Fresh, flavorful extra virgin olive oil is delicious. Food of all kinds–apps, main dishes, desserts–is delicious. So what happens when you combine these two delicious things together? The flavor can be amazing.
That healthy and flavorful food is what we’re all about here at Fustini’s. While we get so excited when you try and love a flavor-infused oil, it’s our mission to equip you to use that olive oil in your meal preparation and entertaining. Food and olive oil, olive oil and food–they just go together.
But what olive oils and ingredients go well together? While there’s an olive oil for just about any kind of food or recipe, there are some flavors that make a better match than others. Here, we explore what makes a delicious food pairing and some inspiration to get you started.
What Makes a Good Oil and Food Pairing?
There’s a reason why peanut butter and jelly have been a classic combination. Why we eat salsa with chips instead of a slice of bread. Why tomato sauce combines tomato and basil flavors.
When it comes to combining foods or flavors, it actually comes down to our nose, rather than our taste buds. In fact, 80% of what we perceive as flavor actually is determined by our sense of smell rather than our sense of taste. There’s a whole science behind why some ingredients are better together than others, but it all comes down to aromatic components.
For example, congruent food pairings are those that share similar flavors or aromas. This can be a great tactic to create a harmonious and flavorful meal. This is like when you pair a spicy dish with a fruity flavor.
On the other hand, complementary food pairings are those where the combination includes flavors or aromas that are contrasting or opposite. This tactic is used to create a more dynamic yet balanced dish. Think spicy & sweet, creamy & acidic, salty & sweet.
This can be an exciting way to add layers to a pairing and create a flavor profile perhaps unexpected.
While these tactics for pairings most often relate to different ingredients or a type of wine and a dish, it can also be helpful when considering what olive oils pair well with what dishes. With these pairings, the same principles apply. Create a harmonious dish with a fruity oil with a sweet dessert. Or a savory flavor-infused oil with a savory pasta dish.
Top Picks for Olive Oil and Food Pairings
With so many ingredients to enjoy and flavor-infused olive oils to try, the pairing possibilities are endless. That variety can be such an exciting thing as you explore new flavors, try out different dishes, and find your favorites.
To help inspire you in the kitchen, here we share some of our favorite olive oil and food pairings.
SELECT Extra Virgin Olive Oil Pairings
While we love our flavor-infused oils, did you know that olive oil on its own brings a vibrant and versatile flavor that pairs well with certain types of dishes, too. Here we break down some favorite pairings based on the level of extra virgin olive oil.
These oils are floral and fresh that have a light flavor, making it super versatile. These oils are often best paired with foods and dishes that don’t require significant flavor enhancements. Things like fish, mild salads, mild cheese, eggs, and seafood work really well with delicate olive oils.
With a little extra boost of flavor, medium oils are more herbal and have a black pepper finish. These oils pair well with dishes that could use a subtle yet bolder flavor in dishes. Things like fish, eggs, pasta, vegetables, salads, and much more work great with medium oils. Medium oils can also be ideal for bread dipping with balsamic vinegar and herbs.
With a much bolder flavor, robust oils are ideal for dishes that can really benefit from a boost in flavor. They’re also a great fit for foods that don’t get lost in adding the more intense characteristics of a robust olive oil. These oils are well-balanced with flavor components that are herbal, spicy-green, and dominated by mint and cinnamon. Dishes that are especially delicious with these oils include beef, lamb, in marinades, stew, pasta sauces and bold cheeses.
Flavor-Infused
In addition to SELECT oils, you can also pair flavor-infused olive oils to amplify the flavor of your dishes. While the possibilities are endless, here are a few highlights to get started:
Basil Crush olive oil - savory and herbal dishes, pastas, pizzas–particularly Italian. Check out dishes like -
Chipotle olive oil - delicious way to amp up the heat in a dish or to balance out sweetness. Check out recipes like -
Meyer Lemon olive oil - this versatile oil pairs super well with everything from pastas to baked goods. Use it to add a pop of bright flavor to dishes like:
Garlic olive oil - use this versatile oil to add a pop of fresh garlic flavor to any savory dish. Check out recipes like:
Persian Lime olive oil - bright and tropical, this oil pairs well with marinades, vinaigrettes, and more.
Elevate the Flavor with Balsamic Vinegar
Olive oil and food pairings equip you to try out fun flavors and explore ingredients. But did you know you can also elevate flavors by incorporating balsamic vinegars as well?! Explore our balsamic vinegars to kick your pairings up a notch, too.