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.
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.
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. I love 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 are crazy easy to make. With just a few ingredients you can make your own in a flash.
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.
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 a HUGE fan of them. I use them in my Creamy Artichoke Jalapeno Dip, Artichoke Tomato Bake and even made Spinach & Artichoke Stuffing.
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.
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.
Love artichokes? Looking for more artichoke recipes? Try these:
Instant Pot Artichoke with Dipping Sauce
Note: Recipe originally posted in 2010. This post was updated with new photos, nutrition information and a video in 2021. .
Servings
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
- Place artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, garlic, capers and lemon juice in a food processor. Pulse until mixture is chopped fine.
- Remove lid add in olive oil. Pulse a couple more times until well combined.
- Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight.
- Serve with crackers or crusty french bread.
Made this and my whole family loved this! Thank you so much for a healthy appetizer!
You’re welcome, Karen! Glad you enjoyed it!
Very easy, tasty recipe, thank you.
[…] 11. Artichoke Tapenade […]
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You are welcome, Ann!! So happy to hear this! I LOVE making this for party snacks, it’s always a fave :)
Quick, easy, delicious, and the ingredients are all items I keep in my pantry! It’s something I’ll make frequently. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it, Marlene!
Delicious. I did add fresh ground pepper to mine.
I’ve only had the olive tapenade before but this one grabbed my attention. What is a party or get together without food?
SO easy!!! And I could skip dinner and just eat this tapenade! It’s delicious.
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.
It was amazing. I used sundries black olives in oil.
Ooooh I am loving that idea! Going to try that next time, whenever I can get more caper flavor, I do!
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…
You are welcome! I am so happy to hear that, that is an excellent use for it! I need to try it :)
Yum! I’ve been using this as a sandwich topping for my work lunches! So easy to make and incredibly delicious, thanks for sharing!
Oooh, I love the sound of this, yummy!
Looks delicious and super addicting :)
This is making me hungry! Looks so good!
WOW!! This artichoke spread sounds absolutely amazing!! Perfect for any party!!
This artichoke spread looks so gread! The perfect appetizer for parties!
This recipe looks so insanely delicious! Need to try this immediately!
I love tapenades. Such a great item to have out on a charcuterie board.
[…] Recipe courtesy of Life’s Ambrosia […]
[…] Artichoke Tapenade from Life’s Ambrosia […]
[…] Artichoke Tapenade from Life’s Ambrosia […]
[…] Artichoke Tapenade from Life’s Ambrosia […]
[…] Artichoke Tapenade via Life’s Ambrosia […]
[…] 1/2 cup of artichoke tapenade (Store-bought or make your own.) […]
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.
[…] Jun3 von Alex While surfing the net I found an american foodblog (https://www.lifesambrosia.com/2010/02/artichoke-tapenade-recipe.html) that was relatively unusual insofar that the author made everything from scratch, something that […]
[…] 1/2 cup of Artichoke Tapenade (I happened to have a jar on hand. Here is a recipe, though.) […]
An artichoke tapenade is a great idea!
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!
I ♥ artichokes – saving this recipe for later!
what are “non-peril” capers? this looks yummy :)
Yummo, this looks so simple and tasty. I will definitely be trying.
Oh artichoke is one of my new favorites! This looks great! I want to try it.
YUM!
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!
Great recipe. I will be making this very soon!