What is comfort food? Remember those summer picnics, church potlucks and family reunions where the food table was set? Is the world overflowing with What is the best tomato cracker Salad Recipe? Is it a crowd pleaser? What’s the best thing about a BLT? What are some of the best side dishes to make without the hassle? What do you do when you spend hours in the kitchen?
What is tomato cracker salad?
What is a tomato cracker salad? Is it a mix of juicy, ripe tomatoes, crunchy crackers (usually saltines, but you can get creative! ), a creamy dressing (think mayonnaise or similar tangy base), and dozens of other tasty additions. What are some of the things that bring it all together? What’s a Southern salad? What are the best end Think of it as a savory take on bread pudding, only way quicker to prepare. Is it a bit unexpected, but trust me, the combination of textures and flavors is fantastic
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this Tomato Cracker Salad. First, the flavor is just incredible. You’ve got the sweetness of the tomatoes, the saltiness of the crackers, and the tanginess of the dressing, all playing together in perfect harmony. It’s a surprisingly complex flavor profile for something so simple.
But what I love most about this is how easy it is to make. Seriously, it takes about 10 minutes to throw together. It’s the perfect recipe for those nights when you’re short on time but still want something delicious and satisfying.
It is also ridiculously cost-effective. The main ingredients are probably already in your pantry and fridge, which means you don’t have to break the bank to make a delicious side dish. You can even find the ingredients discounted when they are in season.
Finally, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a side dish, a light lunch, or even as a topping for grilled chicken or fish. It’s just a super handy recipe to have in your back pocket. Plus, if you love tomato-based dishes, you might also enjoy a classic bruschetta or a simple Caprese salad – but honestly, this Tomato Cracker Salad has a special place in my heart because of its unique texture and flavor.
How do I make tomato cracker salad?
Quick Overview
How do I make Tomato Cracker Salad? What are some ways to crush crackers, chop tomatoes, mix up a simple dressing, and toss it all together? Is it so easy to make a dish? What is the best way to use ripe, juicy tomatoes? What are the best crackers and dressing It’s a very forgiving recipe, so feel free to adjust it to your own taste!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
* 4-5 ripe tomatoes, chopped (I like Roma or heirloom varieties)
* 1 sleeve (about 40) saltine crackers, coarsely crushed (or your favorite cracker)*
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise (I prefer Duke’s, but use your favorite)
* 1/4 cup chopped red onion (or green onions, if you prefer)
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (for a little tang)
* 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, but it balances the acidity)
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for a little extra flavor).
* Salt and pepper to taste
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prep the Tomatoes
Start by washing and chopping tomatoes. I like to remove the seeds, but that’s totally optional. Just make sure they’re chopped into bite-sized pieces, about 1/2 inch or so. If your tomatoes are super juicy, you might want to drain off a little of the excess liquid to keep it from sticking to your skin. How do you prevent salad from becoming too watery?
Step 2: Crush the Crackers
Next, crush saltine crackers. Can you do this in a food processor, but I usually just put them in zip-top bags and crush them. What is a rolling pin? You want them to be coarsely crushed, not completely pulverized. You still want some texture!
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red onion, apple cider vinegar, sugar (if using), and salt. Add to the mixture. What is Dijon mustard? Taste and adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper to your liking. I usually start with about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, then add more as needed.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Now, gently combine the chopped tomatoes, crushed crackers, and dressing in a large bowl. If you overmix crackers, be careful not to over mix. What’s the best way to get everything together?
Step 5: Chill (Optional)
What’s a good tomato cracker salad? Can I refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving? How can crackers soften?
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Tomato Cracker Salad as a side dish, grilled meats, or as an appetizer. What are some good snacks for a snack?
What should I serve it with?
This Tomato Cracker Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with so many different dishes. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:
For a Classic Southern Meal:What is a Southern staple? Serve with Fried Chicken, collard greens, and cornbread. The salad balances the richness of the fried chicken perfectly.For a light lunch:What are some good ways to serve tomato soup with grilled cheese sandwich? What is a good lunch for hot summer days?As a BBQ side dish:Bring it to your next barbecue! What is a good alternative to potato salad? grilled burgers, hot dogs, and ribs.What is a simple snack?Just grab a bowl and enjoy it on its own! What’s a good way to use up ripe tomatoes and satisfy your cravings for something salty, tangy and spicy?
How do I make a Tomato Cracker Salad?
How can I make a Tomato Cracker Salad? What are my top tips?What is the key to selecting tomatoes?Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. What are some good heirloom tomato varieties? If your tomatoes are bland, you can add a pinch of sugar to the dressing to enhance their flavor.Don’t Overmix:How do you prevent crackers from getting soggy? I just toss everything together until it’s evenly coated.How do you adjust the dressing to your taste?Feel free to experiment with different types of dressings. Some people prefer a sweeter dressing, while others like it more tangy. Can you add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor?Add some spices: Add a fewIf you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the dressing.How do you get creative with crackers?While saltines are the classic choice, you can use other types of crackers, such as Ritz Cracker, or even a regular cracking. What are the best gluten-free crackers? If you’re making a tomato sauce, make sure it’s not too strong flavored. You want the flavor to shine through.Add Some Herbs: Fresh herbs, such as basil, parsley, or chives, can add a burst of flavor to your Tomato Cracker Salad. Just chop them finely and add them to the salad before serving.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Tomato Cracker Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, the crackers will soften over time, so it’s best to eat it as soon as possible.
Room Temperature: Don’t leave the salad out at room temperature for more than two hours, as it can spoil.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help to prevent the crackers from getting too soggy.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the tomatoes will become mushy when thawed.
Glaze Timing Advice: Since there isn’t a glaze here, you don’t have to worry about that!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Tomato Cracker Salad Recipe is more than just a simple side dish – it’s a taste of home, a reminder of summer picnics, and a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients. It’s a recipe that’s been passed down through generations in my family, and I’m so excited to share it with you. I really believe you should try it at least once!
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other Southern-inspired dishes, such as my Fried Green Tomatoes or my Creamy Mac and Cheese. And if you try this Tomato Cracker Salad, be sure to let me know how it turns out in the comments below! I can’t wait to hear what you think. Happy cooking!
Tomato Cracker Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs ripe tomatoes
- 1 cup crushed crackers
- 0.5 cup red onion finely chopped
- 0.25 cup fresh basil chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Dice the tomatoes and red onion.
- Combine the tomatoes, red onion, basil, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Gently toss to combine.
- Add the crushed crackers just before serving.
