Imagine a culinary journey that captures the essence of Cretan cuisine in just one bite! Dakos Salata is not just a salad; it's a vibrant Mediterranean experience that combines crispy barley rusks, juicy tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese into a simple yet extraordinary dish. This traditional Greek recipe is so much more than a side dish – it's a celebration of fresh ingredients and centuries-old culinary traditions that will make your taste buds dance with delight!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Cretan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 barley rusks
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients needed for the Dakos Salata Cretan Salad: barley rusks, tomatoes, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare the barley rusks by placing them on a serving platter. If they are too hard, you can briefly soak them in water or drizzle with a little olive oil to soften them slightly, but do not make them soggy.
- Wash the tomatoes thoroughly under running water. Dice the tomatoes into small cubes and set aside in a mixing bowl.
- Take the feta cheese and crumble it into small pieces. You can use your hands or a fork for this. Add the crumbled feta to the bowl with the diced tomatoes.
- Next, prepare the Kalamata olives. If they are not already pitted, ensure you remove the pits and then slice the olives. Add the sliced olives to the mixing bowl with the tomatoes and feta.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This will be your dressing for the salad.
- Pour the dressing over the mixture of tomatoes, feta, and olives in the bowl. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well combined and coated with the dressing.
- Now, take the prepared barley rusks and top them generously with the salad mixture. Make sure to distribute the tomatoes, feta, and olives evenly over each rusk.
- For an extra touch, you can drizzle a little more olive oil over the top of the assembled salad, if desired.
- Serve the Dakos Salata immediately, allowing each person to enjoy the crunchy rusks topped with the fresh and flavorful salad mixture. Enjoy your Cretan salad!
Tips
- Choose high-quality ingredients: The secret to an authentic Dakos Salata lies in using fresh, ripe tomatoes and authentic Greek feta cheese.
- Don't oversoak the rusks: A light drizzle of olive oil is enough to soften the barley rusks. Too much moisture will make them soggy and ruin the signature crunch.
- Use extra virgin olive oil: Opt for a high-quality Greek olive oil to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Serve immediately: Dakos Salata is best enjoyed right after preparation to maintain the rusks' crispy texture.
- Customize to your taste: Feel free to add fresh herbs like oregano or basil for an extra burst of flavor.
- Temperature matters: Serve at room temperature to allow the flavors to fully develop and blend together.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
