🍅 Quick and Easy Tomato Cracker Salad
📖 Description
Southern simplicity at its best! This nostalgic salad blends the juicy sweetness of ripe tomatoes with the buttery crunch of crackers and the rich creaminess of mayo. It’s quick to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and the ultimate side dish for summer cookouts, potlucks, or any comfort food craving.
🍽️ Servings
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
No cooking required!
🛒 Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 3 large ripe tomatoes, diced
- 20 buttery round crackers (like Ritz), crushed by hand
- ½ cup mayonnaise (Duke’s or your favorite brand)
- Salt & freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins (for extra flavor):
- ¼ cup finely diced onion
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese
🧑🍳 Instructions
- Dice Tomatoes:
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. Dice them into bite-sized pieces. Drain any excess liquid to prevent sogginess.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the diced tomatoes with mayo until coated.
- Add Crackers:
- Add the crushed crackers and gently mix until just combined. Do not overmix to preserve some crunch.
- Season & Serve:
- Season with salt and plenty of cracked black pepper. Add any optional ingredients if using. Serve immediately.
💡 Notes & Tips
- Serve Immediately: The crackers soften quickly. For the best texture, mix just before serving.
- Drain Tomatoes: If your tomatoes are extra juicy, give them a quick drain to keep the salad from getting too watery.
- Make It Your Own: Add chopped fresh herbs (like basil or chives), a splash of hot sauce, or a bit of crumbled bacon for a creative twist.
🥗 Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240 kcal |
| Carbs | 15 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 380 mg |
Note: Adding cheese or onions may slightly change nutritional values.✅ Health Benefits
- Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants like lycopene, vitamin C, and potassium.
- Simple Ingredients: Minimal processing and additives.
- Customizable: Can be adapted to suit dietary needs (e.g., low-fat mayo, gluten-free crackers).
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: It’s best made fresh, but you can prep the tomatoes and mayo mix ahead. Add the crackers just before serving.
Q: What kind of crackers work best?
A: Buttery round crackers like Ritz are traditional, but saltines or club crackers also work.
Q: Can I make it healthier?
A: Use light mayo or Greek yogurt, and opt for whole grain or low-sodium crackers.
Q: Is this dish served warm or cold?
A: It’s typically served cold or at room temperature—perfect for hot weather!
Q: Can I add protein?
A: Yes! Add diced cooked chicken, tuna, or crumbled bacon for a more filling dish.