How to prepare a Dakos salad

Dakos salad, also known as “Koukouvagia” or “Cretan barley rusk salad,” is a traditional Greek dish that features the flavors of ripe tomatoes, barley rusk, feta cheese, and olive oil.

serves 4 

Ingredients:

• 4 large barley rusks (or substitute with whole wheat rusks or toasted bread)
• 4 ripe tomatoes or 12-16 cherry tomatoes
• 1 small red onion – sliced thinly
•  2-3 spring onions – sliced finely
• 12 Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 200 grams of feta cheese, crumbled
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh or dried (fresh is unavailable) oregano
• 1 bunch rock samphire – cleaned
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish, optional).

Preparation:

1. Soak the Rusks: Place the barley rusks in a shallow bowl or large plate. Pour some water over the rusks to moisten them, ensuring they are evenly soaked. Let them sit for a few minutes until they soften slightly. Note that the rusks should retain some texture and not become overly soggy.
2. Prepare the Toppings: Wash the tomatoes and cut them into small chunks or wedges. Thinly slice the red onion. Crumble the feta cheese into small pieces.
3. Assemble the Salad: Take each soaked rusk and place it on a serving plate. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over each rusk, allowing it to absorb some of the oil. Arrange the tomato chunks on top of the rusks. Sprinkle the sliced red onions and Kalamata olives over the tomatoes. Add the crumbled feta cheese on top.
4. Season the Salad: Sprinkle dried oregano, salt, and pepper over each salad, adjusting the amounts to your taste preferences. The oregano adds a delightful aroma and flavor to the dish.
5. Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish the salads with fresh parsley or basil leaves for added freshness. The vibrant green herbs enhance the presentation. Serve the Dakos salads immediately, allowing the flavors to meld together and the rusks to retain some of their crunch.

Dakos salad is a delicious and satisfying dish, perfect for a light lunch or as an appetizer. It showcases the rich flavors of Greek cuisine, combining the sweetness of ripe tomatoes, the tanginess of feta cheese, and the earthiness of barley rusks. Enjoy this authentic Cretan specialty!