Mediterranean Tomato and Olive Tapenade
This vibrant Mediterranean Tomato and Olive Tapenade is an explosion of flavors that brings together the juicy sweetness of ripe tomatoes, the briny depth of Kalamata olives, and the creamy tanginess of feta cheese. Perfect as a versatile condiment, this relish can be served as an appetizer on toasted French bread, a refreshing dressing for crisp vegetable salads, or as a savory sauce for pasta dishes. It's equally delightful as a topping for grilled chicken or fish, making it an excellent addition to your culinary repertoire. Fresh herbs like parsley and basil not only enhance the flavor but also provide a burst of color, making this tapenade a visually enticing component of any meal.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (extra virgin, for drizzling)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
tomatoes
3 (seeded and chopped)
black olives
1/3 cup (preferably Kalamata, chopped)
feta cheese
1/2 cup (crumbled)
fresh parsley
1/2 cup (chopped)
fresh basil
1/4 cup (chopped)
pepper
1 pinch (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine the seeded and chopped tomatoes with the minced garlic.
2
Add the chopped Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley and basil.
3
Drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil and add a pinch of freshly ground pepper.
4
Gently toss all ingredients together until well combined, being careful not to mash the feta.
5
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Let the tapenade sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Tomato and Olive Tapenade?
It is a vibrant condiment featuring ripe tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, often served as an appetizer, salad dressing, or sauce.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The primary ingredients include tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, fresh parsley, fresh basil, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil.
How should I serve this tapenade?
You can serve it on toasted French bread, as a dressing for vegetable salads, a sauce for pasta, or a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
Can I use this as a salad dressing?
Yes, it makes a refreshing and flavorful dressing for crisp vegetable salads.
Is this recipe suitable for pasta?
Absolutely, it works perfectly as a savory sauce for various pasta dishes.
Can I use it as a topping for grilled chicken?
Yes, it is a delightful and colorful topping that enhances the flavor of grilled chicken.
Is it a good accompaniment for fish?
Yes, the briny and tangy flavors pair exceptionally well with grilled fish.
What kind of olives are recommended?
Kalamata olives are preferred for their briny depth, though other black olives can be used.
Can I use standard black olives?
Yes, while Kalamata is preferred, standard black olives are a suitable alternative.
What type of cheese is used?
The recipe calls for crumbled feta cheese to provide a creamy and tangy flavor.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this Mediterranean tapenade is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
Is the tapenade vegan?
As written, it contains feta cheese. To make it vegan, you would need to omit the cheese or use a vegan substitute.
How long should the tapenade sit before serving?
It should sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Why do I need to let it sit?
Resting the tapenade allows the juices from the tomatoes and oil to infuse with the herbs and garlic for a better flavor profile.
How do I prepare the tomatoes?
The tomatoes should be seeded and chopped before being combined with other ingredients.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
Which fresh herbs are used?
Fresh parsley and basil are used to provide a burst of color and fresh flavor.
What kind of olive oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for drizzling to achieve the best Mediterranean flavor.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, it can be made ahead of time, which actually helps the flavors develop further.
How should I store the leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Is this a healthy recipe choice?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy option featuring fresh vegetables and heart-healthy olive oil.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy and quick recipe that requires no cooking.
What is the recipe category?
This recipe falls under the Sauces category.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
While dried herbs can work in a pinch, fresh parsley and basil are highly recommended for the best taste and visual appeal.
Do I need to cook any of the ingredients?
No, this is a raw preparation that involves only chopping and mixing.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you do not have feta, you could try goat cheese or simply omit it for a lighter version.
Is salt added to the recipe?
The recipe uses a pinch of freshly ground pepper; the olives and feta usually provide enough saltiness.
What type of bread is best for serving?
Toasted French bread is the ideal accompaniment for this tapenade.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients themselves are naturally gluten-free; just ensure you serve it with gluten-free bread or crackers if needed.