Pairing Extra Virgin Olive With Other Food and Drink

Why Extra Virgin Olive Oil Deserves a Place In Your Kitchen

A quality extra virgin olive oil like Morocco Gold isn’t just a cooking staple—it’s a liquid treasure that brings depth, balance, and character to any dish. Why not dive into our top tips for pairing your olive oil well.

Made from cold pressed olives, it retains a wealth of antioxidants, healthy monounsaturated fats, and natural flavor compounds that other oils simply can’t match. From its silky richness to its distinctive, peppery notes, olive oil brings something special to the table.

Whether you’re drizzling it over fresh greens or using it to finish a sizzling steak, EVOO elevates both taste and nutrition. Its versatility makes it a must-have in every kitchen, from home cooks to professional chefs.  If you’re a foodie looking to experiment with flavours, a health-conscious eater, or a seasoned home cook, this guide will introduce you to the best olive oil pairings.

Perfect Food Pairings with Olive Oil

The beauty of olive oil lies in how it complements such a wide variety of ingredients. Here are some perfect pairings to explore:

• Fresh Vegetables: A peppery extra virgin olive oil like Morocco Gold brings vibrancy to salads, grilled asparagus, or roasted root vegetables.
• Seafood: Olive oil pairs beautifully with white fish, prawns, or scallops—especially when finished with a squeeze of lemon.
• Bread and Cheese: Classic and irresistible—pour a pool of rich EVOO for dipping crusty bread, or drizzle over mozzarella, burrata, or feta.
• Meat and Poultry: A robust olive oil enhances the depth of grilled lamb or roasted chicken. Use it as a marinade base with herbs and garlic.
• Desserts: Surprising but divine—Extra Virgin Olive Oil complements dark chocolate, citrus cakes, and even vanilla ice cream with a luxurious, silky finish.

Extra virgin olive oil is a versatile ingredient that can elevate the flavours of countless dishes while offering impressive health benefits. From its silky richness to its distinctive, peppery notes, olive oil brings something special to the table. Whether you’re a foodie looking to experiment with flavours, a health-conscious eater, or a seasoned home cook, this guide will introduce you to the best olive oil pairings that complement any culinary creation.

Health Benefits of Olive Oil

As we mentioned earlier, extra virgin olive oil is packed with antioxidants, healthy monounsaturated fats, and anti-inflammatory properties, offering a slew of health benefits. Using olive oil in your diet has been linked to:

• Improved heart health
• Lowered risk of chronic diseases
• Enhanced cognitive function
• Better skin and hair health

But beyond the science, what makes olive oil truly fantastic is its ability to enhance flavours without overpowering them. Its versatility can complement everything from sweet desserts to savoury dishes.

How to Get the Most Flavour Out of Olive Oil Pairings

To fully enjoy olive oil pairings, always use high-quality oils, particularly extra virgin olive oil. This type is unrefined, meaning it retains more nutrients and has a robust, fruitier flavour profile perfect for pairing. From appetizers to desserts, olive oil pairs brilliantly with a wide variety of foods. Here’s how to make the most of this golden liquid:

1. Olive Oil and Fresh Bread

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as dipping crusty fresh bread into a pool of extra virgin olive oil. Make it even better by adding:

• A sprinkle of sea salt
• A dash of balsamic vinegar
• Crushed garlic or herbs like rosemary and thyme

This pairing is a timeless starter for any meal or a quick snack.

2. Olive Oil Drizzled Over Roasted Vegetables

Vegetables and olive oil are a match made in heaven. Toss your favourite veggies—like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini—with olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper before roasting. The result? Tender vegetables with caramelized edges and a flavour boost.

Pro tip: Pair earthy vegetables like sweet potatoes with a robust olive oil for extra depth.

3. Elevating Pasta and Pizza

For Italian cooking enthusiasts, olive oil is indispensable.

• Pasta: Finish off your favourite pasta dish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a luxurious touch. It works especially well with lighter sauces like aglio e olio (garlic and oil) or marinara.
• Pizza: Forget greasy toppings—opt for a light drizzle of olive oil over your baked pizza to bring out the flavours of the crust and toppings.

Add fresh basil or chili flakes for an extra kick!

4. Pairing Olive Oil with Seafood

The subtle fruitiness of olive oil pairs exquisitely with seafood dishes:

• Use it as a marinade for salmon or shrimp, combining olive oil with lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.
• Drizzle olive oil over freshly grilled fish for added moisture and flavour.

Olive oil enhances the seafood’s natural sweetness, making each bite unforgettable.

5. Cheese and Olive Oil

Brighten up your cheese platters by drizzling olive oil over soft cheeses like mozzarella or burrata. Pair these with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or fresh basil for a classic Mediterranean vibe.

For a bold twist, try it with feta cheese. A touch of olive oil with oregano or chili flakes transforms feta into an addictive spread.

6. Grains and Olive Oil

Bring your grains to life:

• Mix olive oil into quinoa or farro with chopped herbs, lemon zest, and crushed nuts for a refreshing salad.
• Add a quick drizzle to rice pilaf or couscous before serving for a silky texture and lighter finish.

This pairing can make even the simplest grains feel gourmet.

7. Salads with Olive Oil

Olive oil is the foundation of countless salad dressings. Combine it with vinegar, mustard, honey, or even fresh fruit juices like pomegranate for endless dressing possibilities. It also binds the salad’s ingredients together, ensuring every bite is balanced and tasty.

Pro tip: Use a mild extra virgin olive oil for leafy salads and a stronger-flavoured oil for heartier salads with grains or roasted veggies.

8. Desserts with Olive Oil

Yes, olive oil belongs in desserts too! Its velvety texture and fruity notes amplify sweetness in unexpected ways:

• Drizzle it over vanilla gelato and finish with a pinch of sea salt.
• Swirl it into cake batters for a moist and subtly fruity sponge.
• Try olive oil chocolate truffles—a delightful harmony of richness and smoothness.

9. Olive Oil and Fresh Fruit

Pairing olive oil with fruit may sound unconventional, but it works beautifully:

• Drizzle it over sliced peaches or nectarines with fresh mint.
• Combine olive oil with honey or balsamic glaze and pour it over a fruit salad.

Olive oil enhances the fruit’s natural sweetness while adding complexity to the flavour profile.

How to Get the Most Flavour Out of Olive Oil Pairings

To enjoy olive oil at its best, treat it as a finishing touch rather than just a cooking medium. High heat can mute its delicate notes, so drizzle it over dishes once they’re plated or use it in dressings and marinades. Pair bold oils with strong flavors (like steak or kale) and lighter oils with delicate ingredients (like fish or soft cheese). And always taste your olive oil before using—it should smell fresh, grassy, or fruity, not musty or metallic.

For a sensory experience, try an olive oil tasting at home: pour a small amount into a glass, warm it in your hands, inhale the aroma, and take a sip. Notice the bitterness, fruitiness, and peppery finish—these are signs of quality and freshness.

Every drop of extra virgin olive oil tells a story—of sun-drenched groves, centuries-old traditions, and the art of balance.  Here are a few final tips to treat your olive oil with care;

• Serve it fresh: Heat can degrade olive oil’s flavour and nutrients, so use it raw or add it to hot dishes just before serving.
• Experiment with varieties: Different oils offer unique flavours—some are mild and grassy, while others are bold and peppery. Sample a few to discover what works best for your favourite dishes.
• Store it correctly: Keep olive oil in a cool, dark place to preserve its freshness and quality.