olive tapenade
Olive tapenade highlighted in a quick recipe. Perfect for appetizers or salads, brings Mediterranean flavor to your table now!
Ingredients
Method
- In a food processor, add black olives, green olives, capers, garlic, and the optional anchovy if using. Pulse until all ingredients are coarsely chopped.
- Add the lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, and black pepper to the processor. Pulse again, scraping down the sides, until a chunky spread forms. Do not overprocess—the texture should not be smooth.
- Taste the tapenade and adjust with extra olive oil or lemon juice for the desired consistency and flavor.
- Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with a little extra olive oil, and serve with artisan bread, crackers, or as an accompaniment to salads.
Notes
Olive tapenade is a true Mediterranean classic, loved for its vibrant flavors and incredible versatility at the table. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, spreading it on toast for a snack, or adding a punch to your salads, this spread instantly transforms even the simplest meal into something special. It’s a favorite for casual gatherings and is equally at home as part of an elegant starter platter.
Practical Tips and Ingredient Swaps
Use high-quality olives; Kalamata and Gaeta deliver an authentic Mediterranean taste, but you can experiment with a mix of your favorite black and green olives for a custom flavor profile. If you don’t have capers, a few small pickles (cornichons) add similar tanginess. For a vegetarian version, simply leave out the anchovy. You can increase the richness by mixing in a bit more olive oil until you reach the creaminess you want.Technique Insights
The key to great tapenade is not to overblend. Pulse the ingredients in your food processor until they form a rough, chunky paste—you want each bite to have distinct pieces of olive and caper. If your tapenade turns out too thick, add olive oil one teaspoon at a time until it’s spreadable. For a milder flavor, briefly rinse and soak the olives to take out excessive saltiness.Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations
- Serve tapenade with crusty bread, pita chips, or raw vegetables for a simple appetizer.
- Spread it thinly inside a sandwich, or stir into hot pasta for a quick sauce.
- Pair it with roasted chicken or fish to instantly elevate your main dish.
- Try adding sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red bell peppers, or a sprig of fresh thyme for a different twist on the classic flavor profile.
