Olive Tapenade
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Olive Tapenade is salty and savory and ridiculously easy to make. My mouth is watering just thinking about spreading it on crispy cracker!
Olive Tapenade is one of my favorite yummy spreads that I make when we have friends over. My boys and husband are not olive fans, so I am only able to make this when we have company. Otherwise Josie and I would eat the whole thing. Yum. Yum. Yum!
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My Tapenade recipe is super fast and easy, so you can whip some up in a jiffy! Put it on a table spread with our cracker recipe, sliced veggies, and other spreads and dips, like my spinach dip. And definitely add it to your next cheese board!
Olive Tapenade
Olive Tapenade Ingredients
- Black Olives – Make sure that they are pitted, and drain them if canned.
- Green Olives – I like to get the type stuffed with pimentos because the pimentos add a nice flavor and color to the mix!
- Garlic – Not only does this up the taste, it also ups the nutrition.
How Do You Make Olive Tapenade
⭐ First, add the olives and garlic to a blender or food processor.
⭐ Next, blend to your desired consistency (chunky or smooth).
⭐ Then, serve with crackers, spread on your sandwich, or dollop onto fish, steak, or chicken.
⭐ Finally, share the salty goodness with your friends and family!
Preparation
There are so many ways to make Tapenade, and it’s a fun recipe to play around with to your tastes. Here are the answers to some questions you had!
Can I Substitute Something for Olives in a Tapenade
You can substitute red peppers to make a red tapenade. Because the peppers do not contain oil like olives, you will want to add some olive oil (or perhaps an avocado oil, if olives are really off the board).
How Do I Make a Black Olive Tapenade
To make a black olive tapenade, simply leave out the green olives. Because the green olives add saltiness, you may want to add some capers to the overall blend. You may also want to add some olive oil for consistency.
You can also substitute kalamata olives into the tapenade, either in place of the green olives or black olives.
Can I Make Tapenade Without a Food Processor
You can make Olive Tapenade without a food processor by chopping all the ingredients then blending or mashing with a potato masher. You will get a chunkier tapenade, which some people actually prefer!
Leftovers and storage
How Long is Olive Tapenade Good in the Refrigerator
It is good in the refrigerator for at least 3 days. Keeping the dish covered with a bit of olive oil on the top helps prevent spoilage.
Can you Freeze Olive Tapenade
You can freeze Olive Tapenade. Be sure to leave headspace, as the olives will expand when frozen. Allow to thaw in fridge when ready to use, and enjoy within a few days.
Nutrition
Is olive tapenade good for you?
This will depend on your particular diet, but objectively speaking, olives (both green and black) are high in monounsaturated fats and have minerals like iron and copper. Olives are also contain vitamin E and other phytonutrients that act as antioxidants.
Is olive tapenade on my diet?
Olive Tapenade is keto and paleo friendly. Add to crudites, like celery or cucumber slices, or spoon over fish dishes! It is also vegan so long as you don’t add anchovies. (Our recipe if made as directed is vegan).
Are green or black olives healthier?
Both green and black olives are healthy, and have the same nutritional value. Olives are high in monounsaturated fats (the good kind!) and are full of vitamins and minerals. Garlic is high in a phytonutrient called allicin, which is linked to better heart health, and antioxidants which are linked to a lower risk of cell damage and aging.
The difference between olives depends on when they are picked. Green olives are picked before they are ripe, while black olives are allowed to ripen on the tree. They are processed similarly, with green olives often pitted and stuffed with pimento or other items.
Can you eat Olive Tapenade When Pregnant
You can eat tapenade when pregnant. The combination of olives and garlic should present no problems, though you should always consult with your obstetrician if you have any concerns. This olives are high in sodium, so be careful if you are retaining fluid with your pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’re covering all your questions . If you think we missed something, comment below!
What Does Olive Tapenade Taste Like
Olive Tapenade tastes salty. It is slightly reminiscent of caviar, but with more umami and no fishy flavor.
Some recipes add anchovies and capers to up the saltiness without it tasting fishy (did you know sardines don’t taste fishy!). I like mine simple, just olives and garlic!
What is Olive Tapenade Used for
It is used as a dip or a condiment. It can also be used to spoon over meat dishes, like fish or beef. I even love to spread it on my grilled cheese or Italian beef sandwiches for an extra boost of flavor!
Want to make a pretty appetizer for your spread? Stuff some tapenade into a cherry tomato and top with a bit of feta cheese!
Where Does Olive Tapenade Come From
Olive Tapenade comes from the Romans, originally. The word tapenade is actually French, from the word for capers. Although I don’t add capers to my tapenade, many do.
If you want to up the saltiness and umami even more, toss a few capers into your mix!
Serving Suggestions
More Like Olive Tapenade
- Smoked Salmon Dip
- Spinach Dip
- Pico de Gallo
- Cream Cheese Dip
- See all our delicious dip recipes for a party!
Suggested Tools
- Garlic press – Need fresh minced or sliced garlic, but don’t want to peel or chop your garlic? This garlic press is the bessssssst. We’ve had ours for as long as I can remember (maybe a wedding present?), and I use it several times a week!
- Ninja blender – We. Love. This. Blender. It blends all the things! Beautifully! No scraping the sides like I did in my old blender. And for a super reasonable price. My favorite thing to blend is Strawberry Lime Slushes!
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How To Make Olive Tapenade
Olive Tapenade
Ingredients
- 1 cup Black olives drained
- 1/3 cup Green olives drained
- 1/2 tablespoon Garlic minced
Instructions
- Combine olives and garlic in a blender or food processor and pulse until desired texture is reached.
- Serve with crackers, chips, toast, crudites, or on prepared meat.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
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2.7.2010
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Sounds wonderful. I love olives, my kids not so much.
Oh, wow! These recipe is fantastic! I'm so glad I saw this link.
making this alone with the tomato soup tonight.
This olive tapenade is a great appetizer!
Gave this a try yesterday and my kids couldn’t get enough of this when they got home from school! Perfect afternoon snack or appetizer!
I love olive tapenade! It’s a great appetizer and perfect for parties!
I love eating olive tapenade as a snack with crackers! So yummy!
Never knew how easy it was to make tapenade! Can’t wait to make it again.