Name: Green Olive Tapenade
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 slice white bread, torn into chunks; 2 garlic cloves, crushed; ½ cup pitted green olives (Castelvetrano recommended); 2 oil-packed anchovy fillets; ⅓ cup almonds; 1 tablespoon oil-packed capers, drained and rinsed; 2 teaspoons chopped flat-leaf parsley; ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Let’s take a little culinary detour to the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast, shall we? Picture this: a platter of crusty bread, a chilled glass of wine, and a bowl of vibrant, zesty green olive tapenade that practically sings with flavor. This isn’t just any dip—it’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’re on a terrace in Provence, even if you’re just parked on the couch in your comfiest pajamas.

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This tapenade is all about bold flavor with zero fuss. It’s salty, briny, herbaceous, and just the right amount of punchy. Whether you’re a serious olive fan or just olive-curious, trust me—this one’s a game-changer. It’s the perfect little dish to whip up when you want something impressive with minimal effort. And if you’ve never made a tapenade before? Don’t sweat it. You’re going to crush this.

So let’s talk about why this one needs to be on your go-to snack or appetizer list.

Why You’ll Love Green Olive Tapenade

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect as a spread, a dip, or a punchy topping. Picture slathering it on a sandwich, spooning it onto grilled fish, or serving it next to crackers at your next happy hour. It plays well with just about anything.

Budget-Friendly: Made from pantry staples like olives, garlic, and herbs, this one doesn’t require any fancy ingredients. Yet somehow, it tastes like something from a chic little bistro.

Quick and Easy: This tapenade comes together in under 10 minutes—no cooking required! Just toss everything in a food processor and blend until perfection.

Customizable: Prefer it chunkier? Pulse less. Want it smoother? Blend more. You can also play around with add-ins like capers, anchovies, or lemon zest to make it your own.

Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a hit at dinner parties, picnics, and even lazy solo lunches. Even folks who claim they’re “not olive people” end up going back for seconds.

Ingredients in Green Olive Tapenade

Here’s where the magic happens—a handful of bold, flavorful ingredients come together to create something truly special.

Green Olives: The briny backbone of this spread. Choose pitted olives for ease, and go for firm, bright green ones for the best flavor.

Garlic: Just a clove or two adds a sharp, savory kick that makes everything pop.

Fresh Parsley: Adds freshness and balances out the richness of the olives.

Lemon Juice: A splash of acidity to brighten things up and cut through the saltiness.

Olive Oil: Gives the tapenade a silky, spoonable texture and helps everything blend smoothly.

Capers: Optional, but they add a little extra briny tang that’s totally addictive.

Optional Add-Ins: Try anchovy paste, red pepper flakes, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a twist.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Prep Your Ingredients: Make sure the olives are pitted, the garlic is peeled, and your parsley is washed and roughly chopped. No need for perfection—this is rustic, remember?

Combine Ingredients: Toss the olives, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, and any optional add-ins into your food processor. Pulse a few times to get things going.

Add the Olive Oil: With the processor running, drizzle in the olive oil until you reach your desired consistency. Want it chunky? Stop early. Want it smooth and spreadable? Keep going.

Taste and Adjust: Give it a taste and adjust with extra lemon, more garlic, or a pinch of salt if needed (though the olives are usually salty enough).

Chill if You Like: You can serve it right away, but letting it chill for an hour or two helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Serve and Enjoy: Spoon it into a pretty bowl, drizzle with a little more olive oil, and serve it up!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 90

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

How to Serve Green Olive Tapenade

This dish is delightfully flexible. Here are a few tasty ways to serve it up:

Fresh Salads: Add a spoonful to a salad with grilled chicken or roasted veggies for a salty, savory punch.

Crusty Bread: It shines on toasted baguette slices, sourdough, or pita chips. Bonus points for adding a smear of cream cheese underneath.

Creamy Accompaniments: Pair with goat cheese or whipped feta for a swoon-worthy combo.

Vegetable Sides: Spoon it over roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant. It’s an instant flavor boost.

As a Standalone: Honestly, a bowl of this with a spoon is sometimes all you need. Garnish with a few whole olives or a sprig of parsley for flair.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: You can make this up to 3 days in advance—it actually gets better as it sits!

Spice It Up: A pinch of chili flakes adds a fun kick if you like heat.

Dietary Adjustments: Naturally gluten-free, vegan, and low-carb. It checks all the boxes.

Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Give it a stir before serving.

Double the Batch: This disappears fast. Make a double batch and freeze half for your next party—or snack craving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use black olives instead of green?
A1: Absolutely! The flavor will be a bit milder and sweeter, but still delicious. Kalamata olives are a great choice.

Q2: Can I make this without a food processor?
A2: Yes! Just chop everything finely by hand. It’ll be chunkier but just as tasty.

Q3: How long does it last in the fridge?
A3: It’ll stay fresh for up to a week in an airtight container.

Q4: Can I freeze tapenade?
A4: You sure can. Freeze in small containers or ice cube trays for easy portioning.

Q5: What’s the best olive to use?
A5: Castelvetrano olives are sweet and buttery—great for beginners. Manzanilla or picholine olives give a saltier, bolder flavor.

Q6: Can I add nuts?
A6: Definitely! A few toasted almonds or walnuts can add depth and richness.

Q7: What if I don’t have lemon juice?
A7: Try a splash of vinegar—white wine or red wine vinegar work well.

Q8: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
A8: Yup! It’s high in healthy fats and low in carbs.

Q9: Can I make this spicy?
A9: For sure. Add red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even a bit of harissa.

Q10: Can I serve this warm?
A10: It’s traditionally served cold or room temp, but gently warming it and drizzling over grilled veggies is chef’s kiss.

And there you have it—your new favorite little jar of joy. This green olive tapenade is bold, briny, and bursting with Mediterranean vibes. It’s proof that a few humble ingredients can come together to create something unforgettable. So go on, grab that jar of olives, and let’s make some snack magic happen.

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Why You’ll Love Green Olive Tapenade

Ingredients in Green Olive Tapenade

Instructions

Nutrition Facts

Preparation Time

How to Serve Green Olive Tapenade

Additional Tips

FAQ Section

Green Olive Tapenade

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition