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Easy Olive Spread Recipe (How to Make Olive Tapenade)

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Posted by:

Erin Lynch

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Updated:

February 28, 2025

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5 from 7 votes

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Olive spread pinterest image.

This easy Olive Spread recipe comes together in just 10 minutes in your food processor or blender. Serve this olive tapenade as an appetizer, served as part of a charcuterie board with crostini, baguette slices or used as a sandwich spread.

Overhead shot of small bowl of tapenade on grey plate with crostini scattered about.

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Olive Spread is salty, tangy, garlicky. Basically all things amazing. Especially for all you olive lovers out there!

Table of Contents

  • Ingredient notes
  • How to make it
  • FAQs
  • Variations
  • What do you eat olive spread with?
  • Erin’s wine pairings
  • Full Recipe
  • Want More Recipes Like This One?

Why you’ll love this recipe

You can make this easy recipe in just 10 minutes with the help of your food processor or blender. Plus, it’ll keep in the fridge for up to two weeks, meaning that you can make it way ahead of time. It’s perfect to keep on hand to use as a delicious spread for sandwiches throughout the week. Or, serve it as a party appetizer or quick snack with some crostini or pita bread.

Ingredient notes

You’ll need the following ingredients:

  • Kalamata Olives – Or, a blend of your favorite olives, green or black.
  • Sun Dried Tomatoes
  • Capers
  • Fresh Garlic Cloves
  • Anchovy Fillets – To make this vegetarian-friendly, simply leave out the anchovy. After processing you may find that your tapenade needs a bit more salt, so simply adjust that to taste with some kosher salt.
  • Fresh Basil & Parsley
  • Lemon Juice
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil

How to make it

Ingredients for tapenade in food processor.

Step 1

Add ingredients to blender

  • Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender.
Tapenade after processing in food processor.

Step 2

Process

  • Process until a smooth paste forms.

FAQs

How long does olive spread last in the fridge?

Tapenade will last up to two weeks in the refrigerator stored in an airtight container.

Can you freeze tapenade?

Yes! You can freeze tapenade in a covered container for up to three months.

Is olive spread keto?

Tapenade is keto-friendly.

Is olive tapenade vegan?

As written this tapenade recipe is not vegan because it includes anchovies. However, you can change that!

Variations

  • Try switching things up by using your favorite olives from the olive bar – black olives, green olives, castelvetrano olives, niçoise olives.
  • Add in some roasted red peppers.
  • Make an artichoke tapenade by using artichoke hearts.
Overhead shot of small bowl of tapenade on grey plate with crostini scattered about.

What do you eat olive spread with?

  • I love it served on crostini with goat cheese or cream cheese and sun dried tomatoes.
  • Served with pita bread or Air Fryer Pita Chips.
  • Include the tapenade on a charcuterie or cheese board.
  • Serve it as a dip with crackers.
  • Swirl it into hummus.
  • Combine it with a bit more oil and vinegar to make a yummy salad dressing.
  • Spread it on sandwiches.
  • Add a small amount to some sliced roasted chicken or pork tenderloin.

Erin’s wine pairings

  • Look for a red with a bit of tannins to stand up to this salty spread. Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot are all great pairings.
Crostini topped with tapenade and sun dried tomatoes.

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Did you try this olive spread recipe?

If you loved this olive tapenade recipe I would appreciate it so much if you would leave a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

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Overhead shot of small bowl of tapenade on grey plate with crostini scattered about.

Full Recipe

Olive Spread

This easy Olive Tapenade recipe comes together in just 10 minutes in your food processor or blender. It's amazing as an appetizer for parties, served as part of a charcuterie board, or used as a sandwich spread.
5 from 7 votes
Print Pin
Serves 4 people
Created by Platings and Pairings
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time: 0 minutes mins
Total Time: 10 minutes mins

Equipment

  • Blender or Food Processor

Ingredients

  • 2 cups pitted mixed olives (rinsed in warm water (black kalamata, green, nicoise))
  • 1/4 cup marinated sun-dried tomatoes (drained)
  • 1 Tablespoon capers (rinsed)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 anchovy fillet
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh basil leaves (chopped)
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley leaves (chopped)
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  • In food processor or blender, combine all ingredients except olive oil. Pulse a few times until coarsely chopped.
  • Slowly drizzle in olive oil while processing until it reaches your desired texture.
  • Serve at room temperature.

Notes

Recipe variations
  • Try switching things up by using your favorite olives from the olive bar – black olives, green olives, castelvetrano olives, niçoise olives.
  • Add in some roasted red peppers.
  • Make an artichoke tapenade by using artichoke hearts.
Storage
Tapenade will keep up to 2 weeks, refrigerated, in a covered container.

Nutrition

Calories: 240kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 1124mg | Potassium: 264mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 325IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

This olive tapenade post was originally published in 2020. It was updated in 2021 to add new photographs, and again in 2023 to add new content. The olive spread recipe remains the same. Enjoy!

Want More Recipes Like This One?

Love this dish? Discover more easy, flavorful recipes that you’ll want to make again and again. From crispy air fryer favorites to comforting classics, there’s plenty to try next!

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5 from 7 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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4 responses

  1. Mary
    April 29, 2020

    5 stars
    I LOVE olive tapenade and have actually never made it on my own. Not sure why? It seems so easy, and so much more fresh than buying a store-bought jar! I know what I’m trying out this weekend! Thanks for the tips!

    Reply
    1. Erin
      April 29, 2020

      You’re welcome Mary – Cheers!

      Reply
  2. Shirley Tucker
    May 4, 2020

    I have anchovy paste in a tube. How much do you think is equal to one anchovy?

    Reply
    1. Erin
      May 5, 2020

      Hi Shirley – I would use 1 tsp of anchovy paste.

      Reply

Hi, I’m Erin!

Can I pour you a glass of wine? Let’s have some fun in the kitchen! Maybe some pasta? A juicy steak? I’ve got loads of yummy, easy recipes for you! Because cooking should feel as comfy as your favorite yoga pants. ♥

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