can add a pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey to the salad.
- Make it ahead of time: If you need to make the salad ahead of time, wait to add the crackers until just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Add more flavor: Consider adding a dash of hot sauce, a sprinkle of garlic powder, or a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor.
- For extra crunch, try using Ritz crackers instead of saltines.
- If you don’t have green onions, you can substitute with finely chopped red onion or chives.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
Total Time: 10 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 250-350 calories per serving
- Protein: Approximately 5-7 grams per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 500-700 mg per serving
Conclusion:
Tomato Cracker Salad is a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its fresh flavors, creamy texture, and crunchy crackers make it a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to be a hit. Whether you’re looking for a quick appetizer, a light lunch, or a taste of Southern comfort food, this recipe is a winner. So gather your ingredients, grab a bowl, and get ready to enjoy this classic “salad”!
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the tomato and mayonnaise mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to add the crackers just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Q2: Can I use a different type of cracker?
A: Absolutely! While saltine crackers are the traditional choice, you can experiment with other types of crackers, such as Ritz crackers, club crackers, or even gluten-free crackers. Keep in mind that different crackers will have different flavors and textures, so adjust the recipe accordingly.
Q3: I don’t like mayonnaise. Can I use something else?
A: If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you can try using a mixture of sour cream and plain Greek yogurt for a lighter and tangier dressing. You could also use a vinaigrette dressing, but it will give the salad a different flavor profile.
Q4: Can I add cheese to this salad?
A: Yes, you can definitely add cheese to this salad! Crumbled feta cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, or grated Parmesan cheese would all be delicious additions.
Q5: How long will the Tomato Cracker Salad last in the refrigerator?
A: The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that the crackers will soften over time, so the texture will be different the next day.
