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    Home » Recipes » Party Appetizers

    Meyer Lemon Olive Tapenade

    Published: March 12, 2022 | Last Updated: April 4, 2024 | Lisa 1 Comment
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    A recipe for fresh homemade olive tapenade using different olives and herbs garnished with lemon slices and flat leaf parsley.

    Last Updated April 4th, 2024 at 01:40 pm by Lisa

    Calling all you olive lovers! This delightfully fresh Meyer Lemon Olive Tapenade is an anchovy free recipe and the perfect addition to cheese boards with crackers and golden crostini toasts.

    Once you make your own tapenade, it will become a favorite way to entertain with appetizers...

    A vintage bowl with green olive tapenade and bread nearby.Pin

    Green Olive Tapenade Recipe

    Many of us are not a fan of anchovy, anchovy fillets, or anchovy paste as one of the main ingredients in dishes. The strong flavor they add can overwhelm a recipe. But those little anchovies are classically used in a French Tapenade. This is a vegetarian and vegan version that tastes just as good as the ones you will find in the outdoor markets of France!

    These staple ingredients are always in my pantry which makes this a snap to put together.

    • 1 cup green olives pitted and drained
    • 1 cup Kalamata olives pitted and drained
    • ¼ cup capers drained
    • ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves chopped
    • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
    • 1 Meyer lemon - lemon zest and lemon juice
    • ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

    Olives: Use different types of olives. Green or black olives are great choices, and kalamata olives all work very well. If you can find niçoise olives from Southern France, those would be ideal for a traditional tapenade.

    Take a look at an olive bar at your local gourmet grocery store, and combine olives. Be sure to use an olive pitter to remove any pits before chopping. Castelvetrano olives are another good option and are a Sicilian green olive, irresistible buttery-sweet flavor, and crisp, meaty texture.

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    Capers: Are pickled green flower buds that have a lemony tang, and echo a green olive flavor with some tartness. They bring a bold salty, savory flavor and just 1 tablespoon of capers will pack a flavor punch dishes like chicken piccata.

    Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil. You can use a flavored one like garlic or lemon. Drizzle a little extra olive oil on top of the bowl to add additional flavor.

    Meyer Lemons: For best results use fresh lemon juice from Meyer lemons as they are not as tart and sweeter. You can use regular Eureka lemons too.

    Garlic: Fresh garlic can overpower the tapenade, garlic powder is just right. If you use garlic cloves, be sure to crush them well into a thick paste and mix well. You can smash on a board or use a mortar and pestle.

    Variations: A great addition would be to add some ribbons of fresh basil or fresh mint. Fresh thyme would also be perfect!

    An outdoor picnic with cheeses, sliced loaf of French bread, grapes, and olive tapenade.Pin

    How To Mix Tapenade

    1. Remove any pits from olives. In a small food processor (see below how to chop by hand), add kalamata and green olives, capers, and fresh parsley. Pulse 8 times, or until it is chunky.
    2. Next, add olive oil, scrape down the bowl, and pulse 4 more times.
    3. Then pour this mixture into a bowl. Add the Meyer lemon juice and zest, black pepper, and garlic powder.
    4. Mix the tapenade ingredients well.
    5. NOTE: If making tapenade the simple way by hand, finely chop green and kalamata olives, capers, and parsley on a cutting board. Then add to a bowl and add the extra virgin olive oil, Meyer lemon juice and zest, pepper, and garlic powder.
    6. Stores well in a mason jar or an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
    Pin

    How To Eat Tapenade

    Homemade olive tapenade will hold up in hot weather and can be served outdoors for a picnic or garden party. We all love an easy recipe to serve at room temperature in the summer months!

    What To Serve With Olive Tapenade?

    • assorted crackers
    • plain or flavored pita chips
    • pickled vegetables
    • cheesy crouton shards
    • mini bell pepper halves (keto/low carb light option)
    • baguette slices
    • wide variety of cheeses
    • crostini toasts
    • breadsticks
    • sliced crusty bread

    What are Meyer Lemons?

    Meyer lemons are orangy yellow and rounder than a regular lemon. The skin is thin, not thick and they have a sweet fragrance.  

    Meyer lemon fruits have a sweeter, less acidic flavor than the more common Lisbon or Eureka supermarket lemon varieties.

    My Dad always said Meyer lemons were the best. And I believe he was right. I have a Meyer lemon tree in my garden and it always reminds me of my Dad.

    A pile of fresh lemons ready to use in a recipe.Pin

    Tapenade FAQ

    What Is Tapenade?

    Tapenade is a chunky French Provençal dip, typically made from black olives, capers, anchovies, herbs, and seasonings. This condiment is made at home or can be storebought in a jar. Tapenade comes from Provence, in the south eastern part of France.
    Tápeno is the Provencal name or term given to capers.

    What Is Tapenade Used For?



    Tapenade is mostly thought of as an appetizer served as a topping with crostini or crudités. Often commonly used as a condiment, Tapenade is a great recipe used in preparing baked fish dishes like Fish En Papillote.

    Toss into Greek salads, sprinkle as a homemade pizza topping, add to pasta red sauce, used as a spread on pressed Italian sandwiches, add into tuna salad, or bake into bread loaves for olive bread.

    Easy Olive Tapenade Recipe Uses

    Tapenade is a flavoring ingredient and has many other uses in your cooking should you have leftovers. Here are some creative delicious recipes to use this versatile olive condiment to try...

    A couple of easy recipes that use tapenade to pack in flavor are these Tuna Salad wraps and bell pepper bowls. This is no regular tuna salad and is a perfect way to use up tapenade.

    Picnic Pressed Sandwiches are a delicious recipe for summertime. They are so easy to make a day ahead, then toss into a cooler, and off to the beach you go!

    Healthy Tuna Salad Recipe
    A healthier Tuna Salad loaded with crunchy celery, creamy avocado, basil, capers, kalamata olives, pepperoncini's, and sun-dried tomatoes. One of my favorite things about this recipe is it can be rolled up in a tortilla wrap, scooped in colorful bell pepper bowls, or put inside lettuce leaves for low carb lunches! The mayonnaise is swapped out for avocado and Greek yogurt which becomes a more creamy texture than just mayo. Each bite is full of crunchy little tasty pops of Italian flavors, and it is so fresh and clean.
    GET THE RECIPE PIN IT
    Red and green Bell pepper halves filled and green tortilla wraps filled with no mayo Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad.Pin
    Pressed Picnic Sandwiches Recipe
    Yummy Picnic Food is easy with Pressed Italian Sandwiches that are both neat to eat, and easy to make ahead. This pressed sandwich recipe is bursting with flavor from the olives, pepperoncini, salami, deli meat, and more! These summer sandwiches keep very well overnight in the fridge. Make the day before, then grab and go. You can make these sandwiches in countless ways using meats, cheeses, and fillings you love. Pop into a picnic lunch basket or cooler for al fresco meals. And head off to the beach, a concert, or a picnic in the park!
    GET THE RECIPE PIN IT
    Picnic sandwiches on a red and white check table with sliced sandwiches.Pin
    • toss into Greek salads
    • scoop up with different flavored pita chips
    • sprinkle as a homemade pizza garnish topping
    • add to pasta red sauce for a delicious sauce
    • on busy weeknights, toss into hot spaghetti
    • a topping for deviled eggs
    • roasted green beans and top with tapenade
    • make easy green olive tapenade stuffed French bread
    • top thick tomato slices with feta, tapenade, and mint
    • put into compound herb butter for use on fish
    • baked into bread loaves for olive bread
    • mix into a big batch of great tasting pasta salads
    • mix with mayo, for a tapenade mayo for a sandwich spread
    • spread goat cheese on crostini top with a spoonful of tapenade and top with a little bit of red pepper flakes
    • an olive spread to serve on crostini
    • stir little tapenade into hummus for a dip
    • mix into chicken or tuna salad the best flavor
    • bake fish in parchment paper with a spoonful over the top for easy dinner parties
    • put some on morning avocado toast for a perfect addition
    • toss tapenade into main dishes like hot pasta sauce
    • make tomato tapenade, mix roasted tomatoes, olive tapenade, and fresh herbs with olive oil
    Pin

    Appetizer Party Ideas

    For a happy hour or a family gathering put out a great spread. Load a charcuterie board with pita bread triangles, a nice whole olive mix, various cheeses, nuts, fresh crisp green beans, roasted red bell peppers, and your favorite crackers.

    perfect recipe

    Lidy Baars of French Garden House and I put together this Autumn Entertaining Series with this gorgeous appetizer display.

    And let me just say, we sure had fun creating this party appetizer series for you! We might have just giggled and nibbled our way through this entire photoshoot...

    Pin

    Lidy set this table with her FABULOUS styling talent, I just love how she makes it look so easy. All the food was served down the center of a beautiful table, all within reach. It makes entertaining so elegant and easy. You can read all about how she pulls this look together on her blog post, Autumn Entertaining | How To Design A Stunning Appetizer Display.

    We served a gorgeous Hibiscus Tea Cocktail that is on the “healthy” side and might just be your go-to holiday cocktail choice as it has low sugar, 3-ingredient Brie and Bacon Palmiers, and Spicy Candied Pecans will be a favorite in festive Holiday salads and on cheese boards.

    Lidy pulled this gorgeous table together so effortlessly and shares how to get this look for Autumn Entertaining on her blog.  We hope this inspires you to entertain outdoors and relax with friends and family.

    Pin

    More Easy Appetizer Recipes

    • A glass bowl filled with horseradish dipping sauce with bacon wrapped filet mignon appetizers on toothpicks.
      Filet Mignon Steak Appetizer
    • White round plate filled with cheese appetizers with crackers and garnished with basil.
      Easy Layered Cheese Appetizers
    • A white platter filled with brie and bacon palmier appetizers golden brown and ready to eat.
      Brie and Bacon Palmiers
    • A clear glass plate with shrimp cocktail, cocktail sauce, and two glasses of champagne.
      Shrimp Cocktail
    • A rustic table with small bowls filled with toppings for a fall appetizer crostini bar.
      Fall Crostini Bar
    • A pumpkin shaped cheese ball on a platter with pita chips and crackers.
      Everything Bagel Pumpkin Cheese Ball
    • Ruffled potato chips on a plate with homemade French onion dip.
      French Onion Dip
    • A collection of Thanksgiving appetizers with recipe ideas, and party decorating tips for a Fall party.
      36 Thanksgiving Appetizers

    CRAVING MORE?

    Did you love this recipe? We would love to hear from you! If you make this recipe and love it, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ with a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Delicious Table with my free newsletter and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    A vintage French ceramic bowl filled with freshly made meyer lemon olive tapenade with a silver spoon and sliced baguette to eat as an appetizer.Pin
    Print Pin Recipe

    Meyer Lemon Olive Tapenade (Anchovy Free)

    Delightfully fresh Meyer Lemon Olive Tapenade is an anchovy free recipe. Perfect addition to cheese boards with crackers and crostini toasts!
    Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time 10 minutes minutes
    Servings 12
    Calories 111kcal
    Author Lisa Hatfield

    Equipment

    Cuisinart Food Processor
    Epicurean Non-Slip Cutting Board
    Chef Knife
    Olive Pitter

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup green olives pitted and drained
    • 1 cup Kalamata olives pitted and drained
    • ¼ cup capers drained
    • ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves chopped
    • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
    • 1 whole Meyer lemon
    • ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
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    Instructions

    • Remove any pits from olives. In a small food processor, add kalamata and green olives, capers, and fresh parsley. Pulse 8 times, or until it is chunky.
    • Next, add olive oil, scrape down the bowl, and pulse 4 more times.
    • Then pour this mixture into a bowl. Add the Meyer lemon juice and zest, black pepper, and garlic powder.
    • NOTE: If making tapenade by hand, finely chop green and kalamata olives, capers, and parsley on a cutting board. Then add to a bowl and add the extra virgin olive oil, Meyer lemon juice and zest, pepper, and garlic powder.
    • Stores well in mason jars or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

    Notes

     

    What To Serve With Olive Tapenade?

    • assorted crackers
    • plain or flavored pita chips
    • pickled vegetables
    • cheesy crouton shards
    • mini bell pepper halves (keto/low carb light option)
    • baguette slices
    • wide variety of cheeses
    • crostini toasts
    • breadsticks
    • sliced crusty bread

    Other Tapenade Uses

    Try tapenade on grilled vegetables, grilled chicken, or toss into a salad, or with pasta and herbs.
    • toss into Greek salads
    • scoop up with different flavored pita chips
    • sprinkle as a homemade pizza garnish topping
    • add to pasta red sauce for a delicious sauce
    • on busy weeknights, toss into hot spaghetti
    • a topping for deviled eggs
    • roasted green beans and top with tapenade
    • make easy green olive tapenade stuffed French bread
    • top thick tomato slices with feta, tapenade, and mint
    • put into compound herb butter for use on fish
    • baked into bread loaves for olive bread
    • mix into a big batch of great-tasting pasta salads
    • mix with mayo, for a tapenade mayo for a sandwich spread
    • spread goat cheese on crostini top with a spoonful of tapenade and top with a little bit of red pepper flakes

      Nutrition

      Calories: 111kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 677mg | Potassium: 24mg | Fiber: 1g | Vitamin A: 300IU | Vitamin C: 2.7mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 0.4mg
      Tried this recipe?Let's see it on Instagram! Follow us @Delicious.Table and tag us on your recipe photo with #delicioustable
      Need ingredients or equipment to make this recipe? Shop Now Every cooking product recommended I own, use, and love how they perform in my kitchen. Happy Cooking! Lisa
      Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Delicious Table earns advertising fees from qualified purchases linking to Amazon.com

      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Antonia R says

        March 09, 2018 at 7:18 pm

        5 stars
        Ever see an ingredient list that you feel is speaking right to you? This one is for me. I have made this recipe several times using Meyer lemons from my own trees. This tapenade now makes a regular appearance at pizza parties on my patio. My friends love it so much that I am thinking about giving it away as gifts this year. Double win!

        Reply

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