Easy Artichoke Tapenade

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: 

Baked Chicken with Artichokes

Crab Spinach Artichoke Dip 

Air Fryer Artichoke Hearts

Artichoke Jalapeno Dip

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. .