Rustic Olive Tapenade
Today, we’re making a simple, versatile topping with rich Mediterranean flavors that adds a gourmet touch to any meal. Our Rustic Olive Tapenade is vibrant, flavorful and comes together in less than 10 minutes. Let’s dive in!
This Mediterranean delight, with its rich, briny flavors and vibrant colors, is a perfect accompaniment for gatherings, charcuterie boards, or an elevated snack. Made from a simple yet flavorful combination of olives, herbs, and a touch of spice, olive tapenade is incredibly versatile. Whether you're spreading it on crusty bread, dolloping it atop grilled vegetables, or using it as a marinade for meats, it adds a gourmet touch to any meal. Let’s dive into creating this delicious combination that’s sure to impress your family and friends!
How to make Rustic Olive Tapenade :
Prepare the olives: Begin by pitting your olives if they are whole. You can choose a medley of Kalamata and green olives for a balanced flavor.
On a cutting board, chop the olives, garlic, chilies, feta cheese, and fresh herbs.
In a bowl combine your chopped ingredients
Toast up your crusty bread, we used fresh sourdough
Spread some quality butter over the bread
Serve up by assembling the toast with the tapenade, garnish with more feta cheese, herbs, and fresh ground black pepper.
Finish it with a drizzle of olive oil, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Rustic Olive Tapenade tips & tricks:
Choose Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your tapenade is only as good as its ingredients. Opt for high-quality olives and extra virgin olive oil for the best results. Fresh crusty bread will also elevate the texture of this dish.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize your tapenade by trying different types of olives or adding ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or capers for an extra burst of flavor.
Make Ahead: Tapenade can be made a day in advance. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will develop. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge.
Perfect Pairings: While crusty bread is a classic choice, don’t limit yourself! Tapenade pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a topping for bruschetta. It also adds depth to salads and sandwiches.
Serving Suggestions: Consider serving your olive tapenade with a drizzle of additional olive oil on top, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and some lemon zest for a beautiful presentation. You can also include assorted cheeses, crackers, or fresh veggies for an appetizer platter.
more yum:
HI THERE, I'M APRIL AND WELCOME TO MY KITCHEN!
Cooking for the people I love brings me so much joy. I hope you enjoy some of my favorite recipes, tips & tricks, plus some laughs along the way. Everything is cooked with love in Sammamish, WA. Keep in touch!
More Favorite #fromaprilskitchen Recipes
Rustic Olive TaPENADE
Prep Time: 5 -10 mins | Cook Time: 0 | Total Time: 5-10 mins
Rustic olive tapenade is not just a recipe; it's an experience that brings joy to your table. It's easy to make, full of flavor, and offers a little slice of Mediterranean sunshine with every bite. So gather your ingredients, invite some friends over, and enjoy a delightful taste of the Mediterranean right in your home!
Ingredients
1 cup mixed olives (Kalamata, green, or your favorite variety)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
1 tablespoon fresh herbs (such as sage, mint, thyme, rosemary, or parsley)
1-2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1/3 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon Calabrian chilies (or more if you like it spicy)
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Crusty bread (for serving)
Instructions
Prepare the olives: Begin by pitting your olives if they are whole. You can choose a medley of Kalamata and green olives for a balanced flavor.
On a cutting board, chop the olives, garlic, chilies, feta cheese, and fresh herbs.
In a bowl combine your chopped ingredients
Toast up your crusty bread, we used fresh sourdough
Spread some quality butter over the bread
Serve up by assembling the toast with the tapenade, garnish with more feta cheese, herbs, and fresh ground black pepper.
Finish it with a drizzle of olive oil, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
EQUIPMENT
