The Mediterranean Dessert You Need to Try
When people think of extra virgin olive oil, they usually imagine salads, fresh bread, or cooking. But in many Mediterranean regions, including Portugal and Italy, high quality olive oil is also enjoyed in a much more surprising way:
Drizzled over vanilla ice cream.
It may sound unusual at first, but once you've tried it, you'll understand why chefs and food lovers around the world swear by this simple combination.
Why Olive Oil and Ice Cream Work So Well
Premium extra virgin olive oil brings a unique combination of fruity, grassy, peppery, and slightly bitter notes. When paired with creamy vanilla ice cream, these flavours create a beautiful contrast.
The ice cream provides sweetness and richness, while the olive oil adds depth, complexity, and a silky texture.
Think of it like adding salted caramel to dessert. The contrast is exactly what makes it special.
Not All Olive Oils Are Created Equal
The key is using a high quality extra virgin olive oil.
A fresh, cold-extracted olive oil offers vibrant aromas and natural flavours that can elevate a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream into a gourmet dessert.
Lower quality oils often lack the freshness and balance needed for this pairing.
For the best experience, choose an olive oil with:
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Fruity aromas
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Fresh herbal notes
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A smooth finish
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Low acidity
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Cold extraction
How to Serve It
This dessert couldn't be easier.
Ingredients
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2 scoops of quality vanilla ice cream
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1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
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Optional: sea salt flakes, toasted almonds, pistachios, or dark chocolate shavings
Instructions
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Place the ice cream in a chilled bowl.
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Drizzle the olive oil generously over the top.
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Add a pinch of sea salt if desired.
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Serve immediately and enjoy.
The Science Behind the Flavour
The fat molecules in olive oil help carry aromas to your taste receptors, enhancing the flavour experience. Meanwhile, the cold temperature of the ice cream softens some of the peppery characteristics of the oil, allowing its fruity notes to shine.
The result is a surprisingly balanced dessert that feels both indulgent and sophisticated.
Ready to Try It?
The secret to this dessert is using a truly fresh, high quality extra virgin olive oil.
At Oleivo, our olive oil is produced in Portugal's Douro Valley, where carefully selected olives are harvested and cold-extracted within hours to preserve their natural flavour, aroma, and nutritional properties.
Whether you're drizzling it over fresh bread, salads, or even vanilla ice cream, you'll taste the difference that quality makes.
Explore our collection and discover how exceptional olive oil can transform everyday meals and desserts.