The Ultimate Summer Hosting Hack: Zejd Tapenades

As the weather warms and the days stretch longer, we naturally crave one thing—gathering around the table. Whether it’s a laid-back sunset apéro, an outdoor mezze spread, or a full summer soirée, what makes it memorable is the ease, flavor, and warmth you bring to your guests. At Zejd, we believe in serving food that invites people to slow down, savor, and connect. Our exclusive assortment of tapenades with a Lebanese twist is made for effortless summer hosting with unmistakable Mediterranean character. Here’s how to make your summer receptions unforgettable, one spoonful at a time. 🫒 What Exactly Is Tapenade, the Zejd Way? Tapenade, originally from the Provence region of France, is a famed hors d’oeuvre traditionally made from finely chopped or puréed olives, capers and sometimes anchovies—served as a savory spread on bread. At Zejd, we’ve reimagined this Mediterranean staple through a distinctly Lebanese lens, using local ingredients and bold, regional accents. Our Lebanese-style tapenades are crafted from crushed native Souri black olives, blended with homegrown capers, garlic, herbs, spices, and vibrant seasonings, then finished with a touch of our signature extra virgin olive oil. The result? A rich, tangy, and aromatic collection of olive-based spreads that are just as at home on a mezze table as they are on bruschetta, cheese and charcuterie boards, or modern canapés. 🌞 Why Tapenades Belong in Every Summer Gathering

• No cooking required – Just open, spread, and serve.
• Bursting with bold, natural flavors – Crafted from iconic Lebanese ingredients.
• Perfect for pairing – With breads, cheeses, grilled meats, or fresh vegetables.
• Suited to all diets – Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and full of plant-based goodness.

🧄 Explore the Zejd Flavor Collection Scroll through the unique profile of each Zejd tapenade and find your favorite flavor moment.

• Zejd Tapenade

Balanced and punchy. The original—briny, aromatic, with bright citrus notes. Serve with: Toasted baguette rounds, grilled halloumi, or stuffed vegetables.

• Zejd Pomegranate Tapenade

Tangy-sweet and bold. A burst of fruity acidity meets the richness of black olives. Serve with: Roasted meats, lamb skewers, or with aged cheese.

• Zejd Fig Tapenade

Sweet and complex. The jammy richness of fig complements the saltiness of olives. Serve with: Goat cheese crostini, crackers, or on flatbread with arugula.

• Zejd Sumac Tapenade

Bright and citrusy. A zesty edge that awakens the palate. Serve with: Cold mezze platters, grilled chicken, or crudité.

• Zejd Zaatar Tapenade

Aromatic and herbaceous. A sharp, floral intensity that pairs beautifully with the depth of olives. Serve with: Manoushe-style mini toasts, pita chips, or fresh tomato slices.

• Zejd Red Chili Pepper Tapenade

Spicy and bold. A warming kick for those who like it hot. Serve with: Grilled shrimp, spicy hummus bowls, or mezze skewers.

• Zejd Sundried Tomato Tapenade

Savory and sun-drenched. Rich tomato flavor layered with briny olives. Serve with: Burrata, bruschetta, or stuffed cherry tomatoes.

• Zejd Pesto Tapenade

Green, garlicky, and full of summer. Mediterranean fusion at its best. Serve with: Mozzarella skewers, pasta salads, or sandwich spreads. 🥂 5 Easy Tapenade Hosting Ideas for Summer Modern serving tips for bite-sized appetizers that speak the language of summer—simple, elegant, and full of Mediterranean flavor.

1. Tapenade Tasting Board

Offer a variety of Zejd tapenades, in their originally labelled jars, with fresh bread, crackers, and cheese, and invite guests to explore.

2. Mini Crostini Bar

Set up a DIY station with mini toasts, tapenades, sliced veggies and fresh herbs for personalized bites.

3. Mezze Jars for the Patio

Layer tapenade, hummus, and tzatziki in small cups or jars with breadsticks for single-serve mezze pots.

4. Tapenade-Stuffed Veggies

Fill cherry tomatoes, baby bell peppers, or grilled mushrooms with different tapenades for colorful, bite-sized starters.

5. Signature Cocktail Pairings

Pair each tapenade with a complementary summer drink—like fig tapenade with rosé, or chili tapenade with a citrusy mocktail. 🌿 The Zejd Hosting Philosophy: Simple, Seasonal, Shared You don’t need complicated recipes to impress. With Zejd flavorful tapenades, all you need is good bread, fresh ingredients, and the right people around the table. These spreads bring Lebanese refinement and Mediterranean ease to every summer gathering—from casual picnics to elegant evening receptions. Ready to elevate your next gathering? 👉 Explore the full Zejd Tapenade Collection or check our mezze-ready recipe cards for hosting inspiration. RECIPE CARDS with Zejd Tapenades Recipe #1: 🫒Classic Tapenade Crostini—Featuring Zejd Tapenade A timeless favorite that lets the bold olive flavor shine. Ingredients: (serves 6)

• 12 toasted baguette slices
• 6 tbsp Zejd Tapenade
• 1 small block of hard cheese (like aged cheddar or manchego)
• Fresh thyme or oregano (optional)

Instructions:

1. Spread 1/2 tbsp of tapenade on each toast.
2. Top with thin cheese slice and a thyme or oregano sprig.
3. Serve at room temperature.

Recipe #2: 🍷Pomegranate Tapenade & Labneh Canapés—Featuring Zejd Pomegranate Tapenade Creamy, tangy, and perfect with a glass of rosé. Ingredients: (serves 8)

• 16 small round crackers or cucumber slices
• 8 tbsp labneh
• 8 tsp Zejd Pomegranate Tapenade
• Pomegranate seeds, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Spoon 1/2 tbsp labneh onto each cracker or cucumber.
2. Add 1/2 tsp tapenade.
3. Garnish with a pomegranate seed.

Recipe #3: 🧀Fig Tapenade & Goat Cheese Bites—Featuring Zejd Fig Tapenade Sweet meets savory in this crowd-pleasing bite. Ingredients: (serves 6)

• 12 mini toasts or phyllo cups
• 6 tbsp Zejd Fig Tapenade
• 6 tbsp soft goat cheese
• Crushed walnuts or pistachios (optional)

Instructions:

1. Layer goat cheese and tapenade on each toast.
2. Top with crushed nuts for crunch.
3. Serve slightly chilled or at room temp.

Recipe #4: 🍋Sumac Tapenade-Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes—Featuring Zejd Sumac Tapenade Zesty, refreshing, and perfect for mezze platters. Ingredients: (serves 4–6)

• 15 cherry tomatoes
• 5 tbsp Zejd Sumac Tapenade
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Cut off tomato tops and scoop out centers.
2. Fill with 1 tsp tapenade each.
3. Garnish with parsley.

Recipe #5: 🌿Zaatar Tapenade Manousheh Rounds—Featuring Zejd Zaatar Tapenade Mini manousheh-style bites with bold herbal flavor. Ingredients: (serves 6)

• 1 flatbread
• 6 tbsp Zejd Zaatar Tapenade
• Cherry tomatoes, sliced
• Zejd Extra Virgin Olive Oil drizzle

Instructions:

1. Toast flatbread and cut into small rounds.
2. Spread with tapenade.
3. Top with cherry tomato slices and extra virgin olive oil.

Recipe #6: 🌶Chili Tapenade Mezze Skewers—Featuring Zejd Red Chili Pepper Tapenade A spicy hit layered into handheld bites. Ingredients: (makes 12 skewers)

• 12 cocktail sticks
• 12 cubes of grilled chicken or halloumi
• 12 cucumber or pickle slices
• 6 tbsp Zejd Red Chili Pepper Tapenade

Instructions:

1. Spread a bit of tapenade on each chicken or cheese cube.
2. Skewer with cucumber slice and serve warm or cold.

Recipe #7: 🍅Sundried Tomato Tapenade & Burrata Toasts—Featuring Zejd Sundried Tomato Tapenade A luxurious combination of creamy and umami. Ingredients: (serves 6)

• 6 slices sourdough, toasted
• 6 tbsp Zejd Sundried Tomato Tapenade
• 1 ball burrata, torn into pieces
• Basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Spread toast with tapenade.
2. Add burrata and top with basil.
3. Serve immediately for best texture.

Recipe #8: 🌱 Pesto Tapenade Veggie Wraps—Featuring Zejd Pesto Tapenade Fresh, green, and perfect for light entertaining. Ingredients: (makes 8 rolls)

• 4 large romaine or collard leaves
• 8 tbsp Zejd Pesto Tapenade
• Julienned veggies (carrot, bell pepper, cucumber)
• Feta or tofu crumbles (optional)

Instructions:

1. Spread 2 tbsp pesto tapenade on each leaf.
2. Fill with veggies and feta/tofu.
3. Roll up tightly and slice in half.