Georgia Cracker Salad

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I first tasted Georgia Cracker Salad at a Southern potluck, and it immediately won me over with its curious simplicity and bold flavor. Imagine a cross between an egg salad and a tomato sandwich, with buttery crackers adding just the right crunch — that’s what you get in this humble yet absolutely crave-worthy dish. It’s creamy, tangy, and filled with fresh bursts of tomato and dill, making it a perfect option for a casual lunch, side dish, or even a last-minute gathering.

What I love most about this salad is how unapologetically Southern it is. The ingredients are basic — pantry staples, really — but the end result is far from ordinary. I make this when I want something comforting, easy, and just a little nostalgic. It’s a true example of how simple ingredients, when treated with care, can shine brighter than the fanciest recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Georgia Cracker Salad

Georgia Cracker Salad is the ultimate mix of comfort and crunch. It’s creamy from the mayo and eggs, fresh from the tomatoes and onions, and full of texture thanks to the crumbled saltine crackers. It’s quick to toss together and surprisingly filling. Whether you’re making it for a picnic, a potluck, or just a light dinner, this dish always gets people talking — and coming back for seconds.

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What Kind of Crackers Should I Use?

Classic saltines are the go-to cracker for Georgia Cracker Salad. They have just the right amount of salt and break down beautifully in the salad without turning soggy too fast. If you want a little extra flavor, you could experiment with butter crackers or even a cracked pepper variety, but stick to thinner, crisp crackers so they meld properly with the creamy base.

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Options for Substitutions

• Mayonnaise: If you’re not a fan of traditional mayo, try using Duke’s for a tangy Southern twist, or opt for a mayo alternative like Greek yogurt for a lighter take.
• Red Onion: You can swap in sweet onions or green onions if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Tomatoes: Any ripe, juicy tomato works — cherry, grape, Roma, or even heirloom tomatoes for a more colorful presentation.
• Dill: Fresh dill is classic, but dried dill can work in a pinch. Parsley or chives are other great herbs to mix in.
• Eggs: The hard-boiled eggs give it structure and protein. You could skip them, but the salad won’t be as rich.

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Ingredients for This Georgia Cracker Salad

• Saltine Crackers – These form the heart of the salad’s texture, offering a salty crunch that softens slightly as it soaks up the creamy dressing.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs – They add richness, protein, and a classic Southern comfort-food feel to every bite.
• Tomatoes – Fresh, juicy, and chopped, tomatoes bring acidity and brightness that balances the richness of the eggs and mayo.
• Red Onion – For a bit of bite and color contrast; they liven up the flavor and keep the salad from tasting flat.
• Mayonnaise – Acts as the creamy binder that brings everything together. It’s key to the texture and overall Southern flavor.
• Fresh Dill – Brings a herby brightness that makes the salad taste fresh and well-rounded.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Simple seasonings that enhance the existing flavors without overpowering them.

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Step 1: Prep the Eggs

Start by hard-boiling your eggs. Place them in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot, turn off the heat, and let sit for 10–12 minutes. Then transfer the eggs to an ice bath to cool before peeling and chopping.

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Step 2: Chop the Veggies

Dice your tomatoes into bite-sized chunks, and finely chop the red onion. If using large tomatoes, remove excess seeds and juice to avoid a watery salad.

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Step 3: Crush the Crackers

Lightly crush the saltine crackers by hand. You want chunks, not crumbs — think bite-sized pieces that still give a good crunch.

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Step 4: Combine the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped eggs, tomatoes, red onion, and crushed crackers. Gently fold together with a spatula to avoid turning everything to mush.

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Step 5: Add the Mayo and Dill

Spoon in the mayonnaise and sprinkle in the chopped fresh dill. Start with a smaller amount of mayo and add more as needed to coat the ingredients evenly. Stir until everything is well combined.

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Step 6: Season to Taste

Add salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Give it one final gentle stir, and adjust seasoning if needed. You can also add a dash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy kick.

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Step 7: Serve Immediately

This salad is best served fresh, while the crackers still hold a bit of crunch. Garnish with extra dill on top for a bright, fresh finish.

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How Long to Prepare the Georgia Cracker Salad

Making Georgia Cracker Salad is incredibly fast, making it perfect for when you need something satisfying in a pinch.

Prep Time: Most of your time will be spent boiling and cooling the eggs, which takes about 15 minutes. While the eggs are cooking, you can chop the vegetables and prep the crackers, saving valuable time. Overall, active prep time is roughly 10–15 minutes if you’re multitasking.

Total Time: Including boiling the eggs and assembly, the salad comes together in about 25 minutes. No cooking beyond the eggs is required, making it ideal for hot weather days when you want to avoid the stove.

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Tips for Perfect Georgia Cracker Salad

• Use ripe, firm tomatoes to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
• Add the crackers just before serving to maintain texture and avoid sogginess.
• Adjust the mayo gradually — start with less and add more to your desired creaminess.
• Chill the salad briefly before serving to meld the flavors together.
• Use high-quality mayo like Duke’s for an authentic Southern taste.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Over-crushing the crackers: Too fine and they’ll turn mushy immediately.
• Using watery tomatoes: This dilutes the dressing and makes the salad soggy.
• Over-mixing: This can break down the eggs and crackers too much. Stir gently.
• Making too far ahead: The crackers will lose all crunch. Best eaten fresh.
• Under-seasoning: Salt and pepper are essential to enhance the simple ingredients.

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What to Serve With Georgia Cracker Salad?

1. Grilled Chicken

Lightly seasoned grilled chicken makes a perfect protein-packed main dish alongside the salad.

2. Sweet Tea

A Southern classic, sweet tea balances the savory, creamy elements with its refreshing sweetness.

3. Cornbread Muffins

Fluffy, slightly sweet cornbread adds another comforting element and makes the meal feel hearty.

4. Sliced Watermelon

For a juicy, sweet contrast, watermelon is refreshing and cooling next to this creamy dish.

5. Pickled Vegetables

Tangy, crunchy pickles or pickled okra offer sharpness that cuts through the richness.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Georgia Cracker Salad is best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The crackers will lose their crunch, but the flavors will still be tasty.

Make Ahead Tip: You can prep the eggs, tomatoes, onions, and dill in advance and store them separately. Crush and mix the crackers in just before serving to preserve texture.

Not Freezer-Friendly: Due to the mayo and cracker content, freezing is not recommended.

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Estimated Nutrition

Note: These values are approximate per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 310 kcal
• Protein: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Cholesterol: 185mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the crackers from getting soggy?

Add the crushed crackers just before serving. They will absorb some moisture, but keeping them larger helps retain crunch.

Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of regular tomatoes?

Absolutely. Cherry or grape tomatoes work great and are less watery, which helps maintain a better texture.

Is it possible to make this dish egg-free?

Yes, you can skip the eggs or use a plant-based egg substitute, though the richness will be reduced.

Can I use Miracle Whip instead of mayo?

You can, but it will give the salad a sweeter flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning accordingly.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prep all ingredients in advance but only mix everything — especially the crackers — right before serving.

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Conclusion

Georgia Cracker Salad is a celebration of Southern simplicity, taking humble pantry ingredients and transforming them into something bright, creamy, and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, as a side dish, or at a potluck, it’s sure to be a hit with its refreshing crunch and nostalgic charm. Keep the crackers crispy, the ingredients fresh, and don’t forget the dill — it’s the secret that ties it all together.

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