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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:
1X
2X
3X
Adjust Servings
| 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
1
Prepare the Olives
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.
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.
2
Blend the Ingredients
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.
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.
3
Add Herbs & Seasoning
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.
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.
4
Add Olive Oil & Lemon Zest
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.
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.
5
Final Touches
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.
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.
6
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.
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.