Low Sugar Basil & Olive Tapenade
Briny, herby, and bright with lemon, this tapenade is the kind of condiment that makes everything it touches taste more interesting. Kalamata and green olives bring a bold, savory depth, while fresh basil and thyme keep things lively and aromatic. A touch of turmeric adds a subtle warmth and a gorgeous golden hue that makes the whole spread look as good as it tastes. Every single ingredient here is naturally free of added sugar — no hidden sweeteners, no store-bought shortcuts that sneak in syrup or glucose to balance acidity. The food processor does the heavy lifting, and a slow drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil brings it all together into a coarse, spreadable paste that clings beautifully to a spoon or a cracker. Serve it alongside crusty bread, swipe it over grilled chicken, or stir a spoonful into pasta — it's endlessly versatile and completely unfussy to make.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- 1 cup pitted kalamata olives
- ½ cup pitted green olives
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt, or to taste
Instructions
- 1
Drain the Kalamata and green olives and pat them dry with a paper towel — excess brine will make the tapenade watery.
- 2
Combine the olives, basil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, and turmeric in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse 8–10 times until the mixture is roughly chopped and no large olive pieces remain.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!