Tomato Saltine Cracker Salad

Throwing some tomatoes and saltine crackers together and calling it a salad might seem a little too simple, and maybe even a little odd, but we can promise that when it comes to this combination there’s more going on than meets the eye. For those that know the beauty of a fresh summer tomato, this salad is a place where they really shine. And the contrast of the creamy dressing and crunch of the saltines backs them up perfectly!

We’re not denying that this salad is simple. It is, but so often it’s the simple classics that endure the test of time because of their perfect balance. It’s only a handful of ingredients, but they’re a handful of ingredients that are just meant to be together. Plus, it means that it’s always an easy thing for you to whip up!

The key players here are of course tomatoes – the fresher the better – and saltine crackers that are broken into craggy bite-size crumbs but not crushed into dust. This ensures they stand up to the creamy mayo that binds this all together and that they provide the crunch that makes this salad so great.

The other components are green onion, which adds a bright bite against the tomato’s sweetness, and chopped hardboiled eggs (if you’re so inclined). While the eggs can be skipped, they add enough protein to make this dish into a light lunch instead of a quick side and they add to the creaminess when combined with the mayo.

Is it a combination that might raise a few eybrows? Maybe so. But liken it to the simplicity of a good fresh tomato sandwich. Along the same lines, it’s a dish that backs up its main player with the perfect support – a cool, creamy, and crunchy merging that celebrates summer’s juiciest bounty in the very best way.

Tomato Saltine Salad

15 minutes to prepare serves 6-8

Ingredients

  • 4-5 medium, ripe tomatoes, diced
  • 1 sleeve saltine crackers, roughly crushed
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 2/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 eggs, hard-boiled, chopped (optional)
  • kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Preparation

  1. Combine tomatoes and mayonnaise in a medium bowl and gently toss together.
  2. Season with salt and pepper, and stir in hard-boiled eggs, if using.
  3. Fold in crushed saltines and green onions, then serve immediately. Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from 4 Sons 'R' Us.