Spicy Olive Tapenade

Appetizer aren’t just for entertaining guests. I’ve come to learn that keeping homemade appetizers around my house is a great way to eat healthy by avoiding eating outside, eating junk food or not eating until one is ravished with hunger at the dinner table- not pretty. We definitely want to avoid that.

So, one of the most recent appetizers I’ve made at home is this Spicy Olive Tapenade on Whole Wheat Italian Bread. It’s healthy because it’s made with delicious organic olives (sent to me by Lindsay Olives), lovely Italian capers, garlic, olive oil and a few other wonderful ingredients. So quick and easy- put it on crackers if you don’t have bread…

I used green olives for this recipe, but Lindsay Olives also sent me these pitted black olives, which are delicious and can be made with this recipe, as well. The resealable lid is super convenient.

I used these California green olives for the tapenade.

Add all of the ingredients (except bread) to the blender. Now that’s easy.

Spread it onto bread or crackers. Top with fresh capers, parsley and olive oil. Done. I told you it was easy.

It’s also delicious, even for those who might not normally like the flavor of olives…

Spicy Green Olive Tapenade

Serves 12

Ingredients

2 cups pitted green California olives (or 1 16-ounce can)

1 teaspoon capers

2 tablespoons minced garlic

2 tablespoons diced yellow onion

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1/8 teaspoon sea salt

1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 loaf of whole wheat Italian bread, cut into 1-inch thick pieces

Extra olive oil for drizzling

A few extra capers

Freshly chopped parsley

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

To a blender, add all of the ingredients except the bread. Blend for about 15 seconds or until the olives have been completely crushed and blended with the other ingredients.

Cut the bread and toast the pieces in a toaster oven or on the grill, if desired.

Spread the tapenade on each piece of toast. Top each piece with a drizzle of olive oil, a couple of capers and a little bit of chopped parsley. Add cheese, if desired.

What’s your go-to appetizer for entertaining or just keeping the family fed in between meals?

Disclaimer: I was not paid to write this review. Lindsay Olives sent me their products to try without requesting any type of product review in exchange.