5 Unexpected Dishes to Finish with Olive Oil
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When most people think of extra virgin olive oil, they picture a drizzle over a crisp salad or a swirl into a vinaigrette. But high-quality EVOO — especially one as flavorful and fresh as ours — deserves a much bigger role on your table.
From desserts to cheese boards, here are five surprising ways to use olive oil that will elevate your cooking and impress your guests.
1. Vanilla Ice Cream
A smooth, peppery EVOO over cold, creamy vanilla ice cream is a flavor bomb you never saw coming. The fruity notes of the oil enhance the sweetness, while the bitterness cuts the richness in a way that’s unexpected and addictive.
Try it with: Dell’Orto Organic or PDO
2. Roasted Strawberries or Figs
Roast strawberries or figs with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt until they caramelize slightly. Spoon over ricotta, yogurt, or toast. The oil adds depth and balances the sweetness with herbal warmth.
Try it with: Limonolio for a citrus twist
3. Dark Chocolate Brownies
Replace butter with extra virgin olive oil in brownie recipes or drizzle it on top just before serving. You’ll get a denser, fudgier texture and a complex finish that enhances the cocoa.
Try it with: Classic or Organic EVOO
4. Cocktails
Bartenders are now finishing cocktails with a few drops of high-quality EVOO — especially citrus or chili-infused versions — for an aromatic layer of flavor. Try it over a martini or Negroni with a lemon peel twist.
Try it with: Limonolio or Piccantolio
5. Burrata or Soft Cheese
A pool of olive oil is the perfect companion to soft cheeses like burrata, stracciatella, or goat cheese. Add flaky sea salt and fresh cracked pepper for an instant appetizer.
Try it with: PDO Colline Salernitane
🌿 More Than Just a Salad Oil
Great olive oil brings out nuance in dishes sweet, savory, and everything in between. So go ahead — open that bottle, and get a little bold with it. After all, real extra virgin olive oil doesn’t just belong in the kitchen. It belongs in the spotlight.
Explore our award-winning oils and discover your next favorite pairing.