This easy tapenade mixes olives and sun-dried tomatoes for a bold and tasty spread. Perfect for dipping bread or topping your favorite dishes!
I love serving this at gatherings; it always gets everyone talking! Plus, it takes just minutes to whip up. I like to enjoy it with crunchy veggies too! 🥕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Kalamata Olives: These olives have a rich, bold flavor that defines the tapenade. If you’re looking for a milder taste, try using black olives instead. I find that Kalamata adds the authentic touch!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: The oil-packed variety adds moisture and flavor. If not available, you can use dried sun-dried tomatoes; just soak them in warm water for a bit to hydrate. Fresh tomatoes also work but give a different texture.
Garlic: A small garlic clove adds a nice kick. If you’re sensitive to raw garlic, use roasted garlic instead for a sweeter taste!
Capers: These small, pickled flower buds bring a salty bite. If you’re not a fan, you can skip them, but they do enhance the overall taste.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin is the best choice for depth of flavor. For a lighter version, you can substitute with avocado oil.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Tapenade?
The key to a great tapenade is achieving that perfect chunky consistency. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by roughly chopping the olives and sun-dried tomatoes before adding them to your processor.
- Pulse the mixture instead of blending it until smooth. Stop when it’s still chunky—this keeps the tapenade interesting!
- When adding olive oil, do it slowly while mixing. This helps to bind everything together without turning it into a paste.
- If you find it too thick, a splash of lemon juice or water can loosen it right up!
Easy Olive and Sun-Dried Tomato Tapenade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), drained
- 1 small garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Sliced baguette or crusty bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious tapenade takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s quick and easy, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or a simple snack. You can serve it right away, but letting it sit for a bit allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by roughly chopping the pitted Kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes. This step gets things going before they hit the food processor, plus it ensures a nice texture!
2. Mix Everything Together:
In your food processor or a mixing bowl, combine the chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic clove, capers, and fresh lemon juice. If you’re using a bowl, a sturdy fork or a potato masher works well too!
3. Pulse to Perfection:
Pulse or mix the ingredients until they are coarsely chopped but still chunky. Remember, you want to maintain some texture, so avoid overprocessing. This is what makes tapenade so delicious!
4. Add Olive Oil:
While mixing, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to bind everything together. This will help create a nice, spreadable consistency that is perfect for the bread.
5. Stir in Freshness:
Now, fold in the chopped fresh basil and season the mixture with freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Give it a quick taste test—you’ll want to feel the flavor!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer your tasty tapenade to a serving bowl. If you like, garnish with a sprinkle of extra basil for that lovely touch. It’s best enjoyed immediately with slices of fresh baguette or your favorite crusty bread.
This vibrant tapenade offers a perfect balance of briny olives, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. It’s an excellent appetizer or snack for any occasion. Enjoy your culinary creation! 🍞🌿
FAQ for Easy Olive and Sun-Dried Tomato Tapenade
Can I Use Different Types of Olives?
Absolutely! While Kalamata olives bring a rich flavor, you can also use green olives, black olives, or a mix of your favorites. Just be mindful that different olives will impact the overall taste of the tapenade.
How Can I Store Leftover Tapenade?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To keep the flavors fresh, drizzle a bit of olive oil on top before sealing. When ready to enjoy, stir it gently to recombine everything!
Is This Tapenade Vegan-Friendly?
Yes! This tapenade is 100% vegan, made with wholesome ingredients that are perfect for everyone. Serve it at gatherings and let your friends enjoy without worry!
Can I Make This Tapenade Ahead of Time?
Definitely! This tapenade can be made up to 2 days in advance. Making it ahead allows the flavors to meld even more, enhancing the taste. Just refrigerate it in an airtight container and bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor!
