Olive Sun-Dried Tomato Tapenade

This Olive Sun-Dried Tomato Tapenade is a flavorful and versatile spread that’s perfect for serving with crusty bread, crackers, or as a topping for grilled meats and vegetables. Combining the salty depth of olives with the rich, tangy flavor of sun-dried tomatoes, this tapenade is a Mediterranean-inspired delight that’s both simple to make and sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love Olive Sun-Dried Tomato Tapenade

• Rich, Bold Flavor: The combination of olives and sun-dried tomatoes creates a savory, tangy flavor that’s both unique and delicious.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a savory tapenade in minutes.
• Perfect for Entertaining: This tapenade makes a great appetizer or snack at parties, and it pairs wonderfully with wine.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Olive Sun-Dried Tomato Tapenade:

For the Tapenade:

• Pitted Kalamata Olives
  These dark, briny olives provide the signature savory base for the tapenade.
• Pitted Green Olives
  Adding a slightly milder, yet still savory flavor, green olives balance the richness of the Kalamata olives.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes
  These concentrated, tangy tomatoes add depth and a slightly sweet flavor to the tapenade.
• Garlic Cloves
  Garlic imparts a sharp, aromatic flavor that complements the olives and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Capers
  These briny buds provide an extra layer of flavor and texture, enhancing the tapenade’s overall taste.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  For smoothness and richness, olive oil helps to bind the ingredients and creates a luscious texture.
• Fresh Lemon Juice
  Adds brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the tapenade.
• Fresh Herbs (Optional)
  Chopped fresh basil, parsley, or thyme can be added for a burst of fresh flavor.
• Salt and Pepper
  To taste, enhancing all the other flavors and bringing balance to the tapenade.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are available in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Making this Olive Sun-Dried Tomato Tapenade is quick and simple. Just follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by chopping the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic into smaller pieces to make them easier to blend. If your sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, drain them first.

Step 2: Blend the Ingredients

In a food processor, combine the Kalamata olives, green olives, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic cloves, and capers. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped and well combined.

Step 3: Add Olive Oil and Lemon Juice

While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and fresh lemon juice until the mixture reaches your desired consistency. You can add more olive oil if you prefer a smoother tapenade.

Step 4: Season and Adjust

Taste the tapenade and season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you want more brightness, you can add more lemon juice or a pinch of fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the tapenade to a serving dish. Serve it with crusty bread, crackers, or as a topping for grilled meats and vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 120
Total Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 450mg
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 1g

How to Serve Olive Sun-Dried Tomato Tapenade

• As a Dip: Serve it with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or vegetable crudités for a perfect appetizer or snack.
• As a Spread: Spread on sandwiches, wraps, or toast for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
• With Grilled Meats: Use it as a topping for grilled chicken, lamb, or fish for an extra burst of flavor.

Additional Tips

• Storage: Store any leftover tapenade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Make-Ahead: The tapenade can be made a day or two in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together for an even tastier spread.
• Customization: Feel free to adjust the olive and sun-dried tomato ratios to suit your taste. You can also experiment with adding different herbs like rosemary or oregano for added flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use only one type of olive for the tapenade?
A1: Yes! You can use just Kalamata olives or green olives, but using a mix of both provides a nice balance of flavor.

Q2: Can I make this tapenade in advance?
A2: Absolutely! It’s actually better if it sits for a few hours or overnight, as the flavors have time to meld together.

Q3: How long will the tapenade keep in the refrigerator?
A3: The tapenade will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Q4: Can I add nuts to the tapenade for extra texture?
A4: Yes! You can add a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts for an extra crunch and richness.

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This Olive Sun-Dried Tomato Tapenade is a savory, briny, and tangy spread that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a party, as a topping for grilled meats, or simply enjoying it with some crusty bread, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

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