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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Chop ripe tomatoes into bite-sized chunks, finely slice green onions, and roughly tear fresh basil leaves.
- Create a creamy dressing by whisking mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Gently fold the prepared dressing into the chopped vegetable mixture, ensuring even coating of all ingredients.
- Crush saltine crackers into rustic pieces, keeping them relatively large to maintain textural integrity.
- Immediately before serving, delicately integrate the crushed crackers into the salad, stirring minimally to preserve their crisp texture.
- Plate the salad promptly to prevent crackers from becoming soggy, and garnish with additional torn basil leaves if desired.
- 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