Zesty Southern Tomato Cracker Salad Recipe: A Fresh Summer Joy

Fresh summer breezes carry the zesty tomato cracker salad memories of backyard gatherings and lazy afternoons.

Crisp crackers mingle with juicy tomatoes, creating a delightful texture explosion.

Crunchy ingredients dance together in a light, refreshing medley.

Mediterranean flavors burst through each vibrant bite, inviting spontaneous celebration.

Salt and herbs weave magic into this simple dish.

Unexpected combinations spark joy and culinary curiosity.

Whip up this quick delight and watch faces light with pure deliciousness.

Tomato Cracker Salad That’s Simple and Delicious

• Whip Up Quickly: This salad comes together in mere minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious side dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Enjoy Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: The combination of tangy mayonnaise, zesty Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs creates a mouthwatering blend that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Celebrate Texture Play: Crunchy saltine crackers add an unexpected and delightful crispy element to the creamy tomato base, giving this salad a unique twist that sets it apart from traditional recipes.
• Adapt with Ease: Versatile ingredients allow for simple substitutions or additions, making this recipe a flexible option for using up garden tomatoes or creating a last-minute side dish for any meal.

Ingredients for Tomato Cracker Salad

• Tomatoes: Ripe and juicy, providing the main flavor and moisture for the salad.
• Green Onions: Adds a sharp, fresh bite and crisp texture to the dish.
• Fresh Basil: Brings a vibrant, aromatic herb flavor that complements the tomatoes.

• Mayonnaise: Creates a rich and creamy base for the dressing.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and smooth texture to the dressing.

• Dijon Mustard, Lemon Juice, Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: These ingredients work together to create a balanced, zesty dressing with depth of flavor.

• Saltine Crackers: Provides a satisfying crunch and textural contrast to the creamy salad.

How to Prepare Tomato Cracker Salad Quickly

Step 1: Chop Fresh Garden Treasures

Grab a cutting board and slice ripe, juicy tomatoes into bite-sized chunks.

Mince the green onions into delicate rings and tear fresh basil leaves into small pieces.

Step 2: Craft Creamy Flavor Fusion

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, zesty Dijon mustard, bright lemon juice, fragrant garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and black pepper.

Blend until the mixture becomes silky and smooth.

Step 3: Marry Vegetables and Dressing

Pour the luscious dressing over the chopped vegetables.

Gently toss everything together, ensuring each tomato and onion piece gets a beautiful coating of the creamy mixture.

Step 4: Add Crispy Cracker Crunch

Right before you’re ready to serve, sprinkle in the crushed saltine crackers.

Fold them in delicately to keep their satisfying crackle and texture intact.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Dish out the salad immediately while the crackers are still wonderfully crisp.

This vibrant, refreshing side dish is perfect for summer gatherings or as a quick, delightful lunch companion.

Pro Tips for Perfect Tomato Cracker Salad

• Add crushed saltine crackers just before serving to maintain their delightful crunch and prevent them from becoming soft.
• Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, and other dressing ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy texture that coats vegetables evenly.
• Choose fresh, firm tomatoes at peak ripeness for the most vibrant flavor and juiciest texture in your salad.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or chives as alternatives to basil for a unique taste profile.
• Taste and modify salt and pepper levels gradually to ensure a perfectly balanced dressing without overwhelming the fresh tomato flavor.

Variations to Customize Tomato Cracker Salad

• Gluten-Free Herb Crunch: Replace saltine crackers with gluten-free rice crackers or almond flour crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
• Mediterranean Remix: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, add cucumber, replace basil with oregano, and use pita chips for a Mediterranean-style salad.
• Vegan Veggie Blend: Use vegan mayonnaise, substitute sour cream with cashew cream, and add nutritional yeast for a plant-based protein boost.
• Low-Carb Cracker Alternative: Replace crackers with crushed pork rinds or toasted almond slivers to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining crunch.

Serving Suggestions for Tomato Cracker Salad

• Picnic Perfect Plating: Arrange the salad in a rustic ceramic bowl, garnishing with whole basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra cracked crackers for visual appeal.
• Protein Power-Up: Top the salad with grilled chicken strips or crispy bacon bits to transform it into a more substantial meal that satisfies hunger.
• Chilled Comfort Companion: Serve alongside cold sandwiches or as a refreshing side dish during summer barbecues, complementing grilled meats and other outdoor favorites.
• Creamy Crunch Enhancer: Add a handful of toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds just before serving to introduce an extra layer of texture and nutty flavor to the salad.

Storage Tips for Tomato Cracker Salad

• Store salad without crackers separately in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Add crushed crackers just before serving to prevent sogginess.
• Before storing, use a slotted spoon to remove extra liquid from tomatoes, which helps maintain salad's texture and prevents watery consistency.
• When ready to serve leftovers, stir salad gently and add fresh crackers for crisp texture. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to reduce cold temperature's impact on flavors.
• Divide salad into individual small containers with tight lids, keeping dressing and crackers separate until serving time to preserve freshness and crunchiness.

FAQs

• What ingredients can I substitute if I don't have some on hand?

You can replace fresh basil with dried basil or parsley. If you’re out of sour cream, use Greek yogurt. For Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard works well.

• Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

It’s best to add crackers just before serving to keep them crisp. You can prepare the tomato mixture and dressing ahead of time, but store crackers separately and mix right before eating.

• Can I make this salad vegetarian or vegan?

To make it vegetarian, use vegan mayonnaise and plant-based sour cream alternatives. This will help maintain the creamy texture while keeping the recipe meat-free.

Tomato Cracker Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean tomato cracker salad blends crisp crackers with juicy tomatoes for a fresh summer dish. Herbal notes and tangy dressing create a light, refreshing experience you’ll crave all season long.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables and Fresh Herbs:

• 4 large ripe tomatoes
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Dry and Dairy Ingredients:

• 1 sleeve saltine crackers
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Chop ripe tomatoes into bite-sized chunks, finely slice green onions, and roughly tear fresh basil leaves.
2. Create a creamy dressing by whisking mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until fully incorporated and smooth.
3. Gently fold the prepared dressing into the chopped vegetable mixture, ensuring even coating of all ingredients.
4. Crush saltine crackers into rustic pieces, keeping them relatively large to maintain textural integrity.
5. Immediately before serving, delicately integrate the crushed crackers into the salad, stirring minimally to preserve their crisp texture.
6. Plate the salad promptly to prevent crackers from becoming soggy, and garnish with additional torn basil leaves if desired.
7. Serve chilled or at room temperature within 15-20 minutes of final preparation for optimal flavor and crunch.

Notes

• Boost the cracker’s texture by crushing them right before serving to maintain their satisfying crunch and prevent sogginess.
• Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version that reduces calories and adds protein.
• Select ripe, in-season tomatoes for maximum flavor and juiciness, preferably vine-ripened or heirloom varieties for rich taste.
• Make this salad gluten-free by using gluten-free crackers or replacing crackers with toasted quinoa for added nutrition and crunch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 223 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 510 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg