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Easy Olive Tapenade Delight

easy olive tapenade delight - featured image

A quick and flavorful olive tapenade perfect for elevated snacks, combining black and green olives with garlic, capers, and fresh herbs for a savory treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup black olives, pitted (preferably Kalamata)
  • 1/2 cup green olives, pitted
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • 1 large clove garlic, minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more if needed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients: pit the olives if necessary, mince the garlic, zest the lemon avoiding the white pith, and chop the parsley. This takes about 5 minutes.
  2. Combine black olives, green olives, capers, garlic, lemon zest, parsley, and optional anchovy paste in a food processor. Pulse gently 6 to 8 times until finely chopped but still chunky, about 2 minutes.
  3. With the processor running on low, slowly add 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Scrape down the sides with a spatula to mix evenly. Season with black pepper and red pepper flakes if using. Pulse once or twice more to combine, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add salt, pepper, more olive oil, or a squeeze of lemon juice as desired.
  5. Transfer tapenade to a bowl or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve at room temperature, letting it sit out for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not over-process; keep a coarse texture. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Chill for at least 30 minutes for optimal taste. Anchovy paste is optional and adds umami depth. For vegan version, omit anchovy paste and consider adding sun-dried tomatoes.

Nutrition

Keywords: olive tapenade, easy snack, Mediterranean dip, olives, capers, garlic, appetizer, quick recipe, vegan option