The classic flavors of a Southern tomato sandwich combine in this quick Tomato Cracker Salad. It’s the perfect side dish for summer with refreshing and simple ingredients!
If there was ever a dish that defined summer, this Tomato Cracker Salad would be it for me.
Now I’ll admit, at first, folks look a little sideways at this one. I even garnered a few negative reviews on my cookbook because of this recipe. I mean, it’s tomatoes, crackers, salt, and black pepper. I get it. It’s super basic and little strange. But, you have to look beyond the handful of ingredients and see this as a whole. Imagine that beloved, coveted tomato sandwich… except in delicious salad form. If you are a fan of tomato sandwiches, give this a shot!
What is tomato cracker salad?
Garden-fresh tomatoes combine with saltine crackers, mayo (y’all know Duke’s is my brand of choice), and some salt and pepper to create a dish that my family has been enjoying for as long as I can remember. If you love the flavors of the classic tomato sandwich, then chances are you’re going to love this too!
Fresh, in-season, homegrown tomatoes are best in this. Heirloom tomatoes are even better. I’ve even seen some people add in diced green onion. Sounds delicious!
How do I store tomato cracker salad?
Y’all, the truth is… you shouldn’t. Tomato Cracker Salad is best served immediately. This is a side dish I’d save to mix up right before or as company is arriving. The water in tomatoes and the mayo can turn this dish soggy fairly quickly. If you do want this dish to last longer, consider laying your tomatoes out on a paper towel and letting some of the moisture be absorbed by the paper towel.
The good thing is this isn’t usually an issue because any company I’ve ever had over typically gobbles it up before I can hardly set it down. Enjoy!
How do you seed tomatoes?
- Wash your ripe tomatoes thoroughly and remove any dirt or debris.
- Cut your tomatoes in half horizontally.
- Hold your tomato halves over the sink or a bowl with the cut side facing down.
- Using a spoon or your finger, gently scoop out the seeds and goo.
Bonus tip: You can save your seeds for planting! Simply rinse them in a fine mesh strainer to remove the remaining goo. Then, spread out the seeds on a paper towel for a day or two until they are completely dry. Store them in a jar or a dry envelope in a dry, cool place until you are ready to plant them.
Recipe Card
Tomato Cracker Salad
Ingredients
- 4 medium garden-fresh tomatoes
- 3/4 cup mayo
- 1 sleeve saltine crackers, coarsely broken
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Seed and coarsely chop the tomatoes. In a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes and and mayonnaise. Add the broken crackers and toss lightly to coat. Add salt and generous amounts of black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
* If nutritional values are provided, they are an estimate and will vary depending on the brands used. The values do not include optional ingredients or when ingredients are added to taste. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, I recommend grabbing your favorite brands and plugging those ingredients into an online nutritional calculator.
This post was originally published on June 19, 2018 and updated May 26, 2023.
Paige Reetz
New cucumber salad with tomatoes and onions is very good. I just would like to say it’s very hard to even look at your website with all the pop-ups and the advertisements. If that’s all you’re in it for is what you can sell us just stop. I’m not gonna look at anymore. You stupid recipes. I can’t even find the recipe I go to get it and then pop up something pop up here pop up there it’s ridiculous person
I totally understand how frustrating pop-ups can be. They help us keep the site free (you didn’t have to buy a cookbook or subscribe to a monthly membership) and support my team, but I know they can be annoying. I’m glad you enjoyed the cucumber salad recipe though! If there’s anything else I can help you with, just let me know.
Monica
Happened to see this recipe while checking my email. Have lots of garden tomatoes and like you there is none better than Dukes mayo. Lunch time now so decided to give it a try. Glad I did! Super simple and quite tasty. The crackers in this make the perfect addition. Thanks for posting and I will continue to make and enjoy. 😯 Sorry no photo already consumed
So glad you enjoyed it, Monica! Thanks for letting me know!
Lisa Bollinger Moore
I’ve eaten saltines with mayo and tomato since I was a kid. Now I make small batches of this salad for my lunches. Thank you for sharing!
It’s such a great combo!
Patricia
If you don’t try this – you lose! We love it and the two of us can gobble up an entire recipe all by ourselves! Always a hit. I really don’t bother de-seeding or peeling the tomatoes anymore – it’s just as good without, but as stated – eat immediately and you will love the textures. Honestly, never had a Southern Bite recipe we didn’t love – Stacey is my go-to. This tomato cracker salad, Aunt Betty’s skillet cake, and Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti are our very favorites although we love them all (pork chop recipes are AWESONE).
Hey, Patricia! I’m so glad to hear y’all love the recipes! You made my day with this comment! It’s awesome that you’re enjoying the tomato cracker salad and all the others too. I totally agree—eating it right away really does make a difference! Thanks for being such a fan of my recipes; it means a lot to me!
MARGO ALLERTON
Made this for Christmas. Brand new dish for all of here. Since it was Christmas we spruce it up by adding bacon, green onions and feta, although original recipe would have been perfectly wonderful. We all loved it!
Love hearing that, Margo!
Sherri Wagner
This simple salad is very good and reminscent of a tomato sandwich.
I grew up eating tomato sandwiches in Northeast Pennsylvania. I made a single serving of this as a midnight snack.
Highly recommend!
Thanks so much, Sherri!
Regina Davis
Love this. I added some diced onion, celery and a little dried dill weed and celery seed.
Had never had this before and my husband loved it too.
Awesome to hear! I hope it becomes a staple at your supper table.
Pw
Love me some Georgia cracker salad. It’s quick and easy and delicious
Thanks!
Debbie Spearman
No good Southerner can pass up a fresh grown tomato sandwich in the Summertime, but after making and enjoying this salad, I’ll be using my fresh tomatoes in this way. Thank you for sharing this simple, but delicious recipe!
Thanks so much, Debbie!
Emily Smith
Never heard of it before. Fixed it loved it. So simple!
Awesome! So glad you enjoyed it, Emily!
Tina Kight
We make this weekly in the summer when there are plenty of ripe, juicy tomatoes! I add sharp cheddar and it’s amazing!
Great idea! So glad to hear you’ve gotten some great use out of this recipe, Tina!
VooDew
I haven’t tried this yet but bet your knees I am making it this afternoon. So simple, so genius!
Hope you’ll enjoy it!
Hope
my husband’s family has been making a version of this for yrs. they don’t measure anything just mix it up. only thing they do differently is they mix the tomatoes & mayo together and let sit in fridge for a couple hrs then add crackers & mix.
Sounds great!
Connie
Ohhh how my family LoVes this salad.. Very similar to the recipe I have from Paula Deens’ “Georgia Cracker Salad”. that recipe has scallions in it. We actually like it left over.. we scoop it up with more crunchy , crispy saltine crackers.. YuM ‼️😋
Thanks, Connie!
Flora
Hi Stacey, I want to cut the recipe in half, how many crackers would that be?
You’ll need about 18 to 20 crackers. Enjoy!
Edna Earp
I have made this! My grown kids loved it and I did, too !
So glad to hear it!
Dee
Stace
Jennifer
I have to admit, I was a little skeptical, but after reading all the comments I decided to make it. Wow- both my husband & myself loved it!! So simple, quick & easy but incredibly delicious. Thanks for sharing. I will definitely be making this again when I have a bunch of tomatoes from the garden.
Ha! These are my favorite comments! So glad to hear you enjoyed it!
LuAnn Gotting
I’m making this for lunch tomorrow. Can’t wait to try it!
Years ago, driving through Knoxville, TN, we stopped at a little BBQ spot. They served tomato dumplings as a side. It was delicious 😋 I’ve never found a recipe and haven’t been able to duplicate it. I would say they were canned tomatoes, slightly sweetened. But I can’t figure out what the dumplings were. They were small and doughy. Any thoughts?
I’ve had a couple requests for tomato dumplings! Looks like I need to get to work! 🙂
Barbara D Veal
Could you post a recipe for this that is suitable for one or two people? This seems a lot for 1 or 2 people.
Hi Barbara! In this case, you could simply scale the recipe down by cutting everything in half.
Gwendolyn Ellett
I made it!!! The Tomato Salad, it was absolutely the best & a hit. I did not have one single crumb leftover. Thank you Stacey for teaching us this
Cam
I’m in my 70s and this was a standard dish and sometimes a complete meal when I was a kid in the 50’s and 60’s. Sometimes, if mom had some extra tuna, she would drain it and dump a small can in it. I haven’t had it in years and I loved it.
Thanks, Cam! It’s a classic for sure!
Angelika
Here’s the funny thing; I’ve been making this for years and had no idea it was a thing! LOL Way back when I was single and poor, Tomatoes were cheap, so were Saltines and Mayonnaise. I loved Tomato Salad since I was a kid and Tomato Sammies of course, so one day out of necessity and lack of bread etc., I created this concoction. I loved it to my surprise and been making it ever since. I keep the seeds in and I agree 💯% with you about Duke’s Mayo which I discovered about 6 years ago. Thanks for giving my Jekyll & Hyde salad a name. My friends used to mock me!!! Ha, who is crazy now? LOL
It sure ain’t you that’s the crazy one! 🙂
Margaret
We loved it! It hit the spot on a hot, humid day in NC!
Wonderful! So glad you enjoyed it!
Irish Wilcoxon
Hi Stacey. I just wanted to let you and your readers know that this is one of the most simple yet tasty recipes that I can make in a hurry. My husband really loves it and wishes that I had made more. In a pinch and pressed for time, I can take 2-3 tomatoes and make a meal. We always have saltines in the cupboard. I am a mayo fanatic since I was raised on that..not the miracle whip. I am from Montgomery and familiar with a lot of southern dishes growing up in the deep south. One thing that I do just before serving is add some REAL bacon bits. It is almost as good as a BLT sandwich!! Thank you for sharing your ‘down-to-earth’ recipes with us. Blessings to you and your family.
Thanks, Irish! Love the addition of the bacon! It turns it into a meal!
Barbara Brown
Forgot to check the number of stars. Of course it’s definitely 5 stars
Thanks, Barbara!
Barbara Brown
From the first time I saw this recipe on your website I make it at least once a month. It’s the only reason I buy saltine crackers. It is a ‘FAVORITE’. Love it………….. It is the first recipe I saved……………
Jean
Stacey, just planted my first tomatoes this morning in my keyhole garden. I don’t think I can wait until mid June though to try this. Will be picking up tomatoes on my next trip to the store. I am so anxious to make it. Sending thanks from Texas for all your delicious recipes.
You’re so sweet, Jean! I sure hope you’ll enjoy it!
Cheryl Davis
Dished this up in some pretty little dishes and add about 3 slices of avocado on the side! Topped with a light sprinkle of smoked paprika & finely chopped crisp bacon!! Guests were Wow’d!!!! Thank you!
Fantastic! I’m glad to hear everyone enjoyed it!
Martha Rimmel
Terrific. My husband, the inveterate mayo hater, was jumping up and down with delight. I wasn’t as thrilled. I took your advice about watery tomatoes but just cubed, salted lightly, and drained all day in a colander and will do that the next time, as Bruce is requesting again tonight; we are still picking a tomato now and then. I put together about 10 minutes ahead but confess I’m curious about longer. It is Perfect for small tomatoes that aren’t sandwich size. I also uses firecrackers and was very pleased that I did. I may add some fresh herbs, mint and/or parsley. I also have some celery leaf which I think I might use. I’m a cilantro lover but think that would overpower. Thank you for this nostalgic dish. And, really, it should be 5 star insomuch as I can remember the recipe.
Thank you!
Kim
I’m from South Carolina and have been eating cracker salad my whole life, but different than this. We use Ritz crackers, and 3 or 4 hard boiled, then chopped up eggs. It’s always a hit, anywhere its taken, and it’s all eaten. I’ll have to try it with saltines now!!
I’ve always been a fan of Ritz as well, I may have to try that version!
Laura Thomas
Stacey! Loved the salad! Back when I was a kid, my mom made canned stewed tomatos with white bread torn up in it & sugar sprinkled in the mixture while it boiled (crust and all). It was delicious – we didn’t have a lot of money growing up, so it was a good filling side dish. My husband loves saltines, so the recipe you shared was a win/win for him. Thanks! – Laura
Thanks Laura!
Ellen S
Looks heavenly! Has anyone made this with cherry or grape tomatoes?
Hi Ellen! I have not personally used cherry or grape tomatoes in this recipe but they would probably work fine. The only thing is that I like to seed my tomatoes to help wick out excess moisture before mixing the salad together. This could be where the cherry or grape tomatoes could work well as there would not be a need to seed them and dry them before prepping salad. But without cutting them in half the salad may not mix well together and then again, cutting them in half may make for a very soggy salad. If you try this please let us know how it turns out!
Phillip Owens
This was great omg! I used hidden valley ranch dressing, cause I was out of mayonnaise and didn’t know it. I added a thinly sliced jalapeno, and a couple of sliced green onions and a couple strips of extra crispy bacon, man o man it was delicious.
Green onions would be an amazing addition!
Renee
I added 1/4 tsp of minced garlic and used sea salt pita crackers ( that’s all I had). I also used several fresh picked tomatoes that I chopped and let sit on a paper towel.
This is such a great Summer recipe.
Patty
Love tomatoes with all the juices & seeds!!! (Dice in a bowl & serve using slotted spoon)
*Satin crackers come in mini size to have in a dish
* choice of shredded cheese (cheddar or whatever your fav), in side dish
*fresh crumbled bacon in a dish. *Have a squeeze of Mayo – Ranch- Italian & Thousand Island
*salt – pepper- parm cheese- pepper seeds
They can mix it up how they want & your left overs you can redo for later
Mary VanRiper
Love the tomato cracker salad
Thanks so much Mary!
Sue L.
Hi, Stacey! I rated this 5-Stars even before trying it (lol)… I know I am going to love it! I have a question about the tomato quantity per the 1/2 cup of mayo used. Could you please tell me, in approximate cups, how many tomatoes to use since they come in all sizes? I know people eyeball it, but I’m not very good at that! Also, I see people sharing different tomato concoctions so I thought I would to! When I was growing up, my mother always used to make us Tomatoes on Toast (what she called it)! It consisted of heated canned tomatoes spooned over buttered toast and American cheese with salt & pepper and a little dab of butter on top… it is so good! My husbands childhood tomato dish was just heated canned tomatoes mixed into macaroni with some parmesan, salt & pepper, and a dab of butter… plain and simple, but good too! Thanks for your recipe… can’t wait to make it! 🍅😉
Sue L.
Oops!!! I put 1/2 cup of mayo… I knew it was 3/4 cup too!!! 😲
Should be about 4 cups.
diane, mississippi
Born and raised poor in the Deep South, I don’t know why I never had this, or even heard of it before now! But in the South, we love maters.. especially mater sandwiches, when Summer produce is at its best and is plentiful. Out of curiosity, I had to try this simple frugal recipe, and what a tasty surprise it was!! I made a big bowl just for me so I just eyeballed the amounts and it was just perfect. I like it simple too, as written, and will continue making it just like this. Thank you for sharing your recipe.
diane, mississippi
I forgot to mention that I used freshly semi coarse ground black pepper, and Blue Plate mayo which I have used all my life.
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed it, Diane!
Pam Schneider
I believe in posting both good & bad reviews with an explanation. So, I wanted to love this recipe because of its ingredients & simplicity. We love tomatoes, saltines & mayonnaise, so what’s not to like ? I did 1/2 the recipe because there are only two of us and used slightly less that 1/2 the mayonnaise because it seemed like too much. Followed the recipe with additions of salt & pepper. Too bland for our tasted so added more pepper & some fresh chopped chives. We both thought the recipe was too bland, really not very tasty but not totally bad either. It is definitely a “one & done” for us.
I always appreciate all the reviews both positive and negative. It helps us all become better cooks. I might suggest trying the recipe as written next time as the blandness might have been the result of the lack of mayo. Also, do you remember what brand of mayo you used? Looking forward to your reply so maybe we can find a way to make this a dish you love!
Shawn K
Hi Pam,
Us too! We love tomatoes and we are always excited to try a new recipe. We found this way too bland and “mayonnaise-y”. We thought this must be a recipe for those who don’t love tomatoes! It’s also a 1 & done for us.
Sorry to hear it didn’t meet your expectations! Did you use fresh, homegrown tomatoes? What about additional salt and pepper?
Jean
If you don’t have good tasty tomatoes, it’s not so good. We drive miles to get Washington Borough tomatoes here in PA, because they have the best flavor, like the old heirloom tomatoes we grew in the back yard. Try recipe again with different tomatoes.
Great tomatoes are a requirement for sure!
Dranruc
I am interested in trying this with some julienned fresh basil and maybe some chopped bacon mixed into the mayonnaise. Either way, sounds delicious and simple! Thank you for sharing.
Hope you’ll enjoy it!
Ginni
Oops! Forgot to rate!
Ginni
This is the best simple summer salad that goes with any meal! The tomatoes are the star with a crispy salty back up.
Unlike other reviewers, I saw this first on Stacey’s site and it has became a staple on our table! I love to cook and make some pretty fancy stuff, but this is simplicity at it’s BEST!
Thank you!
Thanks so much, Ginni! Glad you’ve enjoyed this one!
sue buresh
I used Ritz crackers instead of salatines and added shredded cheddar cheese. was delicious.
So glad to hear it!
TP
What would be a good substitute for mayo?
Hmmm… I’m not sure thee’s a god substitute in this case. Sour cream… maybe?
Shirlie
My mother used to make this for our family of 7 but she added torn up lettuce as well. It was
delicious and when fresh tomatoes weren’t available, she used canned tomatoes. I have often wondered
if this recipe was still around, so I am happy to find people still enjoying it😊.
It’s a family favorite, for sure!
Julia boring
I love reading all these comments about your tomato cracker salad I can’t wait to try it I grew up in the Midwest eating fresh tomatoes from my Dads and grandparents garden. Favorite sandwich butter and bread and tomato. but I see a lot of people use mayo instead of butter haven’t been able to change my childhood favorite have always eaten cottage cheese with tomatoes and crackers along side with that but I’m anxious to try this new tomato cracker salad . I saw where some people mentioned read it or stewed tomatoes with crackers or broken bread I make breaded tomatoes recipe for my mother always a good dish for a Lenten special serve with salmon patties or fresh fried fish or can be made as a side to any meal . Bring canned tomatoes to boil to soften add butter and brown sugar a little salt after they are very hot I add bread that has been toasted and cut in cubes my mothers recipe for for breaded tomatoes. Really enjoyed reading all these recipes and comments would like to get your southern bite recipe book thank you for sharing and posting of this
Thanks so much, Julia! Hope you’ll enjoy it!
Denise Panter
When were out of fresh tomatoes we use canned. This is every bit as good. We use one can of tomatoes heated, put over crunched saltines with butter and salt. Sooo delicious!
Sounds good to me!
Wayne Lance
I love this salad. Tip after you chop your tomatoes,put them in a colander and salt them. Then put something under your colander to collect the juice that drains off. Let sit 10 to 15 minutes.
Great tip! Thanks for sharing!
Vickie
First of all, I have to apologize; have seen this recipe here and other websites for at least a year. It always catches my eye but I was ready to bet the farm, my hubby would not care for it. This past Sunday, I made your 1981 salad as he grilled chicken tenders. I decided since I had a salad ready to go, I could make a 1/2 recipe of this and if he didn’t like it, there was backup salad. Well, he was about to lick the flowers off the bowl! Absolutely loved this and told me to rate it but 5 stars simply were not enough! I’m so sorry I didn’t try it earlier! What a great salad! I dare say, it overshadowed the 1981 salad for him and that was full of ingredients he loves. And it overshadowed his chicken tenderloins as well and they were so juicy and tender they could be cut with a butter knife! I’m sorry it took me so long to become a believer!
Ha! I just so glad to hear he enjoyed it so much!
Annie
That’s it Stacey except we added Ritz Crackers.
See why southerners are so happy ? Good eating !
I agree 100%! 🙂
Umm Abdullah
Thanks – I had never heard of this but love tomato sandwiches, so when I saw it today, I thought I’d try it. I didn’t measure exactly, and I didn’t seed the tomatoes, but it was great. A lot of the additions people mentioned sound good, too, although it’s fine just the way it is for a quick recipe with things you probably have on hand.
Thanks so much! Glad to hear you enjoyed it!
Dee
I never heard of this salad but I had to try it because it was so simple to make. I really thought it would be soggy but it was WONDERFUL. I usually make new recipes as written first and then I make my own adjustments. I used a little less mayonnaise the second time around. It’s perfect as written but it’s really good with less mayonnaise if you choose to cut back. I don’t measure anymore and just make any amount of salad I need at the time. ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL! Thanks so much for sharing this southern recipe.
Awesome, Dee! I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed it! Thanks for letting me know!
Abbey Gleichenhaus
I made this last year and was amazing, i get request to a make this it summer so easy and so good thank you
So glad to hear you’ve enjoyed it, Abbey!
BETTY GREER
STACEY,
A LADY MENTIONED YOUR CORN BREAD RECIPE THAT WAS IN YOUR SOUTHERN BITE COOK BOOK. IS THE COOK BOOK STILL AVAILABLE?
It is! You can find some of the places to buy it right here: https://southernbite.com/southern-bite-cookbook-150-irresistible-dishes-4-generations-familys-kitchen/
BETTY GREER
STACY, JUST HAD A TOMATO CRACKER SALAD. I LOVE IT. JUST HAVE NOT ONE IN A LONG TIME. MY AUNT SHOWED ME HOW TO MAKE IT MANY YEARS AGO. I KEPT SEEING YOUR RECIPE POP UP . SO I DECIDED IT IS TIME!!!THANK YOU FOR ALL THE GREAT NEW RECIPES & ALSO REMINDING US OLDER FOLKS ABOUT THE OLD FAITHFUL ONES WE GREW UP WITH. THEY NEVER GROW OLD JUST BETTER WITH MANY MEMORIES!
Thanks so much, Betty! Glad to hear you enjoyed it!
Koryn
This is addictive . It’s comforting, delicious and so simple ! Love it!
So glad to hear you enjoyed it!!
ELIZABETH
I dearly love tomatoes and mayo with crackers, although I use Creole Seasoning instead of salt & pepper. I’ve eaten it for years before the internet and food blogs came to be. I never knew it was an actual dish; I just thought it was a personal combination because no one else I know had ever heard of it. lol
When I want a light meal, I will add some tuna or canned smoked salmon for protein. Since deing diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, the only thing I have changed is to reduce the amount of crackers, and it’s still delicious. I think the dish probably started as a way to stretch a few tomatoes to feed a larger group of people back in days when money and sometimes food were scarce. Crackers were a cheap “filler”…more people to feed…add a few extra crackers.
I really like the idea of adding in some canned tuna! Thanks for sharing!
Lisa
I grew up putting mayonnaise and a slice of tomato on a saltine cracker but this never occurred to me. I mix everything except the crackers and take it to work then add the crackers at lunch time
Great idea!
Barb Ahrens
I think I will try this but use oyster crackers. I think they wouldn’t get soggy as fast.
Great idea! Let me know how it turns out.
ReneeW.
I made it last weekend after seeing it here on your site and it was SO GOOD! I can’t wait to show it to my sister. Thanks Stacey.
Awesome! So glad to hear you enjoyed it! Hope your sister loves it, too!
kd anderson
I felt it was on the flat side. I added some Slap Ya Mamma, Crazy Jane Salt and Black Pepper with the tomatoes, mayo and saltines. Still flat. Added Parmesan Cheese and some diced dill pickles. Heavenly !!!!
Paula Johnston
Many years ago my mother-in-law introduced me to this salad and yours is exactly like hers in taste and consistency. I lost her recipe and quit trying to duplicate it after several failures. You just put a huge smile on my face for sharing this and helping recall some wonderful memories of a beautiful lady that I adored! Thank you so much.
LOVE your floor plan and excited for you and your family. Just jealous not to have my own ‘test kitchen’. Enjoy
Ha! Thanks so much, Paula!!
Dee Hanten
Never ate crackers and tomatoes this way before, but, my mother used to combine the two and heated it up with a bit of sugar….that was 75 years ago…
Diane
I am so impressed! I have never heard of this salad. It was delicious. I served it to my Card Club friends for lunch and everyone loved it. I added chopped Vidalia/sweet onions. It was even delicious as leftovers. I just added a couple freshly crumbled crackers to it and it was delicious again. thanks for sharing your simple recipe. I looked on line and there are many variations but I like yours because it’s simple and simply delicious. I only gave it 4 stars because I did alter the recipe with the onions.
Diane
Sorry, I ALSO didn’t use that much mayonnaise. I just wanted to mention that incase someone won’t make it because of the amount of mayonnaise in it. I don’t think the amounts of anything really matter. This is wonderful. Thanks!!!
I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed it, Diane!!
Kristen
My mom is a 92 year old southern lady. She doesn’t recollect anything like this recipe but maybe that’s because back then the crackers were hard to come by? I dunno but I made it with 4 of my small-ish garden maters and about 1/2 sleeve of Saltines, Duke’s, and lots of pepper. I thought it was delicious. I do appreciate your southern palate and recipes!
So glad to hear you enjoyed it!!
ilana blomquist
Love this salad. Grew up eating this yummy summer dish! Thank you to blogger, Lana Stuart, for sending me to your site. Looking forward to following you. We used Bama mayo and added celery seed and vidallas.
Welcome! Tell Lana I said thanks for sending you my way!
Christine
I dig this idea, basically you are swapping out one bland starch for a different bland starch and adding tomato to a basic potato salad. seems very nifty can’t wait to try this!!!
Nana
Can’t wait to try this, and am wondering about saltine soup crackers instead of crushed sleeve of crackers. Have you ever used those in the recipe?
I haven’t but have heard from several readers who used those and said it turned out great! Enjoy!
Jo Newman
We also add a chopped onion and a good few good dashed of woster to ours.
Frogmore Stew is the original name for the seafood boil. Google Frogmore, SC & shrimping.
I’ve heard of the onion, but not the Worcestershire. Sounds good!
Susan
I will be using beefsteak tomatoes and adding copious amounts of shredded Parm when I make this. I…cannot…wait!!
Hope it turns out great for you!
CCG
I wonder if oyster crackers can be used? Or do you need the larger sized broken saltines?
I’ve not tried that, but I’ve had several readers who have.
Margaret Norton
Love this site!
Thank you so much, Margaret!
Timbra
I hate Lettuce. So salad is always something I never ate. I made my own I called “cheese and cracker salad”. It was ritz everything crackers (the poppyseed in the crackers is amazing) diced cheese, tomatoes, boiled egg, and sliced up turkey breast lunch meat. But instead of mayo I use lighthouse blue cheese dressing. I’ve lived on this in the summer for years.
I happen to think that sounds amazing!!
Pete Mathis
What about oyster crackers? Seems they would put some slack in the timing factor. Has anyone tried?
I’ve not tried it, but have heard from several readers that they made it with oyster crackers and it turned out great!
MarshaW Childress
I had tomatoes, Dukes and saltines on hand so I threw this recipe together…..and was wowed!
My taste buds did a little jig and my tummy was happy.
This is definitely the dish I am going to make and take to our next church potluck.
Ha! So glad you gave it a chance and loved it!
Debra Nash
I loved this Tomato Cracker Salad; Since I love tomato sandwiches and tomato pies, I had to try the salad.
So glad you enjoyed it, Debra!!
Luci Nation
You need to make this and eat it right away! It’s great right upon mixing it up….not so much later. It gets wierd!
That it does! That’s why I stress so much about eating it immediately.
Diana
I see I’ve posted on this recipe twice in the last two years without making it. I finally made it! It was a smashing success. Everyone was impressed. The tomatoes were the star of the dish, of course, but the crackers and mayo, salt, pepper brought out that je ne sais quoi. (I added a lot, of lot of pepper and it could take it) Thank you!
I’m so, so glad you enjoyed it, Diana!!
Karen Moore
My mom made a salad with just chopped tomato and sweet onion seasoned with salt, pepper and a teaspoon of sugar. Sometimes she added fresh dill. We always served it with warm buttered French bread. I’m looking forward to trying this version, thanks!
That sounds great! Hope you’ll like this one, too!
Dana Hall
I came across this recipe by total accident and I was shocked! My granny (which is from Southern Ga) has been making this all her life and has passed it down to her kids, grandkids and great grandkids. I have NEVER heard of anyone outside of our family who knows what Cracker Salad is! We too get strange looks from people who have never had it but most love it once they try it! It’s one of my favorite recipes from my Granny. And is part of so many wonderful childhood memories!
Isn’t it great how food connects us to memories like that???
Tracey Pullum
Enjoyed the video. I shared the recipe on Facebook. Sounds so simple and tasty! I have been raised on cornbread and beans by southern family and never tried this?! How does that happen? By the way, my hubby makes the cornbread recipe you have in your Southern Bite cookbook and it never fails to please!
So glad y’all have gotten some great use out of that recipe! And you’ve just GOT to try this one!
Diana
Just watched your video for this recipe. Enjoyed it! I had this bookmarked earlier to make someday… I’ll make it Saturday because Farmer’s Market is then and the tomatoes have been coming out here in Northern California.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Diana! Hope you’ll enjoy the recipe too!!
Nelda
We had this with home grown tomatoes. It was delicious. Going to have it again tonight. Thanks so much for this recipe. I really like your site.
Thanks so much, Nelda!! Glad you enjoyed it!
Mary Garlick
Looking for recipes with few ingredients for our food pantry clients. Excited to find this. Will definitely print it for them.
How wonderful! Thank you for sharing it with them.
Tonya
Serve cold?
It’s more of a “serve immediately” thing, so I would say room temp.
Connie
I can’t beleive I’m just now finding out about this simple wonderfully delicious recipe! I made it last nite to go with supper & hubby & I both loved it! Thanx so much for sharing that! Looking forward to more of your recipes.
So glad y’all enjoyed it so much!
Carolyn
It was great seeing you at the Farmer’s Market. Glad you are in Prattville! I’ll have to try this recipe.
So great to meet you! Thanks for stopping by!
TR
I might add just a little ranch dressing (from the powdered packet) to the mayo.
I think that sounds pretty delish!
Montgomery
This recipe is amazing I have made it for years and it’s perfect!
Thanks so much!!! Glad you like it!
Donna Walters
This was so good! Thanks for posting this fabulous recipe, I hooked now.
So glad you enjoyed it!!
Robin Reynolds
In the tonato cracker salad, can i add cucumber, onion, and bacon bits and still keep the flavor. Love this
You can certainly add it, but it will change the overall flavor
Pam
Has anyone tried using greek yogurt in place of the mayo? I’m not a big mayo fan. ????
Kimberly
LOL!! I never knew there was an actual recipe for this! I eat this all the time when I don’t want a heavy meal but yet something to fill my tummy with goodness. Sometimes I will add chopped English cucumber and dill weed (dried or fresh). Now THAT is my favorite! Oh, if you have a little cottage cheese that needs to be used up but not enough for a recipe then that, too, is a tasty addition. 🙂
Ha! Love the idea of the chopped cucumber!
Erin B.
Oh my goodness! Found this recipe while scrolling Pinterest in the wee hours of yesterday morning and as soon as it was time for breakfast went straight to the kitchen and chopped up two small garden tomatoes from the last of a friend’s harvest and made this salad for me and ONLY me (son doesn’t care much for tomatoes and hubs doesn’t love mayo). I ate EVERY bite and it was sublime! I told my 83-year old mother-in-law about it at lunch yesterday, and she said, “Oh! That sounds like something I’d like!” So I guess you have TWO more converts! I’m going to call this “White Trash Panzanella!” ???? How has I never heard of this before?!
I LOVE that name! Glad y’all enjoyed it!!
Jen
Hey! I was going to say that Italians have something like this but with dry, stale bread. I couldn’t remember the name, but that’s it- panzanella!
Also, I think there are such things as whole-grain saltines, and unsalted-top saltines. That might make it more doable for special diets.
kayla
Reminds me of a dish called Tomatoes and Cheez-its that my friends and I secretly enjoy 🙂
🙂
Lynne Ernst
My daughter and I have been making this for several years and absolutely love it! So when I decided to make it for my brother and nephew recently they were very hesitant, but being good sports they agreed to try it. Needless to say, they loved it, and asked me to make more.
It seems so simple, but it’s so good! 🙂
Rhonda Bailey
I have got to try this! My husband loves crumbled corn bread with petite diced tomatoes with the juice and a scoop of mayo all mixed up together. Looks awful but absolutely wonderful. I may try this since I don’t always feel like making cornbread.
I sure hope he’ll enjoy it!
CW
Using pomodoro/plum tomatoes will contribute less moisture. Using pepper crackers and a buttermilk salad dressing will reduce prep time.
Thanks for the insight!
Peg
My husband prefers Miracle Whip. Does that work out okay or does it ruin the flavor?
I’ve never tried it with Miracle Whip, so I can say for sure, but I just don’t think it would be the same.
Colleen Howell
I make this salad, started over 10 years ago. My coworkers knew my love of fresh tomato’s and made this for me but with 1 added ingredient chopped green onions too. I said that looks gross but I tried it and fell in love!!!!!! The taste is awesome. I have been making it ever since then, anyone who has not tried this needs to it will be a new favorite.
I couldn’t agree more! This tastes like so much more than tomatoes, crackers, and mayo!
Tina
I made this tonight and it is delicious. Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe.
So glad you enjoyed it!!!
Suellen Dehnke
Google Shockingly Sweet Stewed Tomatoes. I never would eat my Mom’s stewed tomatoes but these are wonderful.
Vicki Shockley
There are several recipes for this.
Linda
I grew up in the South. My mother made us “Stuffed Tomatoes” using ground beef, crackers and the meat inside the tomato. Mixed it, salt and pepper, and stuffed it back into the tomato. My Dad liked a dollop of mayo on top which we kids didn’t like. After we kids would eat the stuffing and leave the outside of the tomato on our plates, my mother started chopping the whole tomato in the bowl. We still call it Stuffed Tomatoes.
Now I use flavored crackers, Cajun spices, onions, jalapenos, or anything else that sounds good and put it on a tossed salad. Makes a great dinner. Oh yeah, I put mayo in it now.
Thanks for sharing this, Linda!
Suellen Dehnke
Never heard of such a thing but I don’t think we’re going to be strangers for long. Thanks for a wonderful “new” recipe.
I sure hope you’ll enjoy it, Suellen!
Georgia Fox
Oh yum! I love tomatoes. But my mom would make breaded tomatoes for my dad with canned tomatoes. I wouldn’t eat them. But this sounds so good to me with the mayo and crunchy crackers! Can’t wait for my tomatoes to ripen and try this! Thank you!
I’ve heard a lot about the stewed tomatoes with bread after this post! I hope you’ll try this and absolutely love it!
Donna Foster
I wonder if I can use club crackers since that’s what I have in my cupboard. Going to give it a try.
I much prefer the saltines because of the flavor, but have heard from several folks that they enjoyed it with the Club crackers.
Angie McD
I make something similar. I peel tomatoes(or not),scoop out the inside,then mix with crackers and mayonnaise and stuff back into the tomato shell!
Yum! Great idea!
LisaLisa
My mom makes this salad. But she adds bell pepper to the tomatoes. She adds the crackers just before serving so it will not be soggy.
Yep, that’s the trick. You have to ass them right before serving it. Love the addition of bell peppers.
Janice Baker
Oh My Goodness! I had forgotten all about this recipe. My husband and daughter do not eat tomatoes or mayo so it got off my scope but I will make some just for me as soon as my tomatoes ripen. I am a south Georgia girl and always heard it called Georgia Tomato-Cracker salad. My parents were from South Alabama and my grandmother always made it. No way to tell where it is from but it sure is good. My family always added Vidalia onions and a squeeze of Lemon juice.
I’m with you. You can all it whatever you want, just don’t forget to call me when it’s ready! Love the addition of those sweet Vidalias and lemon!
Dianne
Did you know that Duke and Sauer’s mayonnaise is made by the same company. Look on your Duke label and you will see that it is made by Sauers. Sauers is much cheaper and just as good. Thought I would let you know. The same tomato dish topped with butter and baked for a while becomes scalloped tomatoes and is great, too.
I did know that and use Sauer’s often. It’s not exactly the same but close enough for the price. 🙂
Pam
Well, this sounds good! Maybe add some cooked bacon and serve over some torn or shredded lettuce. I might have to try this. I am sure I would be the only one eating it tho. Hubby doesn’t like mayo and son doesn’t like tomatoes. I’ll just have to cut the recipe down. thanks!!
This pare’s down pretty well. Hope you enjoy it!
Linda
For got the boiled eggs and green onions
I’ve heard from a few people who add it, but my mom always did it this way without those additions.
Rachael Dunn
Instead of sweet pickles or relish, you could put sliced cucumbers in your tomato salad.
Cheryl
Make this all the time but also add chopped-up boiled eggs. A favorite at our house. It is best if you wait right before you eat it to put in the crackers. I always do it when we sit down. So good and crunchy that way.
Yes, this is definitely best served immediately.
Christine
Being Italian and from the north my grandma would make a salad that was similar to this but instead of crackers would add crumbled up pepper biscuits idk if every one know what they are or if there a new England thing but the taste is amazing and it doesn’t get soggy as fast…we also add them to soup for the same reasons instead of crackers
I definitely need to know more about these pepper biscuits!
freda carter
I have made this a lot. However, I make it by combing mayonnaise, sweet pickles boiled eggs and a little pickle juice together with the tomatoes. Let it chill for awhile in the fridge. just before serving add the crackers to this mixture with salt and pepper. This will have the cracker crispy and the coolness makes the salad real fresh tasting.
this is just my way.
Love hearing everyone’s variations. Thanks for sharing!
Pat
My granmother added bacon crumbles to hers! Love this!
Love that addition!
Samantha
I don’t eat fresh tomatoes, mostly because of the seeds. I just don’t like seeds in anything. I didn’t know you could seed them! I think I’m gonna try this! Thank you, Stacey!
I always seed tomatoes because I just don’t care for them. To make it easy, I just slice the top off and poke my fingers down in each cavity over the trash can and the seeds squirt right out. Hope you’ll enjoy!
Debbie
Thanks for posting this. My mom made this yummy salad when I was growing up in Savannah. She also had a winter version (sort of) that was a can of chopped tomatoes with a pat of butter, salt & pepper and white bread toast torn into pieces and she heated it all in a sauce pan.
You are so welcome, Debbie!
Alice
We called that tomato stew, with the bread and cooked.
Pam Elkin
I love saltines with a little mayonnaise and fresh cut tomatoes. I have never thought to make a salad! Oh my goodness! What a wonderful recipe! Thank you so much for sharing this!
When I was a kid, my mom would also smear a little mayo on saltines and top with a piece of cheese. Love it! Still do! I sure hope you’ll enjoy this!
Lynna Phillips
Ever tried crackers with mayo and a sliced dill pickle on top? It’s delicious!!
No, but you’d better believe I’m having that for lunch today! Love me some pickles!
Kaye
Your comment brought back memories. I craved this exact thing when I was pregnant with my first child. Still love it today…52 years later!????
🙂
Linda Lu
I have mayo & cheese on saltines whenever I open a can of sardines or vienna sausage. Btw, i’m from GA. & get teased about my wierd food concoctions. Can’t believe i’ve never had this one & can’t wait to try it !
I sure hope you’ll enjoy it!
Donna McFadden
Got this recipe for cracker salad from when we lived in South Carolina. Tomatoes, boiled eggs, crackers, Dukes, salt and pepper. Nothing like it!! We eat it all summer when tomatoes are in season. BTW, I live in Louisiana now and they think I’m nuts until they try it.
Have never seen this in print called cracker salad. Some call it mock potato salad????
It’s so good, right!?!
Patti Moss
My husband LOVES fresh tomatoes, but I doubt he’d try this. I’m not crazy about tomatoes, but this intrigues me and I’m gonna try it! I think I’ll love it. 🙂 Aren’t we strange with our eating habits?
I totally understand. We all have our hangups. Maybe you’ll both enjoy this! 🙂
Julia Mason
I have never had this salad but would to make it . Unfortunately , I would be the only one eating it.My son does not like fresh tomatoes. My husband could not eat it because it would drive his blood sugar sky high with the crackers in it
This recipes scales down perfectly. Enjoy!
KJ
For diabetics (like me)…you could make a much smaller version.
a few crackers and grape tomatoes sliced in half. Just make sure the
remainder of the meal is low-carb. A few crackers aren’t going to drive
your blood glucose too much, especially if you eat lots of fiber with
the meal. I might add some fresh spinach to the mix. Mayo is ok…and a few
tomatoes are ok. I will definitely try this. It will be worth a bit of insulin to
give it a try! Thanks so much for posting!
Great suggestions! Thanks for jumping in to help!
Ben Jenkins
I am a diabetic also. As for the spike in blood sugar because of the crackers is offset by the fats in the mayo (Dukes for sure). The fat slows down the rate of carb uptake. Check with your Endocrinologist. That’s what mine told me. How much it affects it? I don’t know and still would not overdo it.
M Jacobs
Thanks for these comments for diabetics. My husband was recently diagnosed and these comments are teaching me to look past menu choices on their own. I will look to bring balance to the meals so he doesn’t feel deprived. Thank you!!
Pat
When you make the salad and just before you add the crackers, take some of the tomato salad out for your husband and then add the crackers to the rest. This way you both get a taste of tomato salad. I have made tomato salad for years but never with crackers in it. I do like my tomato salad with sliced onions. And the day after, what is left over makes a good tomato sandwich on toast.
🙂
M Jacobs
Wonderful suggestion. Maybe I’ll add some spinach to it, as well. Thanks!
Renee
I love tomatoes and I love Miracle Whip spread on crackers so this should be good.
I bet you’ll love this!
Linda C Johnston
OK. So I thought I was the only person in the world who indulged in this delicious recipe. Truly! We too ate it all the time growing up. My Mom swore it originated in the area where she grew up (western NC). She had stories to tell about having the tomatoes right from the garden, making this salad and having fried baloney. They were very poor. Sometimes they didn’t have the mayo, just tomatoes, crackers, salt and pepper! Thanks for bringing it up to everyone again!
My family has humble beginnings as well and I imagine this dish was originally a product of that. I’ve also heard it called Georgia Cracker Salad, so who knows where it came from! I’m just glad we have it! 🙂
Brenda Duos
I LOVE tomato sandwiches and this sounds even better! Now that our nest is empty, a loaf of bread goes stale before we eat it so I just don’t buy it much anymore. But, I always have saltines on hand!! Perfect!
I sure hope you’ll enjoy, Brenda!!
JoAnn Johnson
Need spellcheck! Sorry meant WONDERFULLY DELIGHTFUL! PLEASE FORGIVE ME!
Diana
Such an interesting recipe. I’ve not seen anything like this before. It is almost prime local tomato season here in Northern California and I’m excited to do this one. Thanks!
p.s. I do the same thing with tomatoes – I cut ahead of time and let drain on paper towels. And take the seeds out!
I sure hope you’ll enjoy it, Diana!
JoAnn Johnson
I must admit, I was very curious about this recipe. But because I had saltines and tomatoes that I needed to use up, I have it a try. I love it! Simplistic wonderfully dry ghtful! Everyone should try thus! A wonderful surprise!
That was fast! SO glad you enjoyed it, JoAnn!!
Cynthia Jordan
Hi Stacey! I just made this for my lunch and it’s so good! I only had one tomato so I adjusted the amounts using roughly two tablespoons of mayo and about 10-15 crackers. I love Morton Nature’s Seasoning blend so I sprinkled that on the tomato and mixed the mayo in and sprinkled extra black pepper on top! Great! Thank you for sharing!!!!!
Yum! So glad you enjoyed it!
Linda
I have to admit that I haven’t tried this recipe yet! I almost passed right by it thinking, no way! But something peaked my interest.
But a vote for your mother, I refuse to remove the seeds of a tomato for any recipe! Well maybe I would, but I’d never, never, never discard the seeds add a little salt and down the hatch they go. Can’t waste any part of a beautiful, delicious tomato.
I will be giving this recipe a try.
But my favorite tomato salad is simple and absolutely delicious.
Tomatoes, mini cucumbers, avocado, chopped in a large bowl. The dressing is simple and perfect.
Fresh squeezed lemon juice, no bottled stuff, olive oil, salt and pepper.
Oh so simple but oh my goodness the flavor is to die for!!!????????????????????????????????????????
That sounds amazing, Linda! Thanks for sharing!
Tammy Ford
I tried this recipe when my tomatoes were ready to pick. It’s now my favorite recipe and make it for family and friends who always ask me for this recipe.
Wonderful!! Love hearing that!
Jenny
@Linda, are you asking us or telling us? Why did you use all those question marks?
Jo Newman
We have made this “Cracker Salad” in the low country for years . It’s the best served with Frogmore Stew! We do add chopped onion and in the summer the Valdalias.
As I said before, my mom has been making it for as long as I can remember. She did spend some time in South Carolina. I wonder if she picked it up there. I’ve also heard it called Georgia Cracker salad. Who knows! I just call it delicious! 🙂
Betty Jo Miller
My mother made this, feeding farm hands that help us gather crops every summer. It was cheep and feeling . And we all loved it. Umum. That was 75 years ago.
These humble dishes are often our favorites!
Lisa Mosley
I started making this for my family years ago and it’s niw an absolute must for every occasion. I add in onion, crispy crumbled bacon and diced eggs . I have on occasion subbed out the saltines for ritz. This salad is delicious!!
So glad to hear you enjoyed it!!
Johnelle Haynes
Please tell me about your Frogmore stew. I haven’t ever heard of it. But, this cracker salad is new to me too. I can almost taste it. Thanks
Shirley
I would like to know too. Thank you.
Debi
My Daddy who is from South Georgia also added boiled eggs, and sweet pickle relish! Yummy!
I’ve heard several folks mention that. 🙂
Kay
Lowcountry Boil Recipe
4 pounds small red potatoes
5 quarts water
1 (3-ounce) bag of crab boil seasoning (Zatarain’s)
4 Tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
2 pounds kielbasa or hot smoked link sausage, cut into 1½-inch pieces
6 ears of corn, halved
4 pounds large fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined optional
Cocktail sauce
Add potatoes to large pot, then add 5 quarts water and seasonings.
Cover pot and heat to a rolling boil; cook 5 minutes.
Add sausage and corn, and return to a boil.
Cook 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Add shrimp to stockpot; cook 3 to 4 minutes or until shrimp turn pink.
Drain.
Serve with cocktail sauce.
Serves 12.
(Adapted from Southern Living, August 2002 and Real Simple, August 2001)
Larry
One correction to the Frogmore Stew recipe: where it says “drain” that should read “drain, but not too well.” Frogmore stew is best served in bowls, with a little of the broth in the bottom, and lots of crusty French or sourdough bread on hand for sopping. (It’s also best served outside, with paper towels available.)
Janice
What on earth is Frogmore Stew? ????
Kathleen
I looked up Frogmore Stew and it seems like another name for the Low Country boil. I am sure this salad would be great with Frogmore stew!
Vickie
In South Carolina it’s known as Frogmore Stew, but other places may call it Lowcountry Boil. Whatever you call it, it’s delicious!
I agree!
Matt
Grew up on several variations of this in Arkansas (family originally settled in SC). Tomatoes, just onions, green onions, carrots, squash. Amazingly simple and so good
Love the addition of the other veggies!
Marc Olson
We serve the saltines in a side dish to prevent as mush sogginess as possible. Want that good cracker crunch!
Mary Atherton
Simple and yummy!
Hope you’ll enjoy it!
Isabel
I first heard of tomatoe sandwiches on a NASCAR TV event. I thought it was the strangest recipe ever, but I gave it a try and OH BOY we love them. So, I can’t wait to try your Cracker salad. Thanks for sharing.
If you love tomato sandwiches then you will absolutely love this recipe!