This artichoke tapenade is a brighter, lighter version of the versatile olive spread from Provençe and an easy appetizer for any occasion.
When you think of tapenade, you probably think of the Provencal spread typically made from black olives and herbs; but tapenades can also be made with other ingredients as well. One of my favorite variations on the classic is an artichoke tapenade, it’s lighter, brighter and a bit more briny than traditional tapenade but no less versatile or delicious.
It’s terrific served as an appetizer with cocktails, as part of a cheese board or spread on just about anything you can think of. It’s also easy to make at home, making it a no-brainer for when you have guests over or need something to bring to a party.
What's in Artichoke Tapenade?
While olives are usually the main player in tapenade, this artichoke and green olive tapenade showcases the best of both.
Jarred artichokes hearts are an unsung hero in the kitchen; they’re incredibly versatile, easily available and should really be a pantry staple. There’s no need to waste time cleaning, trimming and preparing fresh artichokes when the jarred kind will do just fine in most cases. Here the artichokes add extra body, texture and a mellow flavor that helps to balance out the saltiness of the olives and add much needed freshness to the spread.
What kind of olives do I need for tapenade?
As for the olives, get the best quality you can find. Olives from an olive bar are great, good quality jarred olives work as well but please stay away from canned olives. The type of green olive is up to your taste, I like the large buttery Castelvetrano olives but any variety will do. Pitted will save you time and effort but rob you somewhat of flavor so if you have the time and patience (which I’ll admit I don’t always have) get the un-pitted olives instead and use the side of a large chef’s knife to crush the olives and remove the pits.
After that, it’s simply a matter of pulsing the ingredients until they are roughly chopped in the food processor and generously drizzling in enough olive oil to make a chunky but spreadable paste. Serve with crackers or an assortment of raw vegetables for an easy but impressive appetizer or just keep a jar in the fridge for snacking or spreading.
More dips and spreads to check out:
- Muhammara Roasted Red Pepper Walnut Dip
- Parsnip Hummus Dip with Fiery Chili Oil
- Roasted Mixed Mushroom Walnut Pâté
Artichoke Tapenade
This artichoke tapenade is a brighter, lighter version of the versatile olive spread from Provençe.
Ingredients
- One 10-ounce jar/280g artichoke hearts, drained and pat dry
- 5 ounces/145g pitted green olives, drained and pat dry
- 1 teaspoon salt packed capers, rinsed and pat dry
- ½ cup fresh parsley leaves
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- ⅛th teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 Tablespoon/14g almond flour
- 2 teaspoons/10ml fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 3 Tablespoons/45ml extra-virgin olive oil
- Cut assorted vegetables for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a small food processor pulse together artichoke hearts, olives, parsley, basil, salt, almond flour and lemon juice. With processor on stream in olive oil until just combined. (The tapenade should be smooth but with some texture.) Transfer to a bowl and chill covered until ready to serve.
- Serve tapenade as a dip with assorted raw vegetables if desired.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 243Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 21gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 748mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 1g
Nutritional information for recipes contained on this website, such as calories, fat, carbs, etc. are only estimates and are not guaranteed to be accurate.
Sylvie Shirazi is the recipe developer and food photographer behind Gourmande in the Kitchen. For the last 10 years she's been making eating more healthfully easy and accessible with gluten-free, grain-free, paleo and vegan recipes that are free from processed ingredients.
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