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Olive tapenade is a classic appetizer made with chopped olives, capers, herbs, and olive oil. It’s a delicious and versatile spread that’s perfect for serving with crusty bread or crackers.

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Welcome to the world of Mediterranean flavors with our irresistible Olive Tapenade recipe.

This traditional dish originating from Provence, France, is celebrated for its rich, robust taste and versatility.

Whether you’re hosting a soirée, preparing a cozy dinner, or simply seeking to elevate your appetizer game, this Olive Tapenade is sure to impress.

Crafted from a harmonious blend of piquant olives, aromatic herbs, tangy capers, and zesty lemon juice, this recipe promises a burst of savory goodness in every bite.

Its smooth yet textured consistency, coupled with the vibrant medley of flavors

Want to expand your recipe repertoire? These Bacon Ranch Crack Pasta Salad and Pasta Primavera are both easy to make and delicious!

Why I Love This Recipe

Bursting with Mediterranean flavors
Versatile and adaptable to various dishes
Perfect for entertaining or everyday indulgence
Quick and effortless to prepare can be whipped up in just a few minutes.
Packed with a delightful combination of olives, sundried tomatoes, garlic, and capers, it’s the perfect accompaniment to bread, crackers, sandwiches, or as a savory topping for grilled meat and fish.

Ingredients

green pitted olives
black pitted olives
sun-dried tomatoes
extra virgin olive oil
fresh parsley
garlic
capers
lemon

Step by Step

Start by draining the olives and rinsing them under cold water to remove any excess brine or salt.
In a food processor, combine the black olives, green olives, capers, sundried tomatoes, parsley, peeled garlic cloves, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil.
Pulse the ingredients in the food processor until they are finely chopped and well combined. You can adjust the texture to your liking by pulsing the mixture for a shorter or longer time.
Once the tapenade is blended to your desired consistency, taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more lemon juice for acidity, extra olive oil for richness, or salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
Transfer the homemade olive tapenade to a serving bowl or jar. Serve it as a delicious appetizer alongside toasted crostini, crackers, or fresh vegetables. It also makes a delightful topping for grilled bread, sandwiches, pasta dishes, or as a flavorful addition to salads and antipasto platters.

Tips for best results

If your olives still have pits, make sure to remove them before making the tapenade. This prevents any unpleasant surprises while enjoying the spread.
Olive oil not only adds flavor but also helps bind the ingredients together, so be sure not to skip it.
For the best flavor, allow the tapenade to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and develop.

Serving suggestions

The Olive Tapenade Recipe pairs impeccably with an array of dishes, adding a burst of flavor to everything!

Toasted crostini or crackers
Grilled bread or sandwiches, like our truffle roast beef sandwich
Pasta dishes or salads
Spread on grilled chicken, steak, or fish before serving
With crackers, meats, and cheeses on antipasto platters or charcuterie boards

Variations

Elevate your tapenade by exploring these variations to make it your own:

Add roasted red peppers for a hint of sweetness
Incorporate anchovies for an extra depth of flavor
Mix in herbs like fresh basil or oregano for a fragrant twist
Experiment with different olive varieties like kalamata olives or castelvetrano olives for unique flavor profiles

Storage

This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

To maintain its freshness and flavor, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the top of the tapenade before sealing the container. This will help create a protective barrier and prevent oxidation.

If you try this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!