Mushroom Free Classic Olive Tapenade
Bold, briny, and deeply savory, this Provençal-style spread is the kind of thing that makes a simple cracker or toasted baguette feel like a proper occasion. Kalamata or Niçoise olives bring a rich, fruity depth, while capers and anchovy fillets layer in that unmistakable punch of salt and umami — no mushrooms, no fillers, just clean, assertive flavor from start to finish. A touch of fresh thyme, lemon juice, and zest keeps everything bright so the spread never feels heavy or one-dimensional. The whole thing comes together in a food processor in just a few pulses, so you're looking at minimal effort for maximum payoff. Keeping the texture coarse rather than blending it smooth is the move here — you want that rustic, chunky paste that clings to bread and holds its own against charcuterie or roasted vegetables. It stores beautifully in the fridge, which means you can make a batch ahead and pull it out whenever guests arrive or a snack craving hits. For anyone navigating a fungi-free diet, this is the kind of deeply flavored, crowd-pleasing recipe that proves you're not missing a thing.
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!