Tapenade

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: Mediterranean

Tapenade is a savory, briny spread featuring black olives, anchovies, garlic, and capers, offering a burst of Mediterranean flavors. Perfect as an appetizer with crusty bread, it appeals to those who enjoy bold, salty tastes and versatile dips for entertaining or casual snacking.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 (6 oz.) cans pitted black olives
  • 1/2 can anchovy fillets
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 Tbsp. capers
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil

Instructions

  1. Put all ingredients in a food processor or blender.
  2. Process or blend briefly.
  3. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and serve with chunks of crusty French bread.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother tapenade, blend longer; for a chunkier texture, pulse briefly. If you don't have anchovy fillets, consider using a bit of Worcestershire sauce for umami flavor. You can also substitute green olives if you prefer a milder taste. Adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil can elevate the flavor profile and make it more vibrant.

Serving Suggestions

Serve tapenade as a spread on crusty French bread, or pair it with Greek Crackers for a delightful appetizer. It also complements grilled meats like Scallops Ubriaco or Grilled Tuna Steaks, adding a savory depth. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover tapenade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, let it come to room temperature before serving, as tapenade is best enjoyed at room temperature. If it thickens, you can stir in a little olive oil to loosen it up.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Tapenade contains roughly 195 calories, with 6g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein.

195 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.6g 11% DV
Total Fat 8g 10% DV
Carbs 28.5g 10% DV
Fiber 2g 7% DV
Sugar 0.9g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 190.7mg 8% DV
Potassium 344.1mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.5mcg
Vitamin C 26.9mg 30% DV
Calcium 157mg 12% DV
Iron 1.6mg 9% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Fish

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I serve with tapenade besides bread?

Tapenade is versatile and can be served with a variety of items. Try it with vegetable sticks, pita chips, or as a condiment for grilled meats. It also works well as a topping for baked potatoes or in sandwiches, making it a great addition to many Mediterranean recipes.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

Mediterranean recipes → Seafood recipes → All recipes →