Outside of salad dressing and avocado toast, what other olive oil food pairing options are there? In my household, we go through nearly a liter of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) each month. Short of drinking it like shots, we enjoy it with simple, everyday foods.
A really good EVOO doesn’t need much to shine. In fact, eating it with just one simple ingredient is often all it takes to create something deeply satisfying. It’s important to note that a premium EVOO is key in this effort. For what it’s worth, we are big fans of Corto Truly Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
The trendy olive oil food pairings include coffee, chocolate, or even ice cream. The classics? Salad dressing, pesto and pasta. But beyond those, here are my family’s top 6 single-ingredient foods that taste incredible with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
1. Tomatoes
Fresh heirloom tomatoes and olive oil are a timeless match. The acidity of fresh tomatoes is softened by the fruity richness of EVOO, making it a quintessential Mediterranean bite. Drizzle over sliced tomatoes with a pinch of salt for a simple, refreshing dish.
If you’re looking for a more substantial snack, my kids especially love what they call “tomato toast,” inspired by the famous Catalonian snack.
2. Avocados
Avocados pair beautifully with olive oil thanks to their creamy texture. Add a sprinkle of salt and a small squeeze of lemon juice (apologies, that’s technically 2 more ingredients), and the EVOO’s peppery notes enhance the avocado’s natural flavor.
Avocado toast for a Tartine-style snack is super simple, super tasty olive oil food pairing.
3. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese also benefits from EVOO’s fruitiness, turning it into a protein-packed snack or light meal. Add cracked black pepper or chili crisp for a savory kick.
While we’re talking about cheese. I’m going to sneak in some burrata here. Burrata’s soft, creamy center becomes even more indulgent with a drizzle of EVOO (and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar reduction). The oil’s grassy, peppery notes balance the richness—delicious on toast or tossed into a salad with tomatoes and basil.
4. Broccoli
EVOO brings balance to broccoli, softening its bitterness with richness. In our house, broccoli is a staple—steamed or roasted, always finished with EVOO. Because one of my kid’s (who shall remain nameless) will only eat this one vegetable, we frequently use the frozen organic broccoli from Costco. Microwave the packet for five minutes, then add salt and EVOO. Easy peasy!
For those who eat other vegetables, here are two other ways to enjoy a simple olive oil pairing. Kale massaged with EVOO makes for a tender salad. Sautéed pea sprouts also come alive with just a drizzle.
5. Artichokes
Artichokes and EVOO are a match made in heaven. Whether roasted or steamed, olive oil’s nutty depth enhances the vegetable’s earthy flavor for a satisfying bite. Sometimes, we’ll add a squeeze of lemon to brighten it up even more.
6. Pain au Levain
Bread and olive oil may not be a new concept, but it never gets old. Nothing beats tearing into a rustic slice of sourdough and dipping it into a small dish of EVOO. My kiddos love pain au levain (specifically) with just EVOO – it’s their most comforting olive oil food pairing of all.
TL;DR
Sometimes the best meals don’t need a long ingredient list. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over one simple food—like tomatoes, avocados, or even cottage cheese—can make it unforgettable. These 6 olive oil food pairings prove that great flavor often comes from keeping it simple.
