Tomato and Cracker Salad 🍅🥗

This refreshing and crunchy Tomato and Cracker Salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at your next summer barbecue. The vibrant colors and the mix of textures make it visually appealing, while the combination of juicy tomatoes and crispy crackers creates a delightful culinary experience. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Pair it with a chilled glass of lemonade for a perfect summer vibe! 🍋🥶

Ingredients

For the salad

• 4 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 1 cup of crackers (your choice: saltines, Ritz, or whole grain)
• 1/2 cup of fresh basil, chopped

For the dressing

• 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, and chopped basil.

🥗 Make sure you use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. The sweetness of the tomatoes will really shine through in this salad!

• In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper until well combined.

🍯 The honey adds a hint of sweetness to balance the acidity from the vinegar, but feel free to adjust the amount according to your taste!

• Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine all ingredients.

• Just before serving, crush the crackers into bite-sized pieces and fold them into the salad.

🥙 Adding the crackers at the last moment keeps them crunchy. If you mix them in too early, they might get soggy!

Variations

• Cheesy Delight: Add crumbled feta cheese or shredded mozzarella for a creamy touch. This will add a savory flavor and richness to the salad! 🧀
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to give your salad some heat. Perfect for spice lovers! 🌶️
• Vegan Option: For a completely plant-based salad, swap the honey for agave syrup in the dressing. This will maintain the sweetness without any animal products! 🌱
• Herbaceous Twist: Experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or cilantro to give your salad a unique flavor profile. 🌿

Enjoy your Tomato and Cracker Salad! 🌞✨