Nutmeg Free Classic Olive Tapenade
This briny, bold spread is one of those recipes that feels effortlessly impressive the moment it hits the table. Kalamata or Niçoise olives bring a deep, fruity richness, while capers and anchovy fillets layer in that savory, umami punch that keeps people reaching for more. Fresh thyme, lemon juice, and a little zest lift everything with brightness, and a drizzle of good extra-virgin olive oil pulls the whole paste together into something silky but still satisfyingly coarse. The food processor does the heavy lifting in under five minutes, making this one of the easiest ways to elevate a cheese board, crostini, or a simple bowl of pasta. For anyone navigating spice sensitivities, this recipe is naturally free of warm baking spices — every ingredient earns its place through fresh herbs, citrus, and the olives themselves. Nothing here is fussy or hard to source, and the result tastes like something you'd find at a little Mediterranean bistro. Make a jar on Sunday and you'll be finding excuses to spread it on everything all week.
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!