Savor bold Mediterranean flavors with this quick and irresistible Olive Tapenade Recipe. Briny, garlicky, and full of herby goodness, it’s the perfect summer appetizer to enjoy with crackers, crostini, or a warm, crusty baguette.
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 15 minutes.
How Many Servings?
6-8 servings
This bold and briny Olive Tapenade has been a star at my catering tables — and a personal fridge favorite. I’ve definitely been caught sneaking spoonfuls straight from the jar! It’s rich, savory, and just the right kind of addictive. Packed with heart-healthy fats and vibrant Mediterranean flavor, this spread is as nourishing as it is delicious.
Fun fact: Tapenade actually hails from southern France, and gets its name from tapenas — the Provençal word for capers. Traditionally made with olives, capers, and sometimes anchovies, this spread comes together in just 15 minutes and is perfect on crostini, in sandwiches, or as part of a charcuterie board. Simple, bold, and impossible to resist.
Ingredients of Olive Tapenade
- Diverse Olives Blend: The Olive Tapenade ingredients are meticulously chosen for a burst of flavors. Opting for pimento-stuffed olives, Kalamata and Castelvetrano green olives offer a delightful balance of sweet, bold, and buttery flavors that form the tapenade’s base. Each olive variety is crucial, making every bite exciting and satisfying.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Artichoke Hearts: What does Olive Tapenade taste like with these additions? The sun-dried tomatoes infuse the spread with a tangy sweetness. At the same time, artichoke hearts contribute a nutty undertone, adding complexity and appeal to the tapenade.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh oregano and parsley are not just ingredients in Olive tapenade; they are the soul of this recipe, adding bright and aromatic notes that make the spread refreshing and irresistibly delicious.
Preparation Insights
- Salt Control: Olives can vary in saltiness, so give them a quick rinse before blending. Leave the capers as-is — they bring just the right punch. This way, you strike a perfect balance: flavorful, but not overly salty.
- Quick Pulse, Perfect Texture: Texture makes or breaks a good tapenade. Start by mincing the garlic so its flavor spreads evenly. Then pulse everything in a food processor for just 10–15 seconds — you want a coarse, spreadable consistency, not a paste. A few short bursts are all it takes!
With these quick tips, you’re ready to whip up a bold, briny olive tapenade that hits all the right notes — savory, salty, and perfectly textured. Let’s get into it!
How to Serve Olive Tapenade
Versatile and flavorful, this Mediterranean spread can be used in various delightful ways – as a topping, a standalone snack, or a sandwich spread, proving its versatility and appeal in every bite.
- Versatile Spread: Olive tapenade shines as a versatile addition to various dishes. Spread it generously on slices of crusty bread or crackers for a quick and delightful snack. Its robust flavor enhances the taste, turning a simple bite into a gourmet experience.
- Topping for Proteins: Thinking of grilling chicken, fish, or steaks? A spoonful of Olive tapenade as a topping can transform your grilled proteins. Its savory and slightly tangy profile complements the smokiness of grilled dishes, adding an irresistible layer of flavor.
- Sandwich Spread: Revamp your sandwiches with this flavorful spread! Smear Olive Tapenade on your sandwich bread, and it instantly elevates the taste, making each bite a celebration of flavors. Whether a vegetable sandwich or a classic turkey, the tapenade adds a delightful twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Olives
Blend the Ingredients
Add Herbs & Seasoning
This step infuses the tapenade with bright, herby flavor and a subtle kick of heat.
Add Olive Oil & Lemon Zest
Final Touches
How to Serve Olive Tapenade
Serve your olive tapenade with warm baguette slices, crispy crackers, or toasted pita bread for an easy and elegant appetizer. It also makes a delicious topping for grilled chicken or fish, or a flavor-packed spread for sandwiches and wraps. Whether you're entertaining or snacking solo, it’s a bold, briny bite that always delivers.
Dive into the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with this easy-to-make Olive Tapenade Spread! This Mediterranean spread is a delightful addition to your recipe collection, perfect for gatherings or a simple snack, offering a burst of savory goodness in every bite.
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 15 minutes.
How Many Servings?
6-8 servings
Ingredients:
| 8 oz pimento-stuffed olives (about 1 cup) | |
| 6 oz Castelvetrano green olives pitted | |
| 4 oz pitted kalamata olives | |
| 3 oz artichoke heart from a jar | |
| 2 tablespoons capers | |
| 2 tablespoons sun dried tomatoes | |
| 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts (optional) | |
| 3 garlic cloves minced | |
| 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, finely chopped | |
| 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped | |
| Pinch of dried oregano | |
| Pinch of crushed red pepper | |
| 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil | |
| 1 lemon zest |
Preparation
If your olives taste overly salty, give them a quick rinse under cold water to mellow the flavor. Then, drain them thoroughly — excess moisture can make your tapenade watery instead of rich and spreadable.
In a food processor, combine the olives, artichoke hearts, capers, sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts (if using), and minced garlic. Pulse for about 15 seconds, just until everything is finely chopped but still has some texture — you’re aiming for a spreadable mix, not a purée.
Add half of the fresh oregano, fresh parsley, dried oregano, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the food processor. Pulse briefly, just enough to mix in the herbs without over-processing — you still want that rustic texture. This step infuses the tapenade with bright, herby flavor and a subtle kick of heat.
Drizzle in the olive oil and sprinkle in the lemon zest. Pulse the mixture one last time until everything is well combined but still slightly chunky. Be careful not to over-blend — you’re aiming for a spread with character, not a smooth paste. That little bit of texture is what makes tapenade so irresistible.
Transfer the tapenade to a serving bowl. Gently stir in the remaining fresh oregano and parsley by hand — this final step adds bright bursts of fresh flavor and makes the spread visually pop with those vibrant green flecks. It’s a small detail that makes a big impact in both taste and presentation.
Serve your olive tapenade with warm baguette slices, crispy crackers, or toasted pita bread for an easy and elegant appetizer. It also makes a delicious topping for grilled chicken or fish, or a flavor-packed spread for sandwiches and wraps. Whether you're entertaining or snacking solo, it’s a bold, briny bite that always delivers.
Nutrition Information
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.
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I would love to hear from you! If you try this Olive Tapenade Spread recipe, please leave a comment below sharing your experience and any variations you explored. Your feedback is invaluable, and your twists on the recipe might inspire others!