Whip up this easy-to-make Savory Olive Tapenade for your next party! This terrific blend of olives is always a hit for the holidays & brunch.
Savory Olive Tapenade
We had some hot weather, okay HUMID weather last week. In Michigan we get that sticky-icky weather frequently during the summer months, it isn’t my favorite by any means.
On days when it’s a wall of thick and wet heat outdoors, I try to keep dinner items light. I also attempt to make dinner options that will not heat up my house unnecessarily. I’ll often use small kitchen appliances such as my slow cooker, Instant Pot, or air fryers. They do the job nicely and keep the temps down overall.
One additional thing I do on hot and humid weather days is to prepare an appetizer-style dinner. Quick and simple appetizer options which pair nicely with fresh fruit, and of course a cold beer or lemonade.
An example of one such appetizer is the Savory Olive Tapenade that I’m sharing today. This quick and simple recipe is perfect for olive lovers, sorry for the olive haters, this one isn’t for you. Tapenade has always been one of my favorite “fancy” restaurant appetizers to order, and when I discovered how easy it is to make at home, it has become a regular addition to holiday spreads and brunch menus.
If you’ve never had tapenade it is the most delicious blend of chopped olives, capers, garlic, and parsley. My version contains roasted red bell pepper. Simply chop and serve, you can refrigerate and use later which makes it great for parties. My favorite way to serve it is on toasted baguette slices.
What is tapenade?
Of French origin, traditional tapenade is a spread/condiment containing finely chopped olives, capers, and anchovies.
What ingredients do you need to make this recipe:
- Kalamata olives (or black olives)
- Green olives
- Capers
- Roasted red bell pepper
- Garlic
- Parsley
Some tips for making this delicious recipe:
- Substitute Kalamata olives for black olives.
- Traditional tapenade has more of a pureed texture, the chop is very fine. I like to have a chunkier bite. This is a preference, chop however you like.
- My version does not have anchovies as in traditional tapenade, add if you desire.
- A little cracked black pepper is great, the olives are salty so salt isn’t necessarily needed.
- Serve on top of toasted baguette, pita bread, naan bread, or crackers.
- Other uses: spread on a bagel with cream cheese, top cooked chicken or add to a salad.
- Serve immediately or place in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Simple steps on how to prepare Savory Olive Tapenade:
In a large bowl add all chopped ingredients together.
Stir together all ingredients until evenly combined.
Give these tasty appetizers a try:
How about a cocktail to enjoy along with this appetizer?
Savory Olive Tapenade

Whip up this easy-to-make Savory Olive Tapenade for your next party! This terrific blend of olives is always a hit for the holidays & brunch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and coarsely chopped
- 1 cup green olives, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup roasted red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
- 1 Tablespoon capers, coarsely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together all ingredients until evenly combined.
- Serve immediately or place in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Notes
- Substitute Kalamata olives for black olives.
- Add in some cracked black pepper if desired.
- Other uses: spread on a bagel with cream cheese, top cooked chicken or add to a salad.
Find this recipe and more at the Weekend Potluck!