Our 10 Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil Serving Suggestions

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The Soul Of Countless Dishes

At Carluccio's, we believe that the soul of Italian food lies in the quality of its ingredients. And at the heart of our kitchen is a true culinary hero: extra virgin olive oil. With its rich, fruity flavour and beautiful golden hue, it's more than just a cooking oil—it's the foundation of countless classic Italian dishes.

Whether using Carluccio's own L'oro di Calabria, or perhaps Muraglia's Extra Virgin Olive Oil, starting with the best product is the only way to go. High quality extra virgin olive oil costs more, but is worth every penny.

Here are 10 of our favourite ways to let extra virgin olive oil shine, from simple starters to a surprisingly delicious dessert.

1. Classic Bruschetta

A testament to the power of simplicity. Toast slices of rustic bread and rub with a raw garlic clove. Drizzle generously with a high-quality extra virgin olive oil, then top with a simple mix of fresh, ripe tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper. It’s the perfect way to start any meal.

2. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

The ultimate in fast, delicious Italian comfort food. Sauté thinly sliced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes in a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil. Toss with al dente spaghetti and a handful of fresh parsley. The oil and garlic create a luscious, flavourful sauce that coats every strand of pasta.

3. Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Balsamic Dressing

A classic for a reason. Whisk together three parts of extra virgin olive oil with one part of a good quality balsamic vinegar. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. This simple, perfect dressing elevates any salad, from a humble rocket to a vibrant caprese.

4. Lemon & Olive Oil Cake

Yes, you can bake with olive oil! It adds an incredible depth of flavour and a wonderfully moist crumb to cakes. The subtle peppery notes of the oil beautifully complement the bright citrus of lemon zest, creating a sophisticated and irresistible dessert. You might even want to try our lemon oil in this kind of recipe.

5. Olive Oil Roasted Vegetables

Bring out the natural sweetness of your favourite vegetables. Toss bell peppers, courgettes, red onions, and cherry tomatoes in a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh oregano. Roast until tender and slightly caramelised for a simple, healthy, and incredibly flavourful side dish.

6. Rosemary & Olive Oil Flatbread

Create a delicious, rustic flatbread that's perfect for dipping. A simple dough of flour, water, and extra virgin olive oil is rolled out, brushed with more oil, and sprinkled with fresh rosemary and sea salt before baking. It’s a wonderful alternative to bread, especially with dips. If looking for a more convenient option, we also sell rosemary flatbreads ready made for you!

7. Grilled Sea Bass with Lemon & Olive Oil

Enhance the delicate flavour of fresh fish. Drizzle a whole sea bass with extra virgin olive oil, stuff with slices of lemon and sprigs of parsley, and grill until the skin is crispy and the flesh is flaky. A final squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of good quality oil before serving makes all the difference.

8. Extra Virgin Olive Oil Ice Cream

An adventurous but truly delicious dessert. The rich, velvety texture of ice cream provides the perfect backdrop for the fruity and peppery notes of a high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Drizzled over the top just before serving, it creates a unique and unforgettable taste experience.

9. Pesto alla Genovese

A classic sauce where olive oil is the star. Blend fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese with a steady stream of extra virgin olive oil until you have a vibrant green, fragrant paste. It's fantastic on pasta, spread on toast, or dolloped into soup. Naturally, we sell our own authentic pesto, ready to use!

10. Simple Drizzle

Sometimes, the best recipe is no recipe at all. Simply drizzle a high-quality extra virgin olive oil over warm bread, a bowl of soup, or a finished pasta dish. The warmth of the food will release the oil's full aroma and flavour, a beautiful, simple pleasure that embodies the Italian way of eating.

At Carluccio's, we believe that using the best extra virgin olive oil isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. We invite you to experience the difference for yourself.