10 Mediterranean Dishes That Taste Better with Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The Mediterranean diet isn’t just healthy—it’s a celebration of flavor, simplicity, and the magic of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Whether you’re cooking or finishing a dish, the quality of your oil makes all the difference.

Here are 10 authentic Mediterranean dishes that truly shine with the right EVOO—plus a few tips on how to choose, use, and enjoy it.

1. 🇬🇷 Greek Horiatiki Salad (Village Salad)

Fresh tomatoes, cucumber, onions, olives, and feta—this iconic salad is nothing without a generous drizzle of fruity EVOO.
Olive oil tip: Use a bold, peppery Greek EVOO as a finishing oil for maximum flavor.

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2. 🇪🇸 Gambas al Ajillo (Spanish Garlic Shrimp)

Prawns sizzle in hot olive oil with garlic, chili, and parsley. Served bubbling hot with crusty bread.
Olive oil tip: Use a high-smoke point EVOO and serve with fresh chopped parsley and a finishing drizzle.

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3. 🇮🇹 Italian Bruschetta

Grilled bread, ripe tomatoes, basil, garlic—and of course, EVOO.
Olive oil tip: Finish with a delicate, fruity oil to enhance the tomatoes without overpowering them.

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4. 🇹🇷 Imam Bayıldı (Stuffed Eggplant)

Eggplant halves are slow-roasted with tomatoes, garlic, and onions in generous amounts of olive oil.
Olive oil tip: Don’t hold back—the dish is literally named “the Imam fainted” from its richness.

5. 🇲🇦 Zaalouk (Spiced Eggplant & Tomato Dip)

This Moroccan mezze is smooth, smoky, and deeply satisfying.
Olive oil tip: Swirl extra oil over the top before serving, with warm pita.

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6. 🇱🇧 Tabbouleh with EVOO Upgrade

Traditionally light on bulgur, this salad depends on the brightness of lemon and the richness of olive oil.
Olive oil tip: A grassy Lebanese or Palestinian EVOO pairs beautifully with fresh herbs.

7. 🇫🇷 Ratatouille

A Provençal vegetable medley that comes alive when slow-cooked in quality olive oil.
Olive oil tip: Don’t sauté—roast! And drizzle raw oil just before serving for aroma.

8. 🇮🇹 Pasta Aglio e Olio

Just garlic, EVOO, chili flakes, and spaghetti. Simplicity at its best.
Olive oil tip: Use filtered EVOO with a clean finish—no bitterness.

9. 🇮🇱 Labneh with Za’atar & Olive Oil

This Middle Eastern soft cheese is a blank canvas for bold oil and spices.
Olive oil tip: Use robust oil with earthy za’atar and serve with fresh pita.

10. 🍰 Olive Oil Cake

EVOO in a dessert? Absolutely. Adds richness without heaviness, and a subtle fruity note.
Olive oil tip: Use a mild, buttery oil to avoid bitterness in the cake.

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How to Choose the Right Olive Oil for your Mediterranean dishes with olive oil

• For cooking: Use a well-balanced, medium-intensity oil with high polyphenol content.
• For finishing: Choose oils that are peppery, floral, or fruity, depending on the dish.
• For desserts: Go with smooth, sweet-toned oils—think Italian Ligurian or Arbequina Spanish oils.

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Final Thoughts for Mediterranean dishes with olive oil

Cooking with olive oil isn’t just tradition—it’s an experience. Try any of these dishes and you’ll discover how high-quality EVOO can transform even the simplest ingredients.