Celery Free Basil & Olive Tapenade
This vibrant, herb-forward spread is the kind of thing that disappears fast at any gathering — bold, briny, and layered with the brightness of fresh basil, lemon, and thyme. Kalamata and green olives bring a punchy depth that pairs beautifully with the floral lift of fresh basil, while a touch of turmeric adds a subtle warmth you won't quite be able to put your finger on. The whole thing comes together in a food processor in just a few pulses, landing at that perfect coarse, spreadable texture that clings to crusty bread or crackers without turning into a smooth, featureless paste. For anyone navigating celery sensitivities, this recipe is naturally free of the ingredient without any substitutions or workarounds — just clean, whole-food components that do all the heavy lifting on flavor. Drizzled with a little extra olive oil before serving, it looks effortlessly impressive on a board. Spread it on toast, tuck it into a sandwich, or serve it alongside roasted vegetables — it earns its place every single time.
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!