Feta and Olive Tapenade
**Feta and Olive Tapenade** A vibrant and flavorful spread that combines the salty tang of feta cheese with the briny punch of Kalamata olives. Fresh herbs, lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil add brightness and depth of flavor, making this tapenade a perfect accompaniment to crackers, bread, or vegetables. This tapenade is incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of your time. It's also a great way to use up leftover feta cheese or olives, making it a versatile and resourceful recipe.
The origins of tapenade, a Provençal delicacy, are shrouded in mystery and folklore. Some say it was first created by a tavern owner in the 1880s to entice patrons with a savory snack. Others claim it was a favorite of Napoleon Bonaparte, who enjoyed it as a spread on his bread during military campaigns. Regardless of its true origins, tapenade has become a beloved staple in Provençal cuisine and beyond. Its versatility and ease of preparation have made it a popular appetizer, condiment, and ingredient in various dishes. This feta and olive tapenade is a modern take on the classic, incorporating the salty tang of feta cheese and the briny punch of Kalamata olives. Fresh herbs, lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil add brightness and depth of flavor, creating a vibrant and flavorful spread that is sure to impress your guests.
Feta and Olive Tapenade Feta and Olive Tapenade Feta and Olive Tapenade Feta and Olive Tapenade
Prep time: 5 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • Feta cheese, crumbled
  • Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Fresh oregano, chopped
  • Fresh thyme, chopped
  • Lemon juice
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients.
  2. Use a fork to mash the feta and olives together until well combined.
  3. Stir in the garlic, oregano, thyme, lemon juice, and olive oil.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Transfer the tapenade to a serving bowl or jar.
  6. Garnish with additional herbs or a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
  7. Serve with crackers, bread, or vegetables.
Why It Works
  • The combination of feta cheese and Kalamata olives creates a salty and briny flavor profile that is both satisfying and addictive.
  • Fresh herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil add brightness and depth of flavor, balancing the richness of the feta and olives.
  • Mashing the feta and olives together creates a smooth and creamy texture that is easy to spread and enjoy.
  • This tapenade is incredibly versatile and can be used as a spread on crackers or bread, as a dip for vegetables, or as an ingredient in other dishes, such as pasta salads or sandwiches.