Can I make Georgia Cracker Salad ahead of time?

You can prep all the ingredients and keep them separately in the fridge, but don’t mix in the crackers until just before serving. This keeps them crisp and the texture perfect.

What type of mayonnaise works best?

Classic full-fat mayonnaise gives the richest flavor. However, light mayo or a half-and-half blend with Greek yogurt works beautifully if you want a lighter profile.

Are butter crackers better than saltines?

Both work! Butter crackers add a hint of richness, while saltines give that satisfyingly salty crunch. Feel free to use whichever you have on hand—or even mix both!

Can I add more vegetables or herbs?

Absolutely—you can toss in cucumbers, celery, fresh herbs like dill or parsley, or even a splash of hot sauce for extra flavor. This recipe loves a little improvisation!

Georgia Cracker Salad Recipe

Name: Georgia Cracker Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 35 to 40 saltine or butter crackers, roughly crushed; 1 large tomato, diced; 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions; 2 large hard-boiled eggs, roughly chopped; 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise (can substitute half with full-fat Greek yogurt); Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Get ready to fall in love with a Southern classic that’s as quirky as it is delicious—Georgia Cracker Salad. Imagine the flavor of a deviled egg, the creaminess of good potato salad, and the nostalgic crunch of buttery crackers, all tumbled together in one bowl. This salad is incredibly simple to make—just toss, mix, and serve! It’s a perfect solution for those evenings when you want something flavorful and satisfying on the table in no time. Whether you’re whipping up a quick lunch, a picnic side, or a fun addition to a potluck, Georgia Cracker Salad always delivers big taste with next to no effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Only basic pantry and fridge staples are needed, but each bite packs a delicious punch.
Fast and Fuss-Free: No complicated steps or fancy equipment required. You can have this salad ready in less than 10 minutes, making it a weeknight lifesaver.
Snack or Side: It works as a hearty side dish, a light meal, or even a late-night snack.
Old-Fashioned Charm: There’s something comforting about a dish that’s been passed down through generations—just classic Southern comfort at its finest.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Saltine or Butter Crackers: Provides crunch and a salty, savory backbone to the salad. Use your favorite plain crackers—saltines are classic, but butter crackers lend rich flavor.
Tomato: Diced fresh tomato brings sweetness and juiciness, balancing out the creamy dressing.
Scallions: Add a mild onion bite and a pop of color.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: Chopped eggs make the salad filling while adding a lovely richness—don’t skip these!
Mayonnaise: The classic creamy binder; choose a good-quality mayo for best flavor.
- Tip: You can swap half for full-fat Greek yogurt to lighten the texture and add a gentle tang.
Kosher Salt and Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: For simple, bold seasoning. Season generously for best results.
Optional Additions: A sprinkle of fresh herbs (dill or parsley) or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little kick.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Healthier Swap: As mentioned, swap half the mayo for full-fat Greek yogurt without losing creaminess.
Add Protein: Toss in flaked cooked chicken or tuna for a more substantial meal.
Vegetable Boost: Chopped celery, cucumber, or pickles are great for extra crunch.
Cheesy Twist: Some shredded cheddar or crumbled feta can be stirred in for a totally new spin.
Spicy Version: A pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce make this a zippy treat.

How to Make Georgia Cracker Salad

1. Crush the Crackers

Break saltine or butter crackers into bite-size chunks—no need to be precise, just crumble them with your hands. Large chunks give you that perfect rustic texture.

2. Mix the Base Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the diced tomatoes, chopped scallions, and chopped hard-boiled eggs.

3. Add the Creamy Dressing

Stir in the mayonnaise (and Greek yogurt if you’re using it). Season with kosher salt and a generous grind of black pepper. Don’t hold back—the creamy dressing is what ties the whole salad together.

4. Toss in the Crackers

Just before serving, add the crushed crackers and gently fold them into the mixture. The crackers should absorb a bit of the dressing while still keeping some crunch.

5. Serve

You can serve the salad right away for extra crunch, or refrigerate for 10–20 minutes if you like the crackers a bit softer and the flavors melded.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Add Crackers Last: Always toss the crackers in right before serving to keep the salad from getting soggy unless you prefer a softer texture.
Use Ripe Tomatoes: A juicy, ripe tomato makes all the difference—avoid mealy or refrigerator-cold tomatoes for the best burst of flavor.
Don’t Over-Stir: Mix just enough to combine; over mixing can make the crackers mushy.
Season Well: Go bold with black pepper—a peppery bite elevates all the creamy goodness.

How to Serve

Georgia Cracker Salad is perfectly at home at a barbecue, picnic, or as a light lunch with a fresh green salad on the side. It pairs wonderfully with fried chicken, barbecue ribs, or even a simple bowl of soup. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, scooped into lettuce cups, piled onto toast, or eaten straight from the bowl. For a truly Southern touch, offer it alongside sweet tea and watermelon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Note: This salad is best eaten fresh! If you do need to store leftovers, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 day. The crackers will soften but the flavors will still be delicious.

Freezing

Not recommended. The crackers will become mushy and lose their signature crunch.

Reheating

No reheating needed! Enjoy the salad cold or let it come up to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Georgia Cracker Salad ahead of time?

You can prep all the ingredients and keep them separately in the fridge, but don’t mix in the crackers until just before serving. This keeps them crisp and the texture perfect.
What type of mayonnaise works best?

Classic full-fat mayonnaise gives the richest flavor. However, light mayo or a half-and-half blend with Greek yogurt works beautifully if you want a lighter profile.
Are butter crackers better than saltines?

Both work! Butter crackers add a hint of richness, while saltines give that satisfyingly salty crunch. Feel free to use whichever you have on hand—or even mix both!
Can I add more vegetables or herbs?

Absolutely—you can toss in cucumbers, celery, fresh herbs like dill or parsley, or even a splash of hot sauce for extra flavor. This recipe loves a little improvisation!

Final Thoughts

Georgia Cracker Salad is one of those delightfully simple recipes that surprises everyone with how tasty and satisfying it is. Quick to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it’s just the thing for busy nights or lazy weekends when you want something outrageously good with hardly any effort. Don’t be afraid to make it your own, and definitely share this Southern gem with friends and family—it’s bound to be a new favorite. Give it a try, and let the irresistible flavors speak for themselves!