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Savory Olive and Pepper Tapenade Recipe for Appetizers

This olive pepper tapenade delivers bold, briny flavor in a quick, easy appetizer. Made from a short list of whole-food pantry staples, it’s an ideal last-minute snack or party starter.

recipe originally published April 5, 2011

 

Toasted baguette slices topped with olive tapenade are arranged on a rustic grey serving plate. A spoon filled with tapenade sits on the plate, and a plate of plain toasted bread slices sits on the side.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS – Jump to any section:

    1. Why you’ll love this easy tapenade
    2. How to use and serve this recipe
    3. How long does tapenade last?
    4. Jump to recipe: Olive Pepper Tapenade

 

Ingredients to make tapenade sit in various bowls and boards: capers, garlic, roasted red pepper, olives, olive oil, and vinegar.

 

Why you’ll love this recipe

If you enjoy the briny depth of olives balanced with the sweet, smoky notes of roasted red pepper, this olive pepper tapenade will be a new favorite. Its vibrant flavor works well as a small plate or spread, and it pairs beautifully with other tapas-style bites.

This tapenade comes together in minutes using pantry ingredients you may already have. It’s one of those recipes I throw together at the last minute when guests arrive — simple to make, big on flavor.

 

Four image collage shows how to make tapenade: chop the ingredients in uniform pieces, add to a bowl with olive oil and vinegar, stir to combine.

 

How to use and serve tapenade

Serve olive pepper tapenade as an appetizer with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or raw vegetables like endive leaves and radish rounds. It also makes an excellent condiment for sandwiches, burgers, or wraps, and can replace or complement other spreads in sandwiches or savory bites.

This tapenade complements other flavorful small plates such as roasted artichoke hummus, garlic white bean dip, Marcona almonds, or a simple Mediterranean lentil salad. Use it to create a cohesive appetizer board or enjoy it as a bright contrast to milder sides.

 

How long does homemade tapenade last?

Stored in the refrigerator, homemade tapenade stays fresh for several days. For the best flavor and texture, enjoy it within about four to seven days. Keep it in an airtight glass container to preserve freshness and avoid absorbing other fridge odors.

 

A red bowl of olive tapenade sitting on a rustic grey plate that holds two toasted baguette slices topped with tapenade, and a spoon filled with tapenade. Another plate of plain breads sits on the side.

 

Olive Pepper Tapenade

Yield: 6 servings

Olive Pepper Tapenade

Overhead view of a red bowl of olive tapenade sitting on a rustic grey plate that holds two toasted baguette slices topped with tapenade, and a spoon filled with tapenade. Another plate of plain breads sits on the side.

A quick, flavorful tapenade with bold, briny notes—perfect for a last-minute snack or appetizer.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Total Time
10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Castelvetrano olives or other green olives
  • 7.8 ounces roasted red pepper (drained weight of a 12 ounce jar)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 tablespoons capers
  • 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ tablespoon red wine vinegar

Instructions

  1. Chop the olives and roasted red pepper into uniform pieces. Finely mince the garlic.
  2. Leave the capers whole and combine them with the olives, peppers, and garlic. Stir in the olive oil and red wine vinegar until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
  3. Serve immediately with toasted crostini, pita, or fresh vegetables, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

Tapenade is versatile: use it as a spread, a sandwich condiment, or a flavorful addition to salads and grain bowls. For best texture and flavor, chop ingredients evenly so each bite has a balance of olive, pepper, and caper.

Refrigerate leftovers in a glass container with a tight lid and use within four to seven days.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

¼ cup

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 139Total Fat: 9gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 539mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 3gSugar: 1gProtein: 2g

Nutrition estimates vary and are for informational purposes only.

© Kristina Sloggett


Cuisine:

Gluten Free
/
Category: Appetizers

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about Kristina:

Kristina is spabettie. She discovered cooking early and launched spabettie in 2010 to share vibrant vegan recipes. She turned culinary training into a collection of approachable, flavorful plant-based dishes.

Kristina sits on a deck chair in the back yard with her dog, Dutch.

spabettie / Kristina Sloggett participates in affiliate programs.