Easy Mixed Olive Tapenade – 10-Minute Recipe

I’ve always loved recipes that come together quickly, especially when they’re packed with flavor. That’s exactly what this Easy Mixed Olive Tapenade is – an incredibly simple yet sophisticated spread that will elevate any snack or meal. You only need 10 minutes to whip it up, and the result is a vibrant, briny, and savory concoction that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner appetizer or a snack to share with friends, this tapenade is a winner.

Not only is this recipe quick and easy to make, but it’s also healthy comfort food that’s perfect for high-protein meals and low-calorie meal planning. Whether you’re on the hunt for budget-friendly recipes or quick family meals, this tapenade will fit seamlessly into your meal rotation. And the best part? It makes a fantastic gift! Just tie a ribbon around the jar, pair it with a box of crackers or a fresh baguette, and you’ve got a gift that everyone will appreciate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Mixed Olive Tapenade is the ultimate mix of salty, briny, and tangy flavors, all brought together with just a few ingredients. It’s incredibly versatile, and you can use it in so many different ways. Serve it as an appetizer with crackers, spread it on toast, or use it as a topping for fish, chicken, or even roasted vegetables. It’s also a great addition to salads and can be turned into an aioli with just a little mayo. Seriously, you’ll find yourself adding it to everything!

Not only is it super easy to prepare, but it’s also a healthy comfort food packed with high-protein ingredients like olives, capers, and anchovies. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be adapted for various dietary needs, making it a great option for meal planning.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

What really sets this tapenade apart is the combination of flavors. The salty brininess of the olives and capers, paired with the umami depth of anchovies, gives the tapenade its signature savory profile. And let’s not forget the freshness of lemon and basil, which bring a little brightness to balance out the richness of the olives.

The best part? It’s totally customizable! You can make it chunky or smooth, depending on your personal preference, and you can play around with different types of olives to create your perfect blend. Plus, this recipe takes less than 10 minutes to prepare – it’s one of those dishes you’ll turn to when you need a quick, crowd-pleasing snack.

Ingredients

The image depicts a festive and colorful holiday-themed gift basket. The basket is woven from light wood and filled with various items, including a jar of what appears to be a spice or seasoning mix, a loaf of bread dusted with powdered sugar, and green ribbon decorations. A small nutcracker figurine dressed in red and gold attire stands upright in the basket, adding a whimsical touch. The basket rests on a polka-dotted surface with red, green, and white dots, enhancing the cheerful and seasonal atmosphere. The overall presentation is vibrant and celebratory, perfect for gifting during the holiday season.

• Mixed Olives
• Anchovy Paste (or 3 anchovy fillets, rinsed)
• Garlic
• Capers
• Fresh Basil
• Fresh Lemon Juice
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Optional: Preserved Lemon Peel

How to Make It Step-by-Step

1. Start by rinsing your mixed olives in a colander under cold running water. This helps to remove some of the excess salt and brine, leaving you with a fresher taste.
2. Add the olives to your food processor, along with the anchovy paste, minced garlic, drained capers, chopped basil, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. If you’re using preserved lemon peel, add that in too for an extra layer of flavor.
3. Pulse everything together until it reaches your desired consistency. You can pulse it until it’s smooth or leave it chunkier if that’s more your style. I personally love a chunkier texture, but it’s up to you!
4. Scrape down the sides of the food processor to make sure everything is well combined. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed (a little extra lemon juice or olive oil can make a big difference!).
5. Transfer the tapenade to a bowl or small jars, and store it covered in the fridge. It’s ready to serve right away, but it gets even better after a few hours of chilling.

Tips for Best Results

• Quality Olives: The quality of the olives makes all the difference in this recipe. I recommend using a mix of kalamata olives, green olives, and black olives for a variety of flavors and textures. If your grocery store has an olive bar, that’s a great place to pick up fresh olives in a variety of flavors!
• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a smoother tapenade, just pulse the ingredients a bit more in the food processor. If you like a chunkier texture, pulse it a few times and leave it a little more rustic.
• Anchor the Flavor: The anchovy paste or fillets are what gives this tapenade its umami depth, but if you’re not a fan, you can skip it. The tapenade will still be delicious, just a little less savory.
• Preserved Lemons: If you have preserved lemons on hand, definitely use them! They add a unique flavor that takes this tapenade to the next level, but they are optional.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

• Olives: You can use any type of olives you prefer—green olives, black olives, kalamata olives, or a mixture of all three. Try different combinations to find what you like best!
• Anchovy Paste: If you’re not a fan of anchovies, you can leave them out altogether. The tapenade will still have great flavor, thanks to the olives and capers.
• Herbs: While basil is the classic herb used in tapenade, you could also try parsley, thyme, or even rosemary if you want to switch things up. A touch of oregano can also work wonders.
• Lemon Juice: If you don’t have fresh lemons, you can use lemon juice from a bottle, but fresh is always best. The zest of a lemon also works well if you want to amp up the citrus flavor.

Serving Suggestions

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This Easy Mixed Olive Tapenade can be served in so many ways. Try it as a topping for your quick family meals or healthy comfort food dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Serve it with crackers or toasted baguette slices as an appetizer for your next gathering. It’s perfect for meal prep or meal planning for entertaining.
• Spread it on sandwiches or wraps for an extra burst of flavor. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables.
• Use it as a topping for grilled fish, chicken, or even roasted potatoes. The briny flavor of the tapenade complements so many dishes.
• Add it to your salad as a savory dressing or mix it into mayonnaise to create a tapenade aioli. It’s a fun twist on the traditional aioli that’s great on sandwiches or as a dip for fries.

Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)

• Drinks: This tapenade pairs beautifully with a glass of dry white wine or a light, crisp rosé. For non-alcoholic options, try a sparkling water with a twist of lemon or a chilled iced tea.
• Sides: Serve your tapenade with a side of fresh veggies like cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, or raw bell pepper strips. You can also pair it with a simple Greek salad or a platter of roasted vegetables for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Cheese: Tapenade goes wonderfully with cheeses like feta, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar. Serve it alongside a cheese board for a quick and easy appetizer.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store any leftover tapenade in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 5-7 days, making it a great option for make-ahead meals and meal prep. If you have a little tapenade leftover after a party, you can spread it on toast for breakfast or top it on salads for a quick lunch.

You can also make extra tapenade to keep on hand as a quick and easy spread for sandwiches or wraps. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together, so it only gets better with time.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

While this tapenade is best when fresh, you can store it in the freezer for up to a month if needed. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to use, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, and it will be ready to serve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not rinsing the olives: If you don’t rinse your olives, the tapenade may be too salty. Always give your olives a good rinse before using them.
• Over-pulsing: If you over-pulse the ingredients, you might end up with a paste rather than a tapenade. Stop pulsing once everything is well mixed but still a little chunky for the best texture.
• Skipping the anchovies: While optional, the anchovies really elevate the flavor of the tapenade. I recommend giving them a try before leaving them out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this tapenade ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, tapenade tastes even better after it’s had a chance to chill and let the flavors meld together. Make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge for an even tastier spread.

Can I use tapenade as a marinade?
Yes! Tapenade works great as a marinade for chicken, fish, or even roasted vegetables. Just marinate the protein for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking for maximum flavor.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

• Food Processor: A food processor is essential for making tapenade quickly and easily. It will help you achieve the perfect consistency without much effort.
• Colander: Use a colander to rinse your olives and capers before adding them to the food processor.

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!