Olive tapenade, a rich and flavourful Mediterranean spread made primarily from olives, capers, and olive oil, can be substituted with various alternatives depending on your needs. Here are some options across different categories:
Best: Capers and Black Olives Mix
A mix of capers and black olives, blended with a bit of olive oil, can closely mimic the taste and texture of olive tapenade. This combination retains the briny, salty flavour profile and the chunky texture that is characteristic of traditional tapenade.
How to Use
- Blend equal parts of capers and pitted black olives with a drizzle of olive oil to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Adjust the ratio according to your taste preference, adding more capers for tanginess or olives for a deeper flavour.
- Use as a spread on bread, in sandwiches, or as a condiment in Mediterranean dishes.
Cheapest: Black Olive Paste
Black olive paste, while simpler in flavour, is a cost-effective alternative that still provides a similar olive-forward taste. It lacks the complexity added by capers and herbs but serves as a good base for a quick tapenade-like spread.
How to Use
- Use black olive paste directly as a substitute for olive tapenade.
- Enhance the flavour by adding a bit of minced garlic, lemon juice, or herbs if available.
- Ideal for spreads, dressings, or as a base for canapés.
Tastiest: Sun-Dried Tomato and Olive Mix
A blend of sun-dried tomatoes and olives creates a deliciously different version of tapenade. The sun-dried tomatoes bring a sweet, tangy flavour that complements the salty, briny taste of the olives.
How to Use
- Mix chopped sun-dried tomatoes with finely chopped olives and a bit of olive oil.
- Adjust the ratio to suit your taste preference.
- This mix is excellent as a spread on toast, in pasta dishes, or as a flavour enhancer in salads.
Most Accessible: Green Olive Hummus
Green olive hummus is a widely accessible alternative that offers a creamy texture and a flavour profile that combines the earthiness of chickpeas with the briny taste of olives.
How to Use
- Blend canned chickpeas with green olives, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
- Adjust the consistency and seasoning as desired.
- Use as a dip, spread, or in wraps and sandwiches.
Most Unusual: Anchovy and Caper Spread
For an unusual twist, an anchovy and caper spread offers a unique blend of umami and tanginess. Anchovies provide a deep savouriness, while capers add a vinegary bite, creating a complex flavour profile.
How to Use
- Blend anchovies and capers with a small amount of olive oil to achieve a paste-like consistency.
- Use sparingly due to its intense flavour.
- Ideal as a flavour booster in sauces, dressings, or spread thinly on crostini.
Each of these substitutes offers a unique way to replicate or adapt the flavours and textures of olive tapenade, catering to different tastes, budget constraints, and availability of ingredients.