Recipes Using Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 10 Healthy Ideas for Every Meal

These recipes using extra virgin olive oil are designed to do more than just feed you; they are crafted to nourish you. A premium extra virgin olive oil is the cornerstone of a healthy, vibrant kitchen, transforming simple ingredients into memorable meals that are as delicious as they are beneficial for your well-being.

At Verde Esmeralda, we believe that cooking should be a source of joy and health. Many people reserve their best oil for drizzling, but we want to show you its true versatility. These easy recipes with extra virgin olive oil will inspire you to make it the star of your breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Why Quality Matters in Your Recipes

Before we dive into the dishes, it's crucial to understand why a high-quality oil makes all the difference. The benefits of olive oil are most potent in a fresh, authentic, cold-pressed product. A superior EVOO is stable enough for cooking and infuses your food with antioxidants and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

This is why the best recipes using extra virgin olive oil start with the best bottle. When you choose a premium oil, you choose superior flavor, enhanced nutrition, and a connection to an ancient culinary tradition.

10 Easy and Healthy Recipes Using Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Here are ten of our favorite recipes with extra virgin olive oil, each one simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.

1. Simple Lemon Herb Vinaigrette

A homemade vinaigrette is one of the easiest recipes using extra virgin olive oil. It is healthier and more flavorful than any store-bought version.

• Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Verde Esmeralda Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (parsley, chives), chopped

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• Instructions:
  Combine all ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake vigorously until well emulsified. Drizzle generously over your favorite salads.

2. Garlic and Herb Infused Dipping Oil

This classic appetizer is one of the most beloved recipes with extra virgin olive oil. It is perfect for sharing with friends and family.

• Ingredients:

• 1 cup Verde Esmeralda Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• 4-5 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary

• A pinch of coarse sea salt

• Instructions:
  Gently warm the olive oil, garlic, and rosemary in a small saucepan over low heat. Do not let it simmer. After 5-10 minutes, the oil will be fragrant. Remove from heat, stir in the red pepper flakes and salt, and serve warm with crusty bread.

3. Perfect EVOO Marinated Chicken

Marinades are fantastic recipes using extra virgin olive oil because the oil helps transfer the flavors of herbs and spices directly into the protein.

• Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup Verde Esmeralda Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Instructions:
  Whisk the oil, lemon juice, garlic, and seasonings together. Pour over the chicken in a resealable bag or dish. Marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling or baking. This is one of those essential recipes with extra virgin olive oil for weekly meal prep.

4. Roasted Root Vegetables with Rosemary

Roasting vegetables with a high-quality EVOO brings out their natural sweetness. It's a simple technique with delicious results.

• Ingredients:

• 2 lbs mixed root vegetables (carrots, potatoes, parsnips), chopped

• 1/4 cup Verde Esmeralda Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Instructions:
  Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the vegetables, olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes, until tender and caramelized.

5. Classic Aglio e Olio Pasta

This dish is the ultimate testament to simple recipes using extra virgin olive oil. With just a few ingredients, the quality of the oil is what makes it shine.

• Ingredients:

• 1 lb spaghetti

• 1/2 cup Verde Esmeralda Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• 6-8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• Salt to taste

• Instructions:
  Cook spaghetti according to package directions. While it cooks, gently sauté the garlic and red pepper flakes in the olive oil over medium-low heat until the garlic is golden. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water. Toss the pasta with the garlic oil, parsley, and a splash of pasta water to create a light sauce.

6. EVOO and Sea Salt Bruschetta

A perfect example of how recipes with extra virgin olive oil can be incredibly simple yet elegant. The oil's flavor is front and center.

• Ingredients:

• 1 baguette, sliced

• 2-3 cloves of garlic, halved

• Verde Esmeralda Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• Flaky sea salt

• Optional: fresh tomatoes and basil

• Instructions:
  Toast the baguette slices until golden. Rub the surface of each slice with a halved garlic clove. Drizzle generously with your best extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.

7. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

This is one of the most nutritious recipes with extra virgin olive oil you can make. It is perfect for a light lunch or side dish.

• Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cucumber, diced

• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

• For the dressing: 1/4 cup EVOO, juice of 1 lemon, salt, and pepper

• Instructions:
  Combine the quinoa and vegetables in a bowl. Whisk the dressing ingredients together and pour over the salad, tossing to combine. Top with feta cheese before serving.

8. Savory Olive Oil and Herb Scones

Baking is a surprising but delightful way to explore recipes using extra virgin olive oil. The oil creates a wonderfully moist and tender crumb.

• Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/3 cup Verde Esmeralda Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• 2/3 cup milk

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme)

• Instructions:
  Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the olive oil, milk, and herbs. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until just combined. Form into a disc, cut into wedges, and bake for 12-15 minutes.

9. Simple Olive Oil and Lemon Cake

A dessert recipe that will change how you view olive oil forever. The oil provides a fruity note and incredible moisture.

• Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 2/3 cup Verde Esmeralda Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• 2 large eggs

• 2/3 cup buttermilk

• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

• Instructions:
  Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Whisk dry ingredients. In another bowl, whisk oil, eggs, buttermilk, lemon zest, and juice. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Pour into a prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes. This is one of our most popular recipes with extra virgin olive oil.

10. Ultimate Avocado Toast Drizzle

Elevate a simple breakfast with a finishing touch of liquid gold. This is the easiest of our recipes with extra virgin olive oil.

• Ingredients:

• 1 slice of your favorite bread, toasted

• 1/2 avocado, mashed

• A generous drizzle of Verde Esmeralda Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• A sprinkle of flaky sea salt and red pepper flakes

• Instructions:
  Spread the mashed avocado on your toast. Drizzle liberally with olive oil and finish with salt and pepper flakes.

The Verde Esmeralda Difference

As premium olive oil producers, we know that the heart of any great dish is the quality of its ingredients. The American Heart Association recommends using oils high in monounsaturated fats, and our EVOO is a perfect choice. We invite you to try these recipes using extra virgin olive oil and taste the difference that authenticity makes.

Explore our collection and buy premium extra virgin olive oil to begin your culinary journey today. Your kitchen and your health deserve the very best.