Tomato Firecracker Salad
Tomato Firecracker Salad combines juicy tomatoes, creamy ranch dressing, and spicy seasoned crackers for the ultimate side dish! Perfect for summer gatherings and easy weeknight dinners.
If you love bold flavors and crave a little crunch in every bite, this Tomato Firecracker Salad is about to be your new favorite side dish.
Juicy, marinated tomatoes meet crispy, ranch-seasoned firecracker crackers for an explosion of flavor. It’s creamy, tangy, a little spicy, and absolutely irresistible!
This salad is perfect for BBQs and potlucks or as a fresh twist on a classic tomato side. Bonus?
You can make it ahead of time, so all you have to do is assemble it and serve when you’re ready.
What to Serve with Tomato Firecracker Salad
This bold and creamy salad pairs beautifully with:
✔️ Grilled chicken or steak
Papa’s Perfect Grilled Ribeye is an excellent choice for a main dish!
✔️ BBQ ribs or pulled pork
Easy Pulled Pork Shoulder pairs so well with the tomato firecracker salad!
✔️ Crispy fried fish or shrimp
✔️ A big, juicy burger
✔️ Corn on the cob & baked beans
✔️ Fresh summer salads like cucumber or coleslaw
Final Thoughts
This Tomato Firecracker Salad is the ultimate combination of creamy, spicy, crunchy, and fresh!
Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, looking for a unique side dish, or just craving a flavor-packed salad, this recipe is a must-make.
Try it out and let me know how you like it!
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Tomato Firecracker Salad
Description
This Tomato Firecracker Salad combines juicy tomatoes, creamy ranch dressing, and spicy seasoned crackers for the ultimate side dish! Perfect for summer gatherings and easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Firecrackers:
- 2 TBS Ranch Powder
- 2 TBS Straight Fire Seasoning (or any hot spice blend you love!)
- 1/2 cup Olive Oil
- 2 Sleeves Saltine Crackers
Tomato Salad:
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 1/2 cup Mayo
- 2 TBS Ranch Powder
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 lb. Campari Tomatoes, quartered (or any tomatoes you have!)
- 1 pint Grape Tomatoes, halved
- 3 Green Onions, sliced (reserve green tops for garnish)
Instructions
How to Make the Firecrackers:
- In a zip-top bag, combine the ranch powder, Straight Fire seasoning, and olive oil. Smoosh it around to mix well.
- Add the crackers, seal the bag tightly, and gently flip it over a few times to coat everything evenly.
- Let the bag sit on the counter for 8-24 hours, flipping occasionally to ensure even seasoning.
How to Make the Tomato Salad:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, mayo, ranch powder, and black pepper.
- Add the quartered Campari tomatoes, halved grape tomatoes, and the white + light green parts of the sliced green onions. Stir gently to coat everything in the creamy dressing.
- Cover and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before serving.
Assembling the Salad:
- Place the firecrackers at the bottom of a large serving bowl.
- Pour the creamy marinated tomatoes over the top.
- Use a spatula to gently toss everything together (it’s okay if some crackers break!).
- Garnish with the reserved green onion tops and serve immediately!
