Tapenade is an olive spread that originated in the Provençal region of France. There are dozens of variations using different types of olives, along with capers and anchovies. Spices, herbs, citrus, and even sun-dried tomatoes are often added. Tapenade can be used as a dip with crackers or baguette slices, as well as on sandwiches, crostini, or as an ingredient when cooking meats and poultry. Because my version is mostly black, it’s perfect to serve at your annual Halloween BOO-ffet (it will have a prominent place at mine this year near the crudités). This Terrorizing Tapenade can be added to a charcuterie board or crudités platter.

I like to use Kalamata olives along with pimento stuffed green olives and black olives in my crowd pleasing version. You can use your favorite olives, but make sure you don’t use all black olives (the kind in the can) because the flavor will be off. The following recipe has just the right blend of briny, salty, and savory.

24 Servings

2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves
4 cloves garlic
juice and zest of 1 lemon
6 oil-packed anchovy fillets
2 tablespoons capers, drained
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 cup Kalamata olives, drained and rinsed
1 cup pimento stuffed green olives
1 4 oz. can Chopped black olives

Baguette slices (toasted or not), or plain crackers

1. Measure the olive oil, basil leaves, garlic, lemon juice and zest, anchovy fillets, capers and pepper in the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth.
2. Rinse the Kalamata olives and the green olives in a strainer; drain well.
3. Add them to the food processor and pulse until the olives are finely chopped (not paste).
4. Add the chopped black olives and pulse a few times to combine.
5. Transfer the tapenade to a jar with a tight fitting lid. Refrigerate up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 116 Calories from Fat 93
Percent Total Calories From:
Fat 80% Protein 13% Carb. 7%

Nutrient Amount per % Daily
Serving Value
Total Fat 10 g 16%
Saturated Fat 1 g 7%
Cholesterol 10 mg 3%
Sodium 791 mg 33%
Total Carbohydrate 2 g 1%
Dietary Fiber 0 g 2%
Sugars 0 g
Protein 4 g

Vitamin A 1% Vitamin C 2% Calcium 0% Iron 5%