Olive Tapenade Hummus

Discover how to make olive tapenade hummus—a creamy, flavorful dip that combines classic hummus with an olive tapenade twist. Inspired by Mediterranean flavors, this wholesome, plant-based dip is ideal for entertaining, or spreading on wraps. Includes homemade and store-bought options, plus tips and variations!

Olive Tapenade Hummus: A Mediterranean Dip You’ll Love

If you're looking for a bold and flavorful twist on classic hummus, olive tapenade hummus is your new go-to dip. This creamy, protein-packed spread blends the smooth richness of chickpeas with the briny, savory intensity of olive tapenade. Whether you're entertaining guests or just snacking smart, this Mediterranean-inspired recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.

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What Is Olive Tapenade?

Olive tapenade is a traditional Provençal spread made primarily from finely chopped or pureed olives, capers, and sometimes anchovies, though modern versions often skip the anchovies for a vegetarian option. It’s known for its salty, umami-rich taste and is commonly served with bread, crackers, or vegetables. In this recipe, it serves as a topping for hummus to create a creamy dip with lots of Mediterranean flavor.

Why You’ll Love Olive Tapenade Hummus

• Bold Mediterranean flavor from olives, capers, and garlic
• High in protein and fiber thanks to chickpeas
• Naturally vegan and gluten-free (when using homemade or verified ingredients)
• Perfect for meal prep, parties, or snacking
• Customizable with homemade or store-bought shortcuts

This dip brings together the best of both worlds—creamy hummus and savory tapenade—for a snack or appetizer that's deliciously different.

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Ingredients & Notes

Here’s what you’ll need to make olive tapenade hummus from scratch:

For the Hummus:

• Chickpeas – Use drained and well rinsed canned chickpeas.
• Tahini – Adds creaminess and traditional hummus flavor.
• Fresh lemon juice – Brightens and balances the dip.
• Garlic – Start with one clove and adjust to taste for that perfect garlicky punch.
• Olive oil – For richness.  Use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil.
• Cold water – to achieve the perfect texture when blending.
• Salt – To balance and bring together all the flavors.

For the Olive Tapenade:

• Kalamata olives – Use high-quality jarred olives for the best flavor.
• Green olives - Adds variety and a rich buttery flavor that marries well with the Kalamata olives.  (Or substitute all Kalamata olives if you’d prefer.)
• Capers – Brings a briny bite.
• Garlic - For that traditional Mediterranean flavor.
• Olive oil – For richness and to create the right texture for the spread.  Use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil.
• Lemon juice or red wine vinegar – For brightness.
• Fresh herbs (parsley and thyme) – For freshness.

💡 Short on time? You can use store-bought hummus and/or olive tapenade and add in some fresh herbs to brighten the flavor. Look for minimally processed brands with clean ingredients.

How to Make Olive Tapenade Hummus (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Make the Hummus (or Use Store-Bought)

1. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and salt.
2. Blend until smooth, adding cold water one spoonful at a time until you reach a creamy, silky consistency.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 2: Make the Olive Tapenade

1. In a small food processor, combine Kalamata olives, green olives, capers, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice and fresh herbs.
2. Pulse until you get a paste. It should be still be chunky but spreadable.

Step 3: Combine

You have two options:

• Swirl the tapenade into the hummus for a marbled effect.
• Serve on top of hummus for a more layered look.

Optional Garnishes:

• Drizzle of olive oil
• More fresh herbs
• Sprinkle of paprika or za’atar

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Variations to Try

• Spicy Olive Hummus –Try adding harissa paste to your hummus.
• Herb Tapenade Hummus – Use extra fresh herbs like basil, thyme or rosemary to flavor the tapenade.
• Lemon-Lover’s Hummus – Use extra lemon juice and lemon zest to the hummus for extra tang.
• Roasted Garlic Version – Swap fresh garlic for slow-roasted garlic cloves.

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Tips for Success

• Use high-quality olives. The flavor of this dish relies heavily on the tapenade—choose olives you’d eat on their own.  Skip canned olives and go for jarred.
• Blend the hummus thoroughly. Pulse and scrape down the sides multiple times for a silky texture.
• Adjust the texture. If it’s too thick, add more water or olive oil a teaspoon at a time.
• Make it ahead. The flavors develop more after a few hours in the fridge.
• Serve at room temperature. Cold hummus can dull the flavor.

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Final Thoughts: A Flavorful, Easy Dip for Every Occasion

Olive tapenade hummus is the perfect fusion of Mediterranean flavors. Whether you're making everything from scratch or using a shortcut or two, this dip is guaranteed to elevate your snacking game. Try it with pita chips, fresh veggies, or even spread it on sandwiches and wraps.

Ready to dive in? Make this tapenade hummus today and taste the Mediterranean in every bite!

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More Hummus Recipes:

• Harissa Hummus
• Almond Hummus
• Paleo Hummus