Every product is independently reviewed and selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Feta and Olive Tapenade is a delightful Mediterranean-inspired spread that offers a perfect balance of savory flavors.
This dish combines the rich, briny taste of olives with the creamy, tangy flavor of feta cheese.
Whether served as a dip, spread on toasted bread, or added to salads, this tapenade elevates any dish it touches.
It’s a simple yet elegant appetizer, perfect for any occasion.
Its versatility makes it a great choice for parties, picnics, or casual gatherings with friends and family.
What is Tapenade?
Tapenade is a traditional Mediterranean condiment that typically consists of olives, capers, and olive oil, blended together to create a flavorful paste.
The name “tapenade” comes from the Provençal word for capers, “tapeno,” as capers are one of the primary ingredients.
While it originated in France, it is now enjoyed across various Mediterranean countries.
Over time, different variations have emerged, with added ingredients such as garlic, herbs, and anchovies.
In this recipe, feta cheese is incorporated to give the tapenade a creamy texture and a delightful tang, making it even more irresistible.
Why You’ll Love Feta and Olive Tapenade
The combination of salty feta and briny olives creates a unique and complex flavor profile that will captivate your taste buds.
The creamy feta adds richness to the tapenade, while the olives provide a savory depth that complements the other ingredients.
This tapenade is incredibly easy to make, requiring only a handful of ingredients and a food processor.
It is the perfect addition to any appetizer spread, and it pairs well with a variety of foods, including crackers, veggies, and grilled meats.
The Mediterranean-inspired flavors are not only delicious but also bring a healthy, fresh element to your meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Feta and Olive Tapenade, you’ll need a few simple ingredients.
Start with Kalamata or green olives, which are the key base of the tapenade.
These olives add the signature briny taste.
Feta cheese, either crumbled or in blocks, will add a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
Garlic provides an aromatic punch, while capers contribute a bit of sharpness.
Fresh herbs, such as oregano, thyme, or basil, are optional but offer a fresh herbal note.
A splash of lemon juice can brighten the tapenade, while olive oil helps achieve the desired smooth consistency.
Lastly, black pepper or chili flakes can be added to enhance the flavor or bring in a bit of heat if you prefer.
How to Make Feta and Olive Tapenade
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by rinsing the olives to remove any excess brine.
If necessary, pit the olives and then roughly chop them to make them easier to blend.
Crumble or cube the feta cheese, depending on your preference for texture.
Peel and crush the garlic cloves to release their flavor.
Prepare any fresh herbs you plan to use by washing and chopping them.
Step 2: Blend the Tapenade
In a food processor, combine the olives, feta cheese, capers, and garlic.
Add in the fresh herbs of your choice and a drizzle of olive oil.
Pulse the mixture a few times until the ingredients are well combined but still slightly chunky, or blend until smooth, depending on your texture preference.
Step 3: Adjust Consistency and Flavor
If the tapenade seems too thick, add more olive oil a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
Taste the tapenade and adjust the seasoning as needed.
You can add a splash of lemon juice for brightness or a pinch of black pepper or chili flakes for a touch of heat.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the tapenade to a serving bowl and garnish with extra crumbled feta or a few more fresh herbs if desired.
Serve immediately or let it chill in the fridge for the flavors to meld.
How to Serve Feta and Olive Tapenade
Feta and Olive Tapenade is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways.
Serve it as a dip with your favorite crackers, pita bread, or toasted baguette slices.
For a healthy snack, pair it with fresh veggies like cucumber slices, carrot sticks, or bell pepper strips.
It also makes an excellent topping for grilled meats, such as chicken or lamb, adding a burst of flavor.
Spread it on sandwiches, wraps, or burgers for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
You can also use the tapenade as a topping for salads, bringing a rich, savory element to your greens.
For an extra touch, drizzle a bit of olive oil over the tapenade before serving.
Storage and Shelf Life
Feta and Olive Tapenade can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It will stay fresh for up to 4 to 5 days when kept properly refrigerated.
If you have leftovers, you can also freeze the tapenade for up to 1 month.
However, freezing may slightly alter the texture, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.
Before serving leftovers, give it a good stir, as the olive oil may separate upon storage.
Final Thoughts
Feta and Olive Tapenade is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings a Mediterranean touch to any meal.
Its versatility in both flavor and use makes it a perfect addition to your appetizer repertoire.
Whether you’re serving it at a party, spreading it on sandwiches, or enjoying it as a snack, this tapenade is sure to impress.
It’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and can be easily customized to suit your taste.
Feel free to experiment with variations or garnishes to make it uniquely yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use different types of olives in tapenade?
Yes! You can use Kalamata, green olives, or even a mix of different varieties to suit your taste preferences.
2. Is there a substitute for feta cheese in this recipe?
If you prefer a different cheese, you can use goat cheese or cream cheese, though the flavor and texture will change slightly.
3. Can I make tapenade ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, tapenade often tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.
4. Can I use this tapenade as a spread for pasta?
Yes, it makes a great topping for pasta. Simply mix it with hot pasta for a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish.
5. Can I make tapenade without a food processor?
Yes, you can use a mortar and pestle or finely chop all the ingredients by hand if you don’t have a food processor.
Feta and Olive Tapenade
Equipment
- 1 Food Processor (or mortar and pestle)
- 1 Knife (for chopping garlic and herbs)
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Measuring Cup (for olive oil)
- 1 Small Bowl (optional for garnishing)
Ingredients
- 1 cup Kalamata olives pitted
- ½ cup Feta cheese crumbled
- 2 tbsp Capers
- 2 Garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp Fresh herbs oregano, thyme, or basil
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice optional
- ¼ cup Olive oil
- 1 tsp Black pepper optional
- ½ tsp Chili flakes optional
Instructions
- Rinse the olives to remove excess brine. Pit the olives if necessary and roughly chop them.
- Crumble the feta cheese into small pieces.
- Peel and mince the garlic cloves.
- In a food processor, combine olives, feta cheese, capers, garlic, and fresh herbs.
- Add olive oil and pulse the mixture until the desired texture is achieved (smooth or chunky).
- Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding lemon juice, black pepper, or chili flakes if desired.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with extra crumbled feta or fresh herbs.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later use.
Notes
- For a smoother tapenade, blend the ingredients longer or add more olive oil.
- Feel free to experiment with different olives, such as green or mixed olives, for varied flavors.
- You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
- For a bit of heat, add more chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- If you don’t have a food processor, finely chop the ingredients by hand or use a mortar and pestle.
