Paximadia Bruschetta Cretan Barley Rusk Meze
Elevate your appetizer game with Paximadia Bruschetta, a traditional Cretan barley rusk meze bursting with Mediterranean flavors. This no-cook recipe features crispy paximadia (barley rusks) lightly softened with a quick dip in water, then layered with juicy grated tomatoes, creamy crumbled feta cheese, and a drizzle of rich extra virgin olive oil. Finished with a sprinkle of oregano and optional black olives or capers for a briny kick, this dish is a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Ready in just 10 minutes, this Greek-inspired bruschetta makes a delightful meze or light appetizer that will transport you straight to a sunny Cretan taverna. Perfect for Mediterranean diet enthusiasts and quick appetizer lovers alike!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 pieces Barley rusks (paximadia)
- 3 medium Ripe tomatoes
- 100 grams Feta cheese
- 4 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Fresh oregano leaves or dried oregano
- 6 pieces Black olives (optional)
- 2 teaspoons Capers (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoon Sea salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 1 cup Water
Instructions
Place the barley rusks on a large serving plate.
Briefly dip each rusk into a bowl of water for 2-3 seconds to slightly soften them. Be careful not to over-soak.
Grate or finely chop the ripe tomatoes into a bowl, discarding any large chunks of skin.
Season the grated tomatoes with sea salt and ground black pepper, and stir to combine.
Spoon the tomato mixture evenly over each barley rusk, spreading it to cover the top surface.
Crumble the feta cheese into small pieces, and distribute it evenly over the tomato-covered rusks.
Drizzle extra virgin olive oil generously over each bruschetta.
Sprinkle fresh oregano leaves or dried oregano across the bruschetta for added flavor.
Top with black olives or capers if using, for an extra savory touch.
Serve immediately as a meze (appetizer) with additional olive oil on the side for dipping if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
259 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.8 g | 19% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.1 g | 21% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 15 mg | 5% | |
| Sodium | 641 mg | 28% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 25.1 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.9 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.1 g | ||
| Protein | 6.4 g | 13% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 122 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 1.7 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 188 mg | 4% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
