Easy Artichoke Tapenade Recipe | Easy Tapenade | Life's Ambrosia (2024)

Easy Artichoke Tapenade Recipe | Easy Tapenade | Life's Ambrosia (1)

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Easy Artichoke Tapenade is the perfect spread for breads, to add to sandwiches and is a must for cheese boards. Make it for your next party!

Let’s be honest for a minute. Appetizers are the best. I know I know, lots of people are all “desserts are everything!” But 9 times out of 10 I will have an appetizer and skip dessert.

I am especially a sucker for cheese boards and all the loveliness that goes with them.

Easy Artichoke Tapenade Recipe | Easy Tapenade | Life's Ambrosia (2)

When making a cheese board, one of my favorite things is the spreads that go alongside the cheese and meats.This artichoke tapenade recipe made with artichoke hearts, garlic, capers, kalamata olives, lemon juice and olive oil is always a good choice. Spread on crackers or crostini and it’s the perfect bite for parties.

Easy Artichoke Tapenade Recipe | Easy Tapenade | Life's Ambrosia (3)

What is tapenade?

You have probably heard of an olive tapenade. It originated in France and is traditionally it is a puree of olives, capers, anchovies and olive oil. They are common as dips for bread or as spreads on sandwiches. Ilove adding tapenade to my Italian Pressed Sandwiches.

You can buy tapenades at just about any grocery store. They are sold canned in the condiment section or fresh made and served in the deli. But guess what, they arecrazy easy to make. With just a few ingredients you can make your own in a flash.

Easy Artichoke Tapenade Recipe | Easy Tapenade | Life's Ambrosia (4)

Personally, I have always enjoyed tapenades. I love their tangy, salty, briny flavor. You will notice that there aren’t any other seasonings in this recipe, namely salt. That is intentional. Because all of the ingredients in tapenade (capers, olives, etc) tend to have a higher salt content so you will not need any additional salt this recipe.

Easy Artichoke Tapenade Recipe | Easy Tapenade | Life's Ambrosia (5)

As much as I like traditional olive tapenade, I decided to switch things up a bit when I made this Easy Artichoke Tapenade. Instead of using only olives, I added a can of artichoke hearts to the mix. Because I am aHUGEfan of them. I use them in my Creamy Artichoke Jalapeno Dip, Artichoke Tomato Bake and even made .

For this recipe, you will want to use artichoke hearts that aren’t marinated. You can find them in the aisle next to the other canned vegetables. Marinated artichokes will give you a slightly different flavor because they are seasoned. They’ll work in a pinch if you can’t find others.

Easy Artichoke Tapenade Recipe | Easy Tapenade | Life's Ambrosia (6)

What do you serve tapenade with?

You can serve tapenade with many different things. You can spread it on crackers. Use it as a sandwich spread. Stir it into pasta. Or spoon it over some fish.

My personal favorite though? Keeping it simple and serving it on some bread. Alongside a glass of wine. Obviously.

Easy Artichoke Tapenade Recipe | Easy Tapenade | Life's Ambrosia (7)

Love artichokes? Looking for more artichoke recipes? Try these:

Baked Chicken with Artichokes

Crab Spinach Artichoke Dip

Air Fryer Artichoke Hearts

Artichoke Jalapeno Dip

Instant Pot Artichoke with Dipping Sauce

Easy Artichoke Tapenade Recipe | Easy Tapenade | Life's Ambrosia (8)

Note: Recipe originally posted in 2010. This post was updated with new photos, nutrition information and a video in 2021. .

Easy Artichoke Tapenade Recipe | Easy Tapenade | Life's Ambrosia (9)

Easy Artichoke Tapenade

Easy Artichoke Tapenade is the perfect spread for breads, to add to sandwiches and is a must for cheese boards. Make it for your next party!

5 from 14 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hr

Total Time 1 hr

Course Easy Appetizer Recipes

Cuisine American

Servings 4 Servings

Calories 87 kcal

Ingredients

Ingredients:

  • 1 14 ounce can artichoke hearts, drained
  • 7 pitted kalamata olives
  • 1 clove garlic chopped
  • 1 tablespoon non-pareil capers
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Notes

Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 87kcalCarbohydrates: 11.2gProtein: 3.6gFat: 4.5gSaturated Fat: 0.7gSodium: 318mgFiber: 5.9gSugar: 1g

Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!

Keywords: appetizer, artichoke dip, picnic snack, snack, tapenade

Leave a Comment

  • Reply

    Karen

    February 7, 2024 at 6:16 am

    Easy Artichoke Tapenade Recipe | Easy Tapenade | Life's Ambrosia (10)
    Very easy, tasty recipe, thank you.

    • Reply

      Deseree

      February 7, 2024 at 5:18 pm

      You’re welcome, Karen! Glad you enjoyed it!

  • Reply

    Ann

    April 6, 2022 at 11:36 am

    Easy Artichoke Tapenade Recipe | Easy Tapenade | Life's Ambrosia (11)
    Quick, easy, delicious, and the ingredients are all items I keep in my pantry! It’s something I’ll make frequently. Thank you!

    • Reply

      Deseree

      April 6, 2022 at 3:54 pm

      You are welcome, Ann!! So happy to hear this! I LOVE making this for party snacks, it’s always a fave :)

  • Reply

    Marlene

    June 17, 2021 at 8:23 am

    Easy Artichoke Tapenade Recipe | Easy Tapenade | Life's Ambrosia (12)
    Delicious. I did add fresh ground pepper to mine.

    • Reply

      Deseree

      June 19, 2021 at 9:14 am

      Glad you enjoyed it, Marlene!

  • Reply

    Amanda Nel

    May 6, 2021 at 10:58 am

    Easy Artichoke Tapenade Recipe | Easy Tapenade | Life's Ambrosia (13)
    I’ve only had the olive tapenade before but this one grabbed my attention. What is a party or get together without food?

  • Reply

    Liz

    May 6, 2021 at 10:31 am

    Easy Artichoke Tapenade Recipe | Easy Tapenade | Life's Ambrosia (14)
    SO easy!!! And I could skip dinner and just eat this tapenade! It’s delicious.

  • Reply

    Jacqueline

    April 23, 2021 at 7:33 pm

    Easy Artichoke Tapenade Recipe | Easy Tapenade | Life's Ambrosia (15)
    OMG! Amazing! I forgot the last step: to let it sit for at least an hour. So delicious and low calorie too. This is a keeper! Great recipe! Can’t wait to have it again.

  • Reply

    Salina

    October 31, 2020 at 5:12 pm

    Easy Artichoke Tapenade Recipe | Easy Tapenade | Life's Ambrosia (16)
    It was amazing. I used sundries black olives in oil.

  • Reply

    Rod

    September 20, 2019 at 4:09 am

    Easy Artichoke Tapenade Recipe | Easy Tapenade | Life's Ambrosia (17)
    I made this and it was so delicious. The only modification I made was I used a teaspoon of the capers brine from the capers jar instead of a using a teaspoon of lemon juice. Was absolutely wonderful…

    • Reply

      Deseree

      September 20, 2019 at 4:27 pm

      Ooooh I am loving that idea! Going to try that next time, whenever I can get more caper flavor, I do!

  • Reply

    Sam

    October 29, 2018 at 10:49 am

    Easy Artichoke Tapenade Recipe | Easy Tapenade | Life's Ambrosia (18)
    Yum! I’ve been using this as a sandwich topping for my work lunches! So easy to make and incredibly delicious, thanks for sharing!

    • Reply

      Deseree

      October 29, 2018 at 4:19 pm

      You are welcome! I am so happy to hear that, that is an excellent use for it! I need to try it :)

  • Reply

    Kimberly

    October 10, 2018 at 6:56 pm

    Oooh, I love the sound of this, yummy!

  • Reply

    Jamielyn

    October 10, 2018 at 8:44 am

    Easy Artichoke Tapenade Recipe | Easy Tapenade | Life's Ambrosia (19)
    Looks delicious and super addicting :)

  • Reply

    Toni | Boulder Locavore

    October 10, 2018 at 4:45 am

    Easy Artichoke Tapenade Recipe | Easy Tapenade | Life's Ambrosia (20)
    This is making me hungry! Looks so good!

  • Reply

    Katerina @ diethood .com

    October 10, 2018 at 3:58 am

    Easy Artichoke Tapenade Recipe | Easy Tapenade | Life's Ambrosia (21)
    WOW!! This artichoke spread sounds absolutely amazing!! Perfect for any party!!

  • Reply

    Catalina

    October 9, 2018 at 11:27 pm

    Easy Artichoke Tapenade Recipe | Easy Tapenade | Life's Ambrosia (22)
    This artichoke spread looks so gread! The perfect appetizer for parties!

  • Reply

    Melanie Bauer

    October 9, 2018 at 9:18 pm

    Easy Artichoke Tapenade Recipe | Easy Tapenade | Life's Ambrosia (23)
    This recipe looks so insanely delicious! Need to try this immediately!

  • Reply

    Paula

    October 9, 2018 at 5:07 pm

    I love tapenades. Such a great item to have out on a charcuterie board.

  • Reply

    Alex

    June 3, 2012 at 5:45 am

    Thanks for the idea, I made it last night and liked it so much I posted it on my own blog (giving you credit, of course). I like your blog as well, because you make things from scratch.

  • Reply

    Kevin

    February 13, 2010 at 9:12 am

    An artichoke tapenade is a great idea!

  • Reply

    Deseree

    February 10, 2010 at 8:08 pm

    Thanks everyone! Anu- Sorry for that misspelling- its nonpareil capers. Nonpareil capers are capers about the size of a pea. I prefer these to the bigger capote because nonpareil have a milder flavor and a wonderful aroma. Hope this helps!

  • Reply

    Brooke

    February 10, 2010 at 2:45 pm

    I ♥ artichokes – saving this recipe for later!

  • Reply

    Anu

    February 10, 2010 at 7:54 am

    what are “non-peril” capers? this looks yummy :)

  • Reply

    Village Feast

    February 9, 2010 at 9:15 pm

    Yummo, this looks so simple and tasty. I will definitely be trying.

  • Reply

    Sook @ My Fabulous Recipes

    February 9, 2010 at 12:48 pm

    Oh artichoke is one of my new favorites! This looks great! I want to try it.

  • Reply

    Erin

    February 9, 2010 at 12:26 pm

    YUM!

  • Reply

    Carrie

    February 9, 2010 at 9:56 am

    Lovely dip! My husband and I always go all out with nice suppers, too. I’ll think I’ll make this our next nice dinner appetizer!

  • Reply

    Maria

    February 9, 2010 at 7:30 am

    Great recipe. I will be making this very soon!

  • Easy Artichoke Tapenade Recipe | Easy Tapenade | Life's Ambrosia (2024)

    FAQs

    What is a traditional tapenade made of? ›

    Place the olives, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, drained capers, garlic, anchovies, thyme, and black pepper in a food processor. Process until all the ingredients are finely chopped, but not completely pureed. Serve the olive spread on baguette slices or with fresh crudités. Enjoy!

    How do you use leftover tapenade? ›

    It's traditionally spread on bread, but you can use it in canapés or starters such as crostini or bruschetta, or you can stir a little into pasta dishes or sauces, use it as a marinade for meat and also for adding to casseroles and stews. Roll a spoonful into bread or pizza dough for a savoury boost.

    What is artichoke spread made of? ›

    Savory Parmesan cheese, rich mayonnaise and artichoke hearts mingle in this classic warm spread.

    What do you eat tapenade with? ›

    Olive Tapenade Serving Suggestions

    Set it out with crackers or baguette, or serve it as part of a part of a snack board with components such as these: Creamy dips. You can't go wrong with hummus or white bean dip. Cheeses.

    Are there different types of tapenade? ›

    However, nowadays, tapenade doesn't just mean olive spread - through the years, it has almost become an umbrella term for a wide variety of pates, mostly made of different types of vegetables. From tomato to mushroom and even eggplant tapenade, there is no end to all the decadent pastes you can make!

    What is in Trader Joe's olive tapenade? ›

    INGREDIENTS: Black olives (ferrous sulfate gluconate to stabilize color), green olives, canola oil, olive oil, fresh roasted garlic, capers, red pimientos, mustard, spices.

    Can tapenade go bad? ›

    Any opened jar of store-bought tapenade in the refrigerator should be consumed within two weeks for the best quality. Homemade versions might have a shorter lifespan, usually around seven days, due to the absence of commercial preservatives.

    What pairs well with olive tapenade? ›

    The best side dishes to serve with olive tapenade are polenta, soft pretzels, Korean corn dogs, wedge salad, tuna melt sandwich, pita chips, ham and cheese pinwheels, garden salad, crusty French bread, roasted vegetables, cheese platter, grilled chicken, crostini, Mediterranean pasta salad, quiche, and stuffed ...

    What is special about Castelvetrano olives? ›

    What truly sets the Castelvetrano olive apart from its counterparts is its delightful taste. As mentioned before, its unique curing process paves the way for a remarkable flavor profile.

    Why can't you eat the middle of an artichoke? ›

    It is made up of many small, hair-like fibers that are difficult to digest and can cause irritation in the throat and digestive system. The choke is located in the center of the artichoke, surrounding the heart, and should be removed before cooking or eating.

    Why do Jews eat artichokes? ›

    Arab traders brought artichokes to Medieval Spain, and Spanish Jews enthusiastically adopted them, creating their own artichoke-themed dishes. When Jews were expelled from Spain in 1492, they took their love of artichokes with them.

    What does artichoke do to your stomach? ›

    It contains chemicals that can reduce nausea and vomiting, spasms, and gas. These chemicals have also been shown to lower cholesterol and protect the liver.

    Is tapenade French or Italian? ›

    Tapenade
    TypeSpread
    CourseHors d'œuvre
    Place of originFrance
    Region or stateProvence
    Main ingredientsOlives, capers, anchovies
    2 more rows

    Are black or green olives healthier? ›

    "There are no nutritional differences between green and black olives. Olives are endowed with high amounts of good monounsaturated fat and minerals, such as iron and copper. They're also rich in vitamin E, polyphenols and flavonoids, which are antioxidants [that] have anti-inflammatory benefits."

    How long does tapenade last in the fridge? ›

    Any opened jar of store-bought tapenade in the refrigerator should be consumed within two weeks for the best quality. Homemade versions might have a shorter lifespan, usually around seven days, due to the absence of commercial preservatives.

    Does tapenade always have anchovies? ›

    The word tapenade is derived from the Provençal word tapeno which means capers. Early tapenade recipes included fresh tuna although most these days use anchovy instead.

    Is tapenade always made of olives? ›

    Over time, in France, the United States, and elsewhere, olives gradually became the dominant ingredient, to the point where today almost everyone thinks of tapenade as an olive paste that's flavored with lesser amounts of other ingredients, from capers and anchovies to herbs like basil and thyme and aromatics like ...

    Is tapenade Spanish or Italian? ›

    Tapenade has roots from all around Europe from Greece and Italy to France and Spain, and if there's one thing they all share is the love for it. You will often find it as a common appetizer in Southern France and Catalonia where it is known as Olivada.

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