Discover the vibrant and savory taste of this Black Olive Tapenade recipe that’s completely vegan and bursting with Mediterranean flair. Tapenade is a classic Provençal spread made primarily from olives, capers, and olive oil, traditionally served as an appetizer or a flavorful addition to many dishes.
This vegan version is not only easy to whip up but also packed with bold, briny flavors that will elevate your snack game or any meal. Perfect for parties, quick snacks, or even as a condiment, this tapenade combines simplicity and gourmet taste in one jar.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to add more plant-based options to your kitchen, this recipe is a must-try. It’s naturally gluten-free, low in calories, and incredibly versatile.
Plus, it pairs beautifully with crusty bread, fresh veggies, or as a topping on your favorite salads and grain bowls. Let’s dive into the delicious world of black olive tapenade and see why this recipe will quickly become your new favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This black olive tapenade is a fantastic blend of salty, tangy, and herbaceous flavors that come together effortlessly. The recipe is incredibly quick to prepare, requiring no cooking, just a bit of blending or chopping.
It’s a pantry-friendly dish using simple ingredients you might already have on hand.
It’s vegan and wholesome, making it suitable for many dietary needs. The robust flavors make it a perfect appetizer or snack, and it’s a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
Whether spread on crackers or stirred into pasta, this tapenade offers a delicious punch of umami that’s hard to beat. Plus, it stores well, so you can make it ahead and enjoy it whenever you want!
Ingredients
- 1 cup black olives, pitted (preferably Kalamata or Niçoise)
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional for a slight tang)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of sea salt, optional depending on olive saltiness
Equipment
- Food processor or blender (for a smoother tapenade) or a sharp knife and chopping board (for a chunkier texture)
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Jar or airtight container for storage
Instructions
- Prepare your olives: If using jarred olives, rinse them under cold water to reduce excess salt. Pat dry with a paper towel.
- Combine ingredients: Add the black olives, capers, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, and Dijon mustard (if using) into your food processor or blender.
- Pulse to desired consistency: Blend the mixture in short bursts. For a chunky tapenade, pulse only a few times until coarsely chopped. For a smoother spread, blend longer until creamy but not pureed.
- Season: Taste your tapenade and add freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt if needed. Remember that olives and capers are already salty, so add salt sparingly.
- Transfer and chill: Spoon the tapenade into a jar or airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Bring the tapenade to room temperature before serving for the best flavor experience.
Tips & Variations
“For an even more robust flavor, try adding a teaspoon of sun-dried tomatoes or a splash of balsamic vinegar.”
- Add herbs: Experiment with fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil to vary the herbal notes.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small diced chili for some heat.
- Chunky or smooth: Adjust the texture to your preference by controlling the blending time.
- Nutty twist: Incorporate a tablespoon of toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra richness and texture.
- Vegan cheese addition: Stir in some nutritional yeast for a cheesy umami boost.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per 2 tbsp serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 kcal |
| Fat | 7 g (mostly healthy monounsaturated fats) |
| Sodium | 250 mg (varies by olive brand) |
| Carbohydrates | 2 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Protein | 0.5 g |
Serving Suggestions
This black olive tapenade is incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous delicious ways:
- Spread on crostini or toasted baguette slices for a quick appetizer or party snack.
- Use as a dip with fresh vegetable sticks like cucumber, celery, and bell peppers.
- Top your vegan pizza with dollops of tapenade for an extra layer of flavor.
- Mix into cooked pasta along with some cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for a quick, flavorful meal.
- Enhance grain bowls or salads by adding a spoonful for a salty, tangy punch.
- Pair with vegan cheese boards alongside nuts, dried fruits, and crackers.
Conclusion
Making your own black olive tapenade is a simple yet rewarding way to bring a taste of the Mediterranean into your kitchen. This vegan-friendly spread is packed with bold flavors that are perfect for entertaining or elevating your everyday meals.
Its ease of preparation and minimal ingredients make it a pantry staple that you’ll reach for time and time again.
Not only does this recipe bring incredible taste, but it also offers nutritional benefits from wholesome olives and fresh herbs. Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, this tapenade offers versatility and a delicious punch that everyone will love.
Don’t forget to check out other tasty recipes like Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe, Cheese Penny Recipe, and the indulgent Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe to round out your culinary repertoire!
📖 Recipe Card: Black Olive Tapenade Recipe Vegan
Description: A flavorful and easy-to-make vegan black olive tapenade perfect for spreading or dipping. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe combines olives, capers, and herbs for a savory treat.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT10M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted black olives
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Combine black olives, capers, and garlic in a food processor.
- Pulse until coarsely chopped.
- Add lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, mustard, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Process until the mixture is finely chopped but still textured.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Nutrition: Calories: 90 | Protein: 1g | Fat: 9g | Carbs: 2g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Black Olive Tapenade Recipe Vegan”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful and easy-to-make vegan black olive tapenade perfect for spreading or dipping. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe combines olives, capers, and herbs for a savory treat.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT0M”, “totalTime”: “PT10M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup pitted black olives”, “2 tablespoons capers, drained”, “2 cloves garlic”, “2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice”, “3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil”, “1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped”, “1 teaspoon Dijon mustard”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”, “1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine black olives, capers, and garlic in a food processor.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pulse until coarsely chopped.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, mustard, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Process until the mixture is finely chopped but still textured.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “90”, “proteinContent”: “1g”, “fatContent”: “9g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “2g”}}
