Georgia Cracker Salad

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Georgia Cracker Salad is a true Southern gem — a creamy, crunchy, tangy, and downright addictive dish that turns humble pantry staples into something irresistible. Often compared to a deconstructed egg salad with a Southern twist, it blends crushed saltine crackers, chopped hard-boiled eggs, juicy tomatoes, onions, and a generous dollop of mayonnaise. What emerges is a rustic salad full of flavor and texture, perfect for potlucks, quick lunches, or backyard gatherings.

This old-school classic from Georgia is beloved for its simplicity and surprising richness. It’s a no-fuss, big-flavor kind of dish that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly unique. Whether served as a side, a dip, or a light meal, Georgia Cracker Salad brings a punch of savory comfort in every bite — creamy from the mayo, crisp from the crackers, with bright pops from fresh herbs and ripe tomatoes.

Why You’ll Love This Georgia Cracker Salad

• It’s incredibly easy and quick to make — no fancy steps or equipment needed.
• Requires minimal ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
• It’s the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and fresh.
• Great as a side, lunch, or potluck hit.
• Customizable with add-ins like bacon, pickles, or hot sauce.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you begin, have these essential tools ready:

• Mixing Bowl: A large bowl to combine all your ingredients comfortably without spilling.
• Fork or Potato Masher: Ideal for gently mashing eggs to the right texture.
• Knife & Cutting Board: For dicing tomatoes, onions, and chopping herbs.
• Spoon or Rubber Spatula: For folding everything together without breaking down the crackers too much.
• Egg Boiler or Saucepan: To hard-boil the eggs.
  Each tool plays a key role in maintaining the salad’s balance of creaminess and crunch, and speeds up your prep.

Preparation Tips

To make the best Georgia Cracker Salad, use ripe, juicy tomatoes and good-quality mayo — they’re the flavor anchors. Boil the eggs ahead of time and let them cool completely before peeling. Crush the saltine crackers just before mixing so they stay crisp rather than soggy. Gently fold ingredients together to avoid turning it into a paste — you want chunks and layers of texture. Add the mayo last and adjust based on your desired creaminess. A sprinkle of fresh dill or chives right before serving lifts the flavors beautifully.

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Ingredients for this Georgia Cracker Salad

• 5 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 1 large ripe tomato, diced (or 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved)
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 sleeve saltine crackers (about 35-40 crackers), crushed by hand
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably Duke’s for Southern authenticity)
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional additions: crumbled bacon, diced pickles, splash of hot sauce, chopped chives or parsley

Step 1: Boil and Prep the Eggs

Start by hard-boiling your eggs. Place them in a saucepan, cover with cold water, bring to a boil, then cover and remove from heat. Let them sit for 12 minutes. Cool them under cold water, peel, and chop coarsely.

Step 2: Chop the Fresh Ingredients

Dice the ripe tomato and finely chop the red onion. If you’re using herbs like dill or chives, chop them finely. Set everything aside for easy mixing.

Step 3: Crush the Crackers

Right before combining the ingredients, crush the saltines gently with your hands or inside a zip-top bag. You want bite-sized pieces — not powder — to retain a crunchy texture.

Step 4: Combine the Salad Base

In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped eggs, tomatoes, onions, and herbs. Gently fold in the crushed crackers to keep their structure intact.

Step 5: Add Mayonnaise and Seasoning

Spoon in the mayonnaise and fold it gently into the mix until everything is coated. Start with 1/2 cup, and add more if needed to reach your desired creaminess. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 6: Add Extras (Optional)

At this stage, you can mix in extra ingredients like crispy bacon bits, a splash of hot sauce for heat, or diced pickles for tang. These extras bring layers of flavor but aren’t necessary for the classic version.

Step 7: Serve Immediately or Chill Briefly

This salad is best served right after mixing to enjoy the crispness of the crackers. If chilling, only do so for a short time (15–30 minutes), as longer storage softens the crackers too much.

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Notes

Georgia Cracker Salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the crackers begin to soften quickly after mixing. It’s a great way to use up leftover hard-boiled eggs and can be easily customized based on your preferences. The simplicity of this salad is its charm — don’t overthink it. Stick to fresh, flavorful ingredients and you’ll always have a winner. For a lighter version, try mixing mayo with a bit of Greek yogurt or sour cream.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using overly juicy tomatoes: Excess moisture can make the crackers soggy too fast. Choose firm, ripe tomatoes and drain excess juice.
• Mixing too early: Only combine the crackers just before serving to preserve their texture.
• Overmixing: Gentle folding is key. Stirring too much will break down the eggs and crackers.
• Wrong mayo: The flavor hinges on good mayo — avoid low-fat or overly sweet brands.
• Not seasoning properly: Don’t forget to taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.

Storage Instructions

While Georgia Cracker Salad tastes best fresh, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. Be aware the texture will become softer as the crackers absorb moisture. For meal prep, you can chop and store all components separately and mix them just before serving.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving — based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 310 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 210mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of crackers should I use?

Saltine crackers are traditional and provide the best texture and saltiness. Avoid flavored or buttered crackers.

Can I make Georgia Cracker Salad ahead of time?

You can prep the components ahead of time, but don’t combine them until right before serving to keep the crackers crisp.

Is this salad served hot or cold?

It’s meant to be served cold or at room temperature.

Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of regular ones?

Yes! Cherry tomatoes are often less watery and provide great sweetness and bite.

Is there a substitute for mayonnaise?

You can mix Greek yogurt or sour cream with a bit of mayo to lighten it up. Full substitutions may change the flavor profile.

How long does this salad keep?

Ideally, serve it within 30 minutes of mixing. Leftovers can be stored for a day but will lose crunch.

Can I add protein like chicken or tuna?

Yes, shredded chicken or tuna can be added to make it a more filling meal.

What herbs go best with this salad?

Fresh dill, parsley, and chives work wonderfully. Dried herbs are less effective for this recipe.

Conclusion

Georgia Cracker Salad is a timeless Southern dish that proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up something crowd-pleasing, nostalgic, and satisfying. Whether you’re introducing it to new palates or reliving childhood flavors, this salad brings joy to the table in the most effortless way.

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