Zesty Olive Tapenade Delight
Elevate your appetizer game with this Zesty Olive Tapenade Delight! A perfect blend of medium black olives and flavorful green olives, combined with robust garlic, rich anchovy, briny capers, and a splash of fresh lemon juice. This low-oil version focuses on maximizing flavor without sacrificing health. The freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a creamy texture, while dried herbs enhance the overall taste. Perfect for spreading on warm toasted bread, pairing with crackers, or even tossing into pasta dishes, this tapenade is a versatile addition to any gathering. Share it with friends or enjoy it as a delightful treat for yourself!
8
Servings
52.5
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
medium black olives
1 (6 ounce) can (pitted and drained)
green olives
1 (7 ounce) jar (pimiento-stuffed and drained)
garlic
5 cloves (pressed or minced)
anchovy paste
1 teaspoon (or 1 anchovy, cut up)
capers
1 1/2 tablespoons (rinsed)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Parmesan cheese
1 cup (freshly grated)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (ground)
dried basil
1 teaspoon (ground)
fresh ground pepper
to taste
olive oil
1 tablespoon
Instructions
1
Start by draining the medium black olives in a strainer, ensuring they are completely liquid-free, then transfer them to a food processor.
2
Follow the same process for the pimiento-stuffed green olives and the rinsed capers to ensure they don't contribute excessive salt.
3
In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice and pressed garlic cloves, then mix well before adding this mixture to the food processor.
4
Next, add the anchovy paste (or finely chopped anchovy), grated Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, and freshly ground pepper into the processor with the olive mixture.
5
Secure the lid on the food processor and pulse the mixture until it reaches a coarse texture, being careful not to over-process.
6
While pulsing at a low speed, drizzle in the tablespoon of olive oil. If you prefer a creamier consistency, add a bit more oil gradually while tasting for your desired richness (however, the one tablespoon is usually sufficient for a low-fat version).
7
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding 6-8 sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil. Pat any excess oil off with a paper towel before adding them to the food processor along with the olives.
8
Once the tapenade is thoroughly combined, serve it promptly with an array of accompaniments such as toasted baguette slices, crackers, or focaccia, and don’t forget that it pairs beautifully with Havarti cheese!
Nutrition Information
2.75g
Fat
2g
Protein
0.75g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Olive Tapenade Delight?
It is a flavorful Mediterranean spread made with a blend of medium black olives, pimiento-stuffed green olives, garlic, capers, and Parmesan cheese.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What types of olives are required for this tapenade?
The recipe calls for one 6-ounce can of medium black olives and one 7-ounce jar of pimiento-stuffed green olives.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 52.5 calories.
Is this a low-oil recipe?
Yes, it is a low-oil version that uses only one tablespoon of olive oil to focus on maximizing flavor.
What kind of green olives should I use?
You should use pimiento-stuffed green olives that have been drained.
Can I use fresh anchovies instead of paste?
Yes, you can use either 1 teaspoon of anchovy paste or 1 finely cut-up anchovy.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The 5 cloves of garlic should be either pressed or minced.
Why should the capers be rinsed?
Rinsing the capers helps ensure they do not contribute excessive salt to the recipe.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
What dried herbs are included in the tapenade?
The tapenade is seasoned with 1 teaspoon each of ground dried oregano and ground dried basil.
How much olive oil is used in the standard version?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Can I add more olive oil for a different consistency?
Yes, if you prefer a creamier consistency, you can add a bit more oil gradually while tasting.
What is the recommended texture for the tapenade?
The mixture should be pulsed until it reaches a coarse texture.
Should I process the mixture until it is smooth?
No, you should be careful not to over-process the mixture; a coarse texture is preferred.
How should I incorporate the lemon juice?
Mix the lemon juice with the pressed garlic cloves in a small bowl before adding the mixture to the food processor.
Are there any optional ingredients for an extra burst of flavor?
Yes, you can add 6 to 8 sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for extra flavor.
How do I prepare the optional sun-dried tomatoes?
Pat any excess oil off the sun-dried tomatoes with a paper towel before adding them to the processor.
What can I serve with this Zesty Olive Tapenade?
It is perfect for spreading on toasted baguette slices, crackers, or focaccia.
What cheese pairs well with this tapenade?
This tapenade pairs beautifully with Havarti cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for pasta?
Yes, this versatile tapenade can be tossed into pasta dishes.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 2.75g of fat.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 2g of protein per serving.
How much fiber does a serving provide?
Each serving provides 0.75g of fiber.
Does the recipe require specific pepper?
Yes, it uses freshly ground pepper to taste.
Is it necessary to drain the olives?
Yes, both types of olives should be thoroughly drained to ensure they are liquid-free.
Is this a good dish for parties?
Yes, it is described as a perfect appetizer for any gathering or party.
Can I make this as a healthy snack?
Yes, it is a healthy spread option that focuses on nutritious ingredients like olives and fresh garlic.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 main ingredients in this recipe.
Is there any sugar in this tapenade?
No sugar is listed in the ingredients or the nutritional summary.