Tomato Cracker Salad
If you have never tried a tomato cracker salad, you are in for a real treat. This one is a Southern classic that we make every summer when tomatoes are fresh, juicy, and practically begging to be used. It is simple, it comes together in about 10 minutes, and it is the kind of dish that people always ask for the recipe. Creamy, crunchy, and packed with fresh flavor, it is the perfect side for any warm-weather gathering.
What makes this salad truly special is how the flavors come together at the last minute. The tomatoes release their juices, the mayo and basil blend into a creamy dressing, and the crackers soak up just enough flavor without losing their crunch. It is the kind of recipe that tastes like it took way more effort than it actually did, which makes it perfect for potlucks, cookouts, or any time you want to impress without the stress.
If you love easy salad recipes like this one, you have to check out some of our other favorites too. Our Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad is always a crowd pleaser, and the Deviled Egg Pasta Salad is seriously addictive. And if you want something a little lighter, our Green Pea Salad is a must-try!
Table of contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No cooking required: Just dice, mix, and serve. This salad is about as easy as it gets.
- Big, crowd-pleasing flavor: The creamy, herby, crunchy combo is seriously hard to stop eating. Everyone always wants the recipe.
- Ready in 10 minutes: From start to finish, this whole salad comes together in just 10 minutes. Perfect for last-minute gatherings.
Ingredients
We’ve made this list to help you save time on your next trip to the grocery store. You can find the full amounts needed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this salad shine. Fresh ripe tomatoes are the star of the show here, so the better the tomatoes, the better the salad. The saltine crackers add that satisfying crunch, and the toasted pecans bring in a little nuttiness that takes it to the next level. Fresh basil keeps everything bright and summery.
Variations
- Swap the crackers: Ritz crackers, Club crackers, or even oyster crackers work great here. Just fold them in right before serving.
- Change up the nuts: Walnuts or chopped almonds are a great substitute if you do not have pecans on hand.
- Add some heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce stirred into the mayo gives this salad a fun little kick.
Instructions
This is a quick overview of the steps needed to make this recipe. You can find the full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Dice the tomatoes and place them in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the mayonnaise, garlic powder, pecans, basil, a pinch of salt, and black pepper.
- Just before serving, fold in the crushed crackers. Toss gently to combine until everything is coated but not soggy.
Expert Tips
- Use ripe tomatoes. The riper and juicier your tomatoes are, the better this salad will taste. This is a great use for peak summer tomatoes.
- Add the crackers last. Wait until just before you are ready to serve to fold in the saltines so they keep some of their crunch.
- Toast your pecans. It only takes a few minutes in a dry pan and it makes such a big difference in flavor. Warm, toasty pecans take this salad to a whole new level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.
We recommend making it right before serving. The crackers will get soggy if the salad sits too long. You can mix everything else ahead of time and just fold in the crackers when you are ready to eat.
Honestly, this salad is best eaten fresh. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. Just know the crackers will be soggy the next day, but the flavor is still delicious.
Yes! Saltine crackers are the classic choice, but Ritz crackers, Club crackers, or oyster crackers all work great. Each one brings a slightly different texture and flavor, but the salad will still be delicious. Just be sure to fold them in right before serving so they stay as crisp as possible.
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📖Recipe
Want to make this recipe? Print the recipe card below, or pin this recipe, so you can find it later.
Tomato Cracker Salad
Equipment
- large mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- sharp knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 4-5 ripe tomatoes diced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 ½ cups crushed saltine crackers about 1 sleeve
- ½ cup toasted pecans roughly chopped
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh basil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Dice the tomatoes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Stir in the mayonnaise, garlic powder, pecans, basil, a pinch of salt, and black pepper.
- Just before serving, fold in the crushed crackers.
- Toss gently to combine until everything is coated but not soggy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve immediately while the crackers still have a bit of crunch.
Disclaimer
Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.
