Mediterranean Green Olive Tapenade
This delicious Mediterranean Green Olive Tapenade is a zesty and flavorful spread that's perfect for enhancing crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables. Made with a blend of green and kalamata olives, garlic, anchovy, and a hint of citrus, this tapenade brings a taste of the Mediterranean straight to your table. It's an excellent addition to charcuterie boards, antipasto platters, or as a savory topping for grilled meats. Share this delightful recipe with friends and family for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that's bursting with flavor.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic
9 cloves (minced)
Anchovy
1 (minced)
Allspice
1 pinch
Oregano
1 teaspoon
Tabasco sauce
1 teaspoon
Coarse grain mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons
Kalamata olives
1/4 cup (chopped)
California black olives
1/3 cup (chopped)
Green olives
1/2 cup (chopped)
Capers
1 teaspoon
Lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons
Olive oil
1/2 cup
Italian parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, anchovy, allspice, oregano, Tabasco sauce, mustard, chopped kalamata olives, California black olives, green olives, capers, and lemon juice.
2
Using a wooden spoon or spatula, mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Make sure to break down larger pieces of olives for a smoother consistency while still keeping some texture.
3
Gradually drizzle in the olive oil, mixing continuously until the tapenade reaches your desired consistency. You want it to be spreadable but not too loose.
4
Finally, fold in the chopped Italian parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more lemon juice or seasoning to suit your palate.
5
Let the tapenade sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve with fresh bread, crackers, or as a topping for grilled seafood or meats.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Green Olive Tapenade?
Mediterranean Green Olive Tapenade is a zesty and flavorful spread made with a blend of olives, garlic, and capers, perfect for appetizers.
What types of olives are in this recipe?
This recipe uses three types of olives: green olives, Kalamata olives, and California black olives.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 9 cloves of minced garlic.
Is this tapenade vegetarian?
The original recipe contains one anchovy, so it is not vegetarian unless the anchovy is omitted.
How long should the tapenade sit before serving?
It should sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld together.
What are the best serving suggestions?
Serve it with crusty bread, crackers, fresh vegetables, or as a savory topping for grilled meats and seafood.
Can I use a food processor?
Yes, you can use a food processor, but be careful to pulse it so you maintain some texture rather than making a completely smooth paste.
What kind of oil should I use?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of olive oil, which should be drizzled in gradually.
Does this recipe contain mustard?
Yes, it includes 1 1/2 teaspoons of coarse grain mustard.
Is the tapenade spicy?
It has a mild kick from 1 teaspoon of Tabasco sauce.
How much lemon juice is needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
What herbs are included?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of oregano and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh Italian parsley.
What are capers and are they used here?
Capers are pickled flower buds that add saltiness; this recipe uses 1 teaspoon of them.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply omit the anchovy to make this a vegan-friendly Mediterranean spread.
How should I store leftover tapenade?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Is there any special spice in this tapenade?
A pinch of allspice is added to provide a unique depth of flavor.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
Fresh Italian parsley is recommended for a vibrant touch, but you can use dried in a smaller quantity if necessary.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients in total for this tapenade.
What should the consistency of the tapenade be?
It should be spreadable but not too loose, with some visible texture from the chopped olives.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your mustard and Tabasco sauce.
Can I substitute the Kalamata olives?
Yes, you can substitute them with more green olives or another brine-cured black olive if Kalamata is unavailable.
Is this a good recipe for a party?
Yes, it is an excellent addition to charcuterie boards, antipasto platters, and crowd-pleasing appetizers.
What is the preparation for the olives?
The Kalamata, California black, and green olives should all be chopped before mixing.
Can I add more lemon juice?
Yes, you should taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more lemon juice to suit your palate if needed.
How do I mix the ingredients?
Combine everything in a large mixing bowl and use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix until well combined.
Can this be used as a sandwich spread?
Absolutely, it works perfectly as a savory spread for sandwiches or wraps.
Does it contain any nuts?
No, this specific recipe does not contain any nuts.
How long does it stay fresh in the fridge?
Typically, homemade olive tapenade will stay fresh for up to two weeks when refrigerated properly.
Is this a traditional Mediterranean recipe?
Yes, it uses classic Mediterranean ingredients like olives, garlic, capers, and olive oil.
Can I use it as a pasta sauce?
Yes, it can be tossed with hot pasta and a little extra olive oil for a quick and flavorful meal.