A refreshing summer dish that can be a stand alone dish or tossed with pasta, used to top bread, or even pizza. Usually tapenade is a thicker paste used only for spreading on bread, but this version is more like the Sicilian style caponata with sautéed chunks of eggplant tossed in a vinegary black olive, caper and tomato 'sauce' and no pureeing required. You can also mix up the black olives with green olives too.

I've had tapenade many times at home or restaurants, but this is my favorite ingredient ratio right now.It's fairly salty. It should be just right to spread on baguette slices. You can use green or black olives (weigh with the pits removed). It's even better if you toast the walnuts or pine nuts beforehand. Make a big batch and freeze it. It's versatile. Recipe by putimiko

An olive spread that is easy to make for a party appetizer. Make the tapenade in advance and all you have to do is toast the baguette slices come party time. For those that like black olives, it’s a hit.

Tapenade is great as a topping for anything!

My creation from a menu I made for New Years Eve 2013

Please enjoy and head over to mycookingvision.wordpress.com or go to Facebook and hit like on My Cooking Vision

My attempt to copy a sandwich topping served on Costco Italian sandwiches sold in the deli.I found Napoleon brand sliced green and black olives at my local Rosauers store.

Move over, cheese board. This healthy Nutty Tapenade recipe is the perfect appetizer or side dish for your next holiday gathering. The delicious mix of garlic, olives, Blue Diamond Roasted Salted Almonds, red peppers, fresh basil leaves and capers creates a burst of flavor that will leave your taste buds wanting more. The best part? It only takes ten minutes. We know the holidays can be busy, so we’ve got you covered with this easy-to-make recipe. Don’t forget to serve with Blue Diamond Nut Thins!

This is a mild tapenade because the black olives are less salty and briney than the kalamata but the feta and marinated tomato and cucumber will round the flavors

This is great as a meal appetizer with bread or even crackers.

Completely threw this together and it seemed to work. Not sure if this is a real tapenade but I wasn't sure what else to call it. Made one each for me and Naoko - could have nailed about three or four! Would welcome any tips to make it even better!

For the olive lovers.