When it comes to simple and satisfying appetizers, this one’s at the top of our list. This Olive Tapenade recipe takes just 5 minutes and explodes with pure Mediterranean flavor! This traditional French spread is made with olives and capers, and the salty, briny flavor is otherworldly. Spread a smear on bread or a crunchy crostini, and the savory pop transports you right to the South of France. This easy appetizer is perfect for anytime, though we love it best in the summer for easy dinners and picnics.
Ingredients in olive tapenade
Tapenade is a traditional French spread made with olives, capers and anchovies that originated in the Provence region of Southern France. It’s a popular French food eaten on bread or crostini, or as a sandwich spread, with fish, and other ways. The word tapenade comes from the French word tapenas, which means capers. Olive spreads similar to tapenade are popular in other Mediterranean cuisines as well, like Italian and Greek (a Greek variation is called pasta elias). Tapenade gives me fond memories discovering this tasty spread on a trip to Southern France, and it’s a food that’s always given me carefree, summer vibes. Here are the ingredients in a classic French tapenade recipe:
Olives: traditional are French Niçoise olives; they’re hard to find in the US so we like a mix of Kalamata and ripe black olives Capers Anchovy paste (optional) Garlic Parsley Olive oil
Types of olives to use
Traditionally a tapenade recipe uses French Niçoise olives, but they’re hard to find here in the US. Kalamata olives are a close substitute, but they have a stronger flavor. So, we like using a mixture of olives here to round out the flavor! Here’s what to look for:
Use a mix of pitted ripe black olives and Kalamata olives. These olives have a milder, rounder flavor to balance out salty Kalamata olives. Look for the cans that have whole olives. You can use all Kalamata olives if you like, but keep in mind that it makes an even saltier, more one-note spread. We recommend a mix if at all possible. Or, use whatever olives are your favorite! Castelvetrano olives are a favorite green olive of ours, and it makes a nice contrast to the dark purple Kalamata.
Use anchovy paste for traditional, or omit for vegan
Olive tapenade is traditionally made with anchovies, so we’ve called for anchovy paste here. However, you can absolutely leave it out and it’s just as good! Here are some notes on working with anchovy paste:
Anchovies are a traditional Mediterranean ingredient that adds bold, savory flavor to recipes. For example, it’s a classic ingredient in Caesar dressing. You can find anchovy paste in your local grocery in a tube, then store it in your refrigerator for up to 18 months. Omit anchovy paste for vegan! If you’d like, you can add a bit more salt to compensate for the saltiness of the anchovies. But depending on the type of olives you use, you may not need it.
How to serve tapenade
All you have to do to make tapenade? Blend up the ingredients in a food processor. In just 5 minutes, you have a brilliant spread that’s completely versatile for appetizers, sandwiches, and more. (In fact, My best friend recently threw a party for me with Salmon Caesar Salad and crostini with tapenade and it was perfection!) Here are a few ways to serve olive tapenade:
Bread: Smear on crusty artisan bread or focaccia bread Crostini: Make crostini and spread it on as an appetizer (the quantity should make 20 to 24 crostini) Sandwich: Use as a sandwich spread, like on an Italian eggplant sandwich Fish: Serve as a topping on baked tilapia or baked cod Pizza: Crumble a bit over the top of a pizza as a pizza topping. Bagel: Spread a bagel with cream cheese or goat cheese, then add tapenade. Salad: Crumble some on top of a romaine salad or butter lettuce salad. Pasta: Mix it into pasta with marinara as a savory, meaty accessory.
How do you plan to your use your tapenade? Let us know in the comments below.
More easy appetizer recipes
Throwing a party? Or simply want a tasty appetizer or pre-meal snack? This tapenade recipe is perfect for easy summer entertaining or as quick finger food. Here are a few more easy appetizer recipes you’ll love:
Go for Easy Bruschetta Try Loaded Hummus Dip, French Onion Dip or Easy Fruit Dip Opt for Marinated Olives, Olive Salad, Marinated Mozzarella, or Marinated Mushrooms Make up Margherita Flatbread or Caprese Flatbread Thread up some Caprese Skewers or Fruit Skewers
This olive tapenade recipe is…
Gluten-free and dairy-free. Without the optional anchovies, it’s vegetarian, vegan, and plant-based. 5 from 3 reviews **If you leave out the anchovy paste, you can add salt to taste: but tapenade may be salty enough as is depending on the olives you use. Or, add 2 tablespoons sundried tomatoes to the mix.
