Name: Georgia Cracker Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 sleeve saltine crackers (about 36 crackers); 2 medium ripe tomatoes, diced; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped; 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Salt to taste

Creamy, crunchy, tangy, and just the right amount of salty—Georgia Cracker Salad is Southern comfort in a bowl. It’s not actually a “salad” in the leafy green sense, but rather a vintage-style blend of tomatoes, mayonnaise, saltines, and eggs that somehow transforms into a light yet rich dish perfect for summer gatherings.

This no-cook, 10-minute miracle is rooted in Southern tradition and is beloved for its simplicity and punchy flavor. It’s the kind of recipe your grandmother clipped from the newspaper, made every Sunday, and passed down like a culinary heirloom. Whether you’re serving it as a side at a potluck or a main with sweet tea on the porch, it brings flavor and nostalgia in every bite.

What Kind of Crackers Should I Use?

Saltines are the star of the show here. Their crisp, airy texture soaks up the creamy mayo and tomato juice just enough without going soggy too fast. Opt for regular salted saltines—avoid low-sodium or flavored versions. You want that salty snap to complement the freshness of the tomatoes.

Ingredients for the Georgia Cracker Salad

1 sleeve of saltine crackers (about 36 crackers)
2 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s is the Southern classic!)
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste

How To Make the Georgia Cracker Salad

Step 1: Crush the Crackers

Break the saltines into bite-sized pieces by hand—don’t crush them too finely. You want chunky texture, not breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, green onions, and mayonnaise. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

Step 3: Fold in the Crackers

Add the crushed crackers to the bowl and gently fold them into the mayo mixture. Work quickly—saltines can lose their crispness fast.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Add black pepper and salt to taste. Serve immediately for the best crunch, or chill for 10 minutes to let the flavors marry.

How to Serve and Store Georgia Cracker Salad

Georgia Cracker Salad is best enjoyed fresh—ideally within 15 minutes of mixing—so the saltines stay just the right amount of crisp before softening. Serve it in a chilled bowl as a unique side dish for cookouts, picnics, or casual dinners. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, fried chicken, or even a bowl of soup.

If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. Just note: the crackers will soften significantly, creating a more pudding-like texture. Still tasty, just not crunchy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of regular tomatoes?

Yes! Cherry or grape tomatoes bring a slightly sweeter taste and hold their shape better. Halve or quarter them for best results.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

You could try sour cream or Greek yogurt, but keep in mind the tang will be sharper. Mayo is what gives it that classic Southern richness.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

You can chop and prep all ingredients ahead, but don’t mix in the crackers until just before serving.

Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, it is vegetarian! Just make sure your mayo doesn’t contain any non-vegetarian additives.

Can I add other ingredients?

Sure! Try tossing in some crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, or even pickled jalapeños for a flavor twist.

Want More Salad Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re into unique Southern-style salads and side dishes, here are a few you might want to try next:

Broccoli Salad for a crunchy, creamy bite with a hint of bacon.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts as a rich main to serve with this salad.
Candied Jalapeños if you like a sweet and spicy kick.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a creamy complement.
Nutella French Toast Casserole if you’re making brunch and want a sweet balance.

📌 Save this Georgia Cracker Salad to your Pinterest board so you can make it for your next picnic or potluck.

And don’t forget to drop a comment below—did you swap the mayo? Add jalapeños? Make it spicy? I love hearing your spins on these nostalgic recipes.

Looking for more comfort food with Southern flair? Come hang out on Pinterest @NinaDishes where I share new favorites daily.

Georgia Cracker Salad

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Georgia Cracker Salad is a creamy, tangy Southern staple made with crushed saltines, juicy tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, green onions, and mayonnaise. It’s the perfect no-cook dish for hot summer days—simple, nostalgic, and full of flavor.