Paleo Basil & Olive Tapenade
This vibrant, herb-forward spread is everything a great condiment should be — bold, briny, and layered with flavor from two kinds of olives, fresh basil, and a bright hit of lemon. The addition of fresh thyme and a pinch of turmeric gives it a complexity that goes well beyond a standard olive paste, making it feel genuinely special without any extra effort. Every single ingredient here is whole and unprocessed, so it fits naturally into a grain-free, legume-free way of eating without any substitutions or workarounds. The food processor does most of the heavy lifting, and the key technique — patting the olives dry before blending — keeps the texture thick and spreadable rather than watery. Drizzle it over grilled chicken or fish, spoon it onto roasted vegetables, or use it as a dip with sliced cucumbers and carrots for a satisfying snack that feels indulgent but is completely clean. A final drizzle of good extra-virgin olive oil right before serving pulls everything together and makes it look as impressive as it tastes.
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!