Like the wine, different olive oils pair better with different flavours. Extra virgin olive oils open a wide range of possibilities depending on their aromas, colours, textures and flavours. Like the wine, different olive oils pair better with different flavours. You can decide if olive oil will complement your dish's taste or create a contrast; it comes down to personal preference.
General 'rules' for pairing olive oil with food:
- Delicate extra virgin olive oils pair well with raw and light (mild) tasting food.
- Medium extra virgin olive oils pair well with white meats, vegetables and carbohydrates.
- Intense extra virgin olive oils pair with dishes with already intense flavours such as hearty dishes and creamy pasta.
- Flavoured extra virgin olive oils are a great finishing touch to your dishes just before serving.
Food pairing chart - Extra virgin olive oil
| DELICATE | MEDIUM | INTENSE |
| Raw fish | Chicken | Beefsteak |
| Raw meat | Pork | Game meat |
| Raw shellfish | Grilled meat | Lamb |
| Prawns | Roasted vegetables | Stews |
| Scampi | Sautéed vegetables | Goose liver |
| Grilled squid | Stir-fries | Marinades |
| Grilled cuttlefish | Any pasta | Wild asparagus |
| Seasonal salads | Pizza | Bitter greens |
| Pesto | Fresh bread | Rich sauce |
| Sheep curd cheese | Soft cheeses | Spicy foods |
| Eggs | Vinaigrettes | Soups |
| Preparing desserts | Ice creams | Mature cheeses |
Food pairing chart - Flavoured extra virgin olive oil
| BASIL | CHILLI | CITRUS | TRUFFLES |
| Caprese | Meat dishes | Salad dressing | Pasta |
| Summer salad | Fish dishes | Fish carpaccio | Mashed potatoes |
| Bruschettas | Pizza | Raw shellfish | Purée |
| Tomato sauce | Pasta | Various seafood | Eggs |
| Mozzarella | Vegetables | Chicken dishes | Beef carpaccio |
| Pizza | Marinades | Chocolate mousse | Hummus |
| Avocado toast | Dressings | Chocolate ice cream | Popcorns |
| Cakes | Chips |
