Olive Oil on Ice Cream? Yes, It’s a Thing and Delicious
We know what you’re thinking — olive oil… on ice cream? At first glance, it might seem like an odd pairing. But in culinary circles, this Italian-inspired dessert hack is no secret. Food lovers, chefs, and adventurous home cooks are drizzling high-quality olive oil over ice cream to create something uniquely indulgent: a dessert that’s sweet, creamy, savory, and ever-so-slightly peppery — all in one bite.
And the best part? When you use a truly premium extra virgin olive oil, it’s not just delicious — it feels a little gourmet.
Why Olive Oil on Ice Cream Works
At its core, this pairing is all about contrast. Cold, rich ice cream meets warm, fruity olive oil. Sweet meets savory. Soft meets slick. The result is a flavor combination that feels luxurious and unexpected.
But here’s the trick: it only works when you use really good olive oil. That means cold-pressed, extra virgin, unfiltered, and ideally with natural fruity or citrus notes. Lower-grade olive oil simply won’t offer the same richness or depth — and might even leave a greasy taste behind.
A beautifully balanced extra virgin olive oil — like the kind we source from Greece — brings a boldness and brightness that cuts through the sweetness of the ice cream and enhances its flavor rather than competes with it.
How to Try It at Home
- Scoop your favorite premium ice cream into a bowl — vanilla bean, chocolate, or pistachio are perfect.
- Drizzle with 1–2 teaspoons of high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
- Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt or chopped roasted pistachios for an elevated finish.
Want to get creative? Try it with a scoop of gelato and a splash of our orange- or lemon-infused olive oil for a citrusy twist.
The Secret is in the Quality
This simple dessert only has a few ingredients, which means every element counts. And the olive oil? It’s the star of the show.
At My Greek Basket, we carry only the highest-quality, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oils from small producers in Greece. They’re rich in antioxidants, incredibly flavorful, and made with care — no additives, no blends, just pure olive oil as it was meant to be enjoyed.
Our citrus-infused varieties, like orange and lemon, add a bright, aromatic note that’s absolutely perfect for dessert. And because our oils are unrefined and packed with character, they bring out the best in both sweet and savory pairings.
Best Oils for Dessert
- Cold-pressed and extra virgin
- Unfiltered and unblended
- Fruity or citrus-forward
- Fresh (always check harvest dates)
Try our orange, lemon, or even basil varieties for unique dessert combinations — and yes, they’re as good on toast and salads as they are on your next bowl of gelato.
Final Thoughts
This might just be your new favorite after-dinner surprise. Whether you're serving guests or just treating yourself, drizzling olive oil on ice cream is a small, delicious act of indulgence — and proof that the simplest ingredients can create the most unforgettable flavors.
Just remember: for this to truly shine, quality matters. Always reach for the best — and let the olive oil do the talking.
➡️ Explore Our Extra Virgin Olive Oil Collection
Discover citrus-infused, cold-pressed Greek olive oils that elevate everything from dessert to dinner.
