Muffuletta Spread

All you olive aficionados out there, this one’s for you!

Table of Contents

Along the steamy sidewalks of Decatur Street in New Orleans sits Central Grocery, a deli opened in 1906 by Italian immigrants. To this day, tourists still flock to take pictures of the hallowed storefront and chow down on their world-famous muffuletta sandwich.

The muffuletta sandwich starts out simply enough as a meat lover’s paradise with Genoa salami, ham, mortadella, Swiss cheese, and provolone layered upon a gigantic round sesame loaf. However, the binding agent that ties the whole sandwich together is the olive-tastic muffuletta spread, giving it that signature salty, acidic tang. It’s absolutely delicious! I spent 25 years of my life hating olives, but after three months in New Orleans and one bite of a muffuletta sandwich, I am now hooked for life.

Olive lovers, gather ’round (that now includes me!) for this recipe. Green and black olives are mashed into a chunky paste with capers, garlic, red peppers and pepperoncini peppers. Oregano, red pepper flakes, and parsley top it off for a full-on flavor explosion. Splashes of red wine vinegar heighten the acidic notes, and a dousing of olive oil helps to bind it all into a tasty muffuletta spread that’s the epitome of salty satisfaction.

Is Muffuletta Spread Healthy?

Pull out the skinny pants—this muffuletta spread has less than 100 calories per serving! Filled with vegetables, herbs, and heart-healthy olives, this muffuletta spread is a fairly healthy condiment to serve. Olives, the main ingredient, contain healthy fats and have been an important part of the Mediterranean diet for centuries. However, salt watchers, beware: This recipe is quite high in sodium.

What is Giardiniera?

Giardiniera is an Italian relish made of vegetables pickled in vinegar or oil. Common ingredients include bell peppers, celery, carrots, cauliflower, and pickles. Chicago-style giardiniera is made with spicy peppers or chili flakes and is often served as a condiment on top of Italian beef sandwiches.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup green olives, pitted and chopped
1/3 cup black olives, pitted and chopped
1/3 cup giardiniera, chopped
1/3 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
4 1/2 tablespoons pepperoncini peppers, chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons capers, drained and chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine
Mix olives, vegetables, herbs, and seasonings.

Blend
Add vinegar and oil; mix thoroughly.

Chill
Refrigerate to meld flavors.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

Keep your jar of muffuletta spread in the refrigerator once it has been prepared. It will keep for about a week. Before storing it, layer a small amount of olive oil on top of the spread inside the jar; it will help to preserve it. Muffuletta spread can also be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw overnight before serving.

A Few Veggie Variations

Sun-dried tomatoes, banana peppers, cherry tomatoes, kimchi, sweet peppers, pickled mushrooms, and pesto are some alternative ingredients you could toss into the mix. Feel free to customize it to your preference, whether it’s spicy, sweet, or tangy. The choice is yours!

What’s the Easiest Way to Pit an Olive?

Lay the olives on a cutting board. One at a time, place the flat side of a knife on top of the olive and press it firmly with the heel of your hand. Once the olive is crushed, simply remove the pit.

Serving Suggestions

Yes, the muffuletta is a renowned sandwich in New Orleans. However, if a sandwich the size of a dinner plate isn’t what you’re craving, mix it up! Toss the magical muffuletta mixture in with pasta for a twist on classic Pasta Salad. Serve over a bed of lettuce to save on calories, and enjoy a deliciously tangy salad. Or, put it out at a Super Bowl party with chips and crackers. The muffuletta sandwich sure is a tasty option, though!

If this olive-forward recipe whets your appetite, check out our tasty homemade Tapenade. Of course, all great dips and spreads need an excellent vehicle to deliver the goods to your taste buds. These Cheese Crackers are mildly addicting, as are these can’t-believe-they’re–not-store-bought Homemade Ritz Crackers.