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  • ร—
    Home ยป Recipes ยป Dips and Spread recipes

    Easy Green Olive Tapenade

    Published: Mar 11, 2020 ยท Modified: Apr 12, 2025 by Adrianne

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    Spoon holding olive tapenade over white bowl of the same.
    Spoon holding olive tapenade over white bowl of the same.

    Green Olive Tapenade is a super quick and easy recipe! Perfect to serve as an appetizer, dip or spread it is full of flavor. Using simple ingredients and the food processor we whip up this green olive tapenade recipe. Olive lovers, this one is for you ๐Ÿ˜‰๐Ÿ‘.

    Spoon holding olive tapenade above white bowl of the same.
    Green Olive Tapenade

    Recipes like the Green Olive Dip, Black Olive Dip and the Kalamata Olive Dip all allow olives to be the life of the party.

    The Olive Platter, Grazing Platter and Black Olive Pizza are other ways that we can use olives to feed a crowd or tick the easy dinner box.

    Jump to:
    • ๐Ÿค Recipe Highlights
    • ๐Ÿฅ— Ingredients
    • ๐Ÿณ Instructions
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿณ How to Make Green Olive Tapenade
    • ๐Ÿฝ Serving Suggestions
    • ๐Ÿ‘ How to Guide
    • ๐Ÿ˜‰ Substitutions and Variations
    • ๐Ÿ’ก Tasty Tips
    • ๐Ÿค“ Frequently Asked Questions
    • ๐Ÿ˜ More Easy Appetizer Recipes
    • ๐Ÿ“– Recipe

    ๐Ÿค Recipe Highlights

    I have summarised everything that you will come to know and love (LOVE โค) about the green olive tapenade recipe in the points below:

    • Simple ingredients: everything you need to make the olive spread recipe can be sought from most local grocery stores. They are year round available ingredients which will be easy to get your hands on.
    • Fast recipe: if you need a quick dip recipe up your sleeve so that when friends or family drop in on a moment's notice you can feed them, this is the recipe you are looking for. Almost all of the ingredients have a long shelf life and can be kept to be whipped up at those times of need.
    • Budget friendly: this is a cost effective dip recipe that won't break the bank. Yes, you can purchase store bought olive tapenades, but they won't taste as good as the one you can make yourself ๐Ÿ˜‰๐Ÿ‘.
    • Versatile: this easy green olive tapenade recipe is versatile and lends itself to being served with a variety of pairings as well as at a number of events. Try it with potato chips, pita chips, crackers, or spread on toast points.
    • Uses: serve the tapenade at parties, on game days, take it to a picnic, a night on the couch, pot luck or anything and everything you can think of!

    ๐Ÿฅ— Ingredients

    The photo below is to show you everything you need to make the green tapenade recipe. Please refer to the printable recipe card for specific ingredient measurements as well as detailed instructions.

    Ingredients to make green olive tapenade on marble background with text labels.
    Ingredients to make Green Olive Tapenade

    As you can see the recipe calls for:

    • Anchovies: these salty little fish will come in a tin or jar with oil. We can then use a few sheets of paper towel to blot them and absorb the oil.
    • Lemon juice: either fresh lemon juice from a lemon or bottled lemon juice will work fine.
    • Garlic: fresh garlic cloves that we peel ourselves are best for this recipe.
    • Parsley: fresh parsley if you can as the texture works well in the tapenade. The type seen in the photos is flat leaf parsley. We trim the leaves from the stems and discard them (the stems).
    • Capers: these will be in a tall thin jar with liquid. You need to drain the capers but don't rinse them (we want their salty delicious flavor as is ๐Ÿ˜‰๐Ÿ‘).
    • Olive oil: the olive oil helps to bring the other ingredients in the tapenade together. Like the glue or binding agent.
    • Stuffed green olives: we use 2 different types of green olives for the recipe. The 1st is stuffed green olives which have the little flecks of red pimento in them. You will be able to get them in jars or plastic tubs at the deli section.
    • Pitted green olives: these are the 2nd type of green olives needed for the recipe. As above, you will be able to get them in the shopping aisle with the vinegars and pickles or at the deli. These ones are pitted (seed removed) and have a hole in the middle.

    Tasty Tip: I like to provide you with a number of substitutions and variations giving you an array of options when making the recipe. If in doubt of any of the above ingredients, or wanting alternatives, read this section (further below) before jumping into the instructions on how to make the recipe which are coming next ๐Ÿ˜‰๐Ÿ‘Œ.

    ๐Ÿณ Instructions

    Here are the step by step instructions to make the recipe. We start by adding the ingredients to the food processor.

    Step by step instructions to make olive tapenade with text labels on top.
    Step by step instructions 1 to 4
    • Add the pitted green olives to the food processor (Photo 1)
    • Then add the stuffed green olives (Photo 2)
    • Add the capers (Photo 3)
    • Add the anchovies (Photo 4)

    ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿณ How to Make Green Olive Tapenade

    To make the green olive tapenade start by adding the pitted green olives to the food processor bowl. Then add the stuffed green olives, capers and anchovies as you see in the photo above.

    Step by step instructions to make green olive tapenade with text labels on top.
    Step by step instructions 5 to 8
    • Add the garlic (Photo 5)
    • Add the parsley (Photo 6)
    • Then add the lemon juice (Photo 7)
    • Add the olive oil (Photo 8)

    Next add the garlic, parsley, lemon juice and olive oil. Then give it all a blitz with the pulse button for around 5 seconds. Once done, use a spatula to scrape down the insides of the bowl and push the tapenade into the base of the bowl.

    Then give it another quick 5 second blitz and it will look like the photo below.

    Green olive tapenade in the bowl of a food processor with blade removed.

    Once done, you can use a spatula to transfer the tapenade to a small serving bowl.

    ๐Ÿฝ Serving Suggestions

    For homemade serving suggestions try the tapenade with the Pita Chips, Crostini, toast points or toasted baguette slices.

    Or for a simple option, open a bag of potato chips and place them around the base of the bowl with the tapenade and you are sorted.

    A chilled glass of wine such as a rose, pinot gris or pinot noir are also an excellent choice for this easy go-to appetizer. You might even find you skip dinner altogether.

    Toast points on white plate with bowl of tapenade to the left.

    The photo above shows you the tapenade paired with toast points. They are crunchy and delicious! Not to mention being super easy to make also. Give them a go by removing the 4 crusts from a couple of slices of bread, then cut each slice diagonally in ยฝ and spray them with cooking oil before baking for approx 5 mins in a moderate oven.

    ๐Ÿ‘ How to Guide

    How to Store

    Store leftover tapenade in a bowl in the fridge for 2-3 days.

    How to Freeze

    Portion the tapenade into zip lock plastic bags, push to remove the air then seal. These can then be laid flat in the freezer for 3 months.

    Remove and let thaw completely before serving.

    ๐Ÿ˜‰ Substitutions and Variations

    Here are my sub ins and outs that you might be thinking about as you read the post and I will tell you if I think they will work or why they won't:

    • You can omit the anchovy fillets from the tapenade if you wish too.
    • If you want to use only pitted green olives or stuffed green olives you can.
    • Or you use a combination of green olives and black olives or green olives and kalamata olives.
    • You can add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes if you wish too. The flavor combination works well with this addition.
    • If you are using a fresh lemon for the juice, you can also zest the skin and add some of this lemon zest for additional flavor within the tapenade.
    • Another serving suggestion to the ones mentioned above is to serve the tapenade with some crusty bread. Fresh or toasted, both will work.

    ๐Ÿ’ก Tasty Tips

    Here are my top tips and tricks that I want to share with you so that you master the recipe from the get go:

    • We want the tapenade to have a coarse paste texture and this means not over-blitzing it. So a quick 5 seconds, brush down then 5 more seconds will be enough. (Otherwise it becomes too mushy ๐Ÿ˜ญ).
    • A spatula will help you brush down the contents of the food processor after the 1st 5 seconds, then also use it to transfer the combined tapenade to a bowl for serving.
    • Some thin chips will break in the tapenade if simply dunked in. So provide a cheese knife in there so that it can be dolloped onto the chips or crackers or pita bread.
    • If deliciously intense flavoured dips are your thing you might also like to try the Smoked Trout Dip ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ‘Œ.
    • If baked cheese appetizers are your thing try the Baked Brie With Red Pepper Jelly, Baked Brie with Honey or the Baked Brie with Garlic.
    • Or if dips in bread bowls are more your style try the Brie Bread Bowl, Spinach Cob Loaf Dip or the Bacon And Cheese Cob Loaf.

    ๐Ÿค“ Frequently Asked Questions

    What is olive tapenade made of?

    Olive tapenade is made from a combination of olives, capers, anchovies, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and parsley.

    What is a good substitute for olive tapenade?

    An olive dip is a good substitute for olive tapenades as they have the same flavor combination with only a small variation across ingredients.

    How long does olive tapenade last in the fridge?

    Fresh homemade tapenade stored in an airtight container in the fridge is best consumed within 5 days. To store it for longer, after making it transfer it to the freezer.

    ๐Ÿ˜ More Easy Appetizer Recipes

    If the food that starts the party if your thing, then I have a wide variety of easy appetizers for you to try. From vegetable based recipes to chicken and prawn recipes, hopefully there is something here that appeals to everyone:

    • Crumbed Mushrooms
    • Chicken Ribs
    • Mini Sausage Rolls
    • Prawn Skewers
    • Mini Croissant Sandwiches
    • Coconut Prawns
    • Mini Hot Dogs
    • Cocktail Sausages
    • Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
    • Mini Meatballs

    It is time to get our tapenade on my friend! You can also find all of my appetizer recipes and dips and spreads in the one spot.

    Adrianne

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    ๐Ÿ“– Recipe

    Spoon holding tapenade above a white bowl

    Easy Green Olive Tapenade

    Green Olive Tapenade is a super quick and easy recipe! Perfect to serve as an appetizer, dip or spread it is full of flavor.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 141kcal
    Author: Adrianne
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups pitted green olives Note 1
    • 1 cup stuffed green olives Note 2
    • 3 cloves garlic peeled
    • โ…“ cup capers drained, not rinsed
    • 4 anchovies drained, oil blotted with a paper towel
    • 1 tbsp/20 ml lemon juice Note 3
    • ยผ cup/ 60 ml olive oil
    • ยฝ cup flat leaf parsley
    • Toast points to serve

    Instructions

    • Combine: add the whole green olives, stuffed green olives, garlic cloves, capers, anchovies, olive oil, lemon juice and parsley to the bowl of a food processor. Blitz for approximately 5 seconds then use a spatula to scrape down the insides of the bowl. Then pulse again for 5 seconds. Note 4
    • To serve: use a spatula to help transfer the tapenade to a serving bowl and provide toast points or potato chips for serving. Note 5

    Video

    Notes

    • Note 1 Pitted green olives: these are whole green olives with the pits removed. They will come in a tall jar or tin with liquid. We drain them, no need to rinse and then discard the liquid (olive juice).
    • Note 2 Stuffed green olives: these are stuffed green olives that have the red pimento in the centre. They will also come in jars of all sizes. We need slightly less of these than the whole green olives. We also drain these and discard the liquid.ย 
    • Note 3 - Measurements: an Australian tablespoon measures 20ml which is just a little bit bigger than an American one. I am using an Australian tablespoon for the recipe. Fresh or bottled lemon juice will both work.ย 
    • Note 4 Tapenade: we want the texture of our tapenade to be chunky. Pulsing for just seconds achieves this, using low or high will obliterate the ingredients and leave them a mushy mess. The chunky texture which also allows us to distinguish the separate ingredients in the olive tapenade.ย 
    • Note 5 - Toast points: these are super easy to make! Simply cut the 4 crusts off a slice of bread. Cut the bread in half and place on a lined baking tray. Spray with cooking oil. Cook in a moderate oven oven for 10 mins until the toast browns and becomes crunchy!ย 
    • Music credit for video: Upbeat Corporate Uplifting (Smell of Spring)

    Nutrition

    Calories: 141kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 996mg | Potassium: 59mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 526IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg
    Course Appetizer, dip, Spread
    Cuisine Australian, French, International
    Keyword green olive tapenade, green olive tapenade recipe
    Did you make this recipe? Share on Instagram!It makes my day when you make my recipes! Tag @sweetcaramelsunday
    Recipe published in March 2020, updated in November 2023 with edited photos and more tasty tips for you ๐Ÿฅฐ๐Ÿ‘Œ.

    RELATED RECIPES:

    Artichoke Olive Tapenade Olive Tapenade recipe Sun-dried Tomato Tapenade

    Appetizers Christmas recipes  Popular recipes  Quick and Easy recipes 

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Rhonda Jones says

      December 03, 2023 at 6:59 am

      5 stars
      Came out well.

      Reply
      • Adrianne says

        December 03, 2023 at 10:35 pm

        Thanks Rhonda for your feedback.

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