Alpha Gal Friendly Basil & Olive Tapenade
This vibrant spread brings together briny Kalamata and green olives with a generous handful of fresh basil, creating something that tastes far more complex than the handful of steps it takes to make. A squeeze of lemon, a hit of garlic, fresh thyme, and a pinch of turmeric round out the flavor in a way that feels bright and a little unexpected. Everything gets pulsed in a food processor and finished with a drizzle of good extra-virgin olive oil — no cooking required, just bold, honest ingredients doing the work. For anyone navigating alpha-gal syndrome, finding flavorful condiments and spreads that are completely free of mammalian products can be trickier than it sounds, especially with store-bought options that sometimes sneak in hidden dairy or meat-derived additives. This tapenade is built entirely from plants, so there's nothing to second-guess. Spread it over toasted bread, spoon it alongside grilled fish or chicken, or use it as a punchy dip for raw vegetables — it's the kind of versatile recipe that earns a permanent spot in your rotation.
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!