Traditional Greek Dakos Salad

Ingredients

• 4 dakos (Cretan barley rusks) 4 dakos (Cretan barley rusks)
• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 200g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled 200g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 5g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Place the dakos in a shallow dish and pour enough water over them to cover. Allow them to soak for about 5 minutes until softened.
2. 2.
   Once softened, remove the dakos from the water and place them on a serving plate.
3. 3.
   Top each dakos with a generous amount of diced tomatoes.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the tomatoes.
5. 5.
   Scatter the Kalamata olives on top.
6. 6.
   Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the salad.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle the dried oregano and a pinch of salt over the salad.
8. 8.
   Serve immediately and enjoy the flavors of Greece.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Dakos — Make sure to soak the dakos in water for the specified time to achieve the desired softness. If you prefer a more olive oil-infused flavor, you can soak the dakos in extra virgin olive oil instead of water.
• Feta cheese — Opt for high-quality feta cheese made from sheep's milk for an authentic Greek taste. If you can't find feta, you can substitute it with goat cheese or a crumbly white cheese with a tangy flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For added freshness, garnish the salad with a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil.
• To enhance the flavors, drizzle a few drops of balsamic glaze over the salad before serving.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top.
• Customize the salad by adding thinly sliced red onions or cucumber for extra crunch and flavor.
• Serve the Dakos salad as a light lunch or appetizer, accompanied by a glass of chilled white wine.

Serving advice

Serve the Dakos salad immediately after preparation to enjoy the perfect balance of textures. The dakos should be slightly softened but still retain some crunch. Pair it with a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing Greek lemonade for a complete Mediterranean experience.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Dakos salad on a large platter, allowing the vibrant colors of the tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives to shine through. Sprinkle some additional dried oregano on top for an extra pop of color. Serve the salad with a rustic wooden serving spoon to add a touch of authenticity to the presentation.