Beef Free Classic Olive Tapenade
This briny, bold spread is one of those recipes that tastes like it came from a little jar you paid too much for at a specialty shop — except you made it yourself in about five minutes. Kalamata olives bring a deep, fruity richness, while capers and anchovy fillets layer in that savory, umami punch that makes tapenade so addictive. A hit of fresh thyme, lemon juice, and zest keeps everything bright and balanced so it never feels heavy or one-note. The food processor does most of the work, and the key is keeping it coarse — you want a spreadable paste with real texture, not a smooth purée. Slather it on crusty bread, dollop it onto roasted vegetables, or use it as a flavor-packed condiment alongside cheese and crackers. Since every ingredient here is plant-based or seafood-derived, there's zero concern about beef or meat byproducts sneaking in, which makes it an effortless fit for anyone avoiding red meat. Make a batch ahead and keep it in the fridge — the flavors only get better as they meld together.
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 ½ cups pitted kalamata or niçoise olives
- 2 tbsp capers, drained
- 4 oil-packed anchovy fillets
- 1 small garlic clove
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp lemon zest
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the olives, capers, anchovy fillets, garlic, thyme, lemon juice, lemon zest, and black pepper in the bowl of a food processor.
- 2
Pulse 8–10 times until the mixture is roughly chopped and no large olive pieces remain, scraping down the sides of the bowl once halfway through.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!