Kalamata Olive Tapenade
Toasted walnuts soften the briny punch of Kalamata olives in this herb-packed tapenade. Spread it on warm crostini, or tuck a spoonful into a sandwich when it needs something bright and savory.

Recipe link
Prep time12 min
Cook time8 min
Total time55 MINUTES
- Course
- Appetizers, Condiments Sauces
- Cuisine
- Mediterranean, Vegetarian
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Est. calories / serving
- 94
Ingredients
- 1 cup walnuts
- 2 cups basil (loosely packed)
- ½ cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- ½ red onion (small dice)
- 2½ cups kalamata olives (pitted)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon rosemary (minced)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (coarse, freshly ground)
Instructions
Instructions
- Toast the Walnuts: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast for 6–8 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Allow them to cool.1 cup walnuts
- Blend the Walnuts: Add the toasted walnuts to a food processor and blend until they form a smooth paste.toasted walnuts
- Build the Tapenade: Add the basil, parsley, olive oil, garlic, red onion, Kalamata olives, lemon juice, rosemary, and black pepper. Pulse until mostly smooth while leaving just a little texture.2 cups basil, ½ cup parsley, ¼ cup olive oil, 3 cloves garlic, ½ red onion, 2½ cups kalamata olives, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp rosemary, ½ tsp black pepper
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the tapenade and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Toast the Walnuts: Toasting the walnuts adds a deeper, richer flavor that balances the saltiness of the olives.
- Texture: Pulse the tapenade until mostly smooth but leave a little texture for the best mouthfeel.
- Storage: Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with Roasted Eggplant Bruschetta, Homemade Focaccia Croutons, Marinated Tempeh Scallopini, sandwiches, crostini, pasta, or cheese boards.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
Per 2 tablespoons
- Calories
- 94
- Carbohydrates
- 2 g
- Protein
- 2 g
- Fat
- 9 g
- Saturated Fat
- 1 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat
- 2 g
- Monounsaturated Fat
- 6 g
- Cholesterol
- 0 mg
- Sodium
- 182 mg
- Potassium
- 86 mg
- Fiber
- 1 g
- Total Sugars
- 0 g
- Vitamin A
- 286 IU
- Vitamin C
- 3 mg
- Calcium
- 18 mg
- Iron
- 1 mg
Equipment
- Food processor
- Baking sheet
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight storage container