The Magic Of Olive Oil: 5 Simple Ways To Eat Well And Feel Great
If there’s one ingredient I can’t live without in my kitchen, it’s good quality olive oil.
It’s simple, versatile, and nourishing — bringing a little bit of sunshine to everything it touches.
Over the years, I’ve found creative and joyful ways to incorporate olive oil into my daily habits — not just in savory dishes, but in sweet moments too.
Here are my top 5 favorite ways to use olive oil to support a healthier, more delicious lifestyle:
1. As a Beautiful Salad Dressing and Sauces
A drizzle of olive oil over fresh greens is pure magic.
I love whisking olive oil with lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and maybe a little mustard or honey for a quick, bright vinaigrette.
Olive oil helps your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins from vegetables — so it’s not just tasty, it’s smart nutrition.
This idea also includes sauces like chimichurri, pesto, and even my new favorite: Chinese-style ginger and scallion oil.
(Yes, I know — olive oil isn’t traditional in Chinese cuisine! But when I make it at home, I love giving it a healthier twist with good quality olive oil. And it’s absolutely delicious.)
Recipes to try:
Pesto – Carrot Top pesto
Salad Dressing – Meyer Lemon, Honey, and Mustard Vinaigrette
2. Drizzled on Top of Ice Cream
Yes, you read that right! A few drops of peppery, fruity olive oil over vanilla ice cream (or yogurt) with a sprinkle of sea salt creates a luxurious, Mediterranean-style dessert.
I first experienced this magical pairing years ago at my friend Chef Nick Anderer’s restaurant, Marta.
The moment I tasted it, it completely blew my mind. Even though Marta is no longer there, the memory of that flavor — the way the olive oil elevated something so simple — still excites me every time I recreate it.
It’s unexpected, elegant, and surprisingly heart-healthy — a beautiful way to bring good fats into your sweetest moments.
3. Baked into Cakes
One of my favorite swaps in baking: using olive oil instead of butter. It gives cakes, muffins, and tarts a tender, moist texture and a beautiful depth of flavor without feeling heavy.
Olive oil’s healthy monounsaturated fats also make it a heart-smart alternative to traditional saturated fats.
I especially love it in simple fruit cakes or chocolate desserts where the light, fruity notes of the oil really shine.
Recipe to try:
Wholesome Carrot Cakehttps://hongthaimee.com/wholesome-carrot-cake-with-a-beet-twist/
4. As a Simple Finish Over Vegetables, Grains or Pasta
After roasting vegetables, cooking grains like quinoa or farro, or my pasta, I love drizzling a little olive oil over the top just before serving. It brings everything together with a rich, silky finish — no heavy sauces needed.
It’s one of the simplest ways to elevate everyday meals and makes even the humblest bowl feel nourishing and complete.
5. Brushed Over Fresh Bread or Toast
Few things in life are better than warm bread brushed with good olive oil and sprinkled with a little sea salt.
At home, I often swap olive oil for butter — brushing it over toast, fresh baguette, or even rustic country bread.
Sometimes I add fresh herbs or a hint of garlic, but often, just the oil itself is enough.
Simple, nourishing, and pure joy in every bite.
Why Olive Oil Is So Good for Us
Olive oil, especially extra virgin olive oil, is one of the cornerstones of a healthy, vibrant way of eating — and it’s been treasured for centuries across Mediterranean cultures for good reason.
Here’s why I love using it every day:
- Rich in Heart-Healthy Fats:
Packed with monounsaturated fats that help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and support heart health. - Full of Antioxidants:
Especially polyphenols and vitamin E, which help reduce inflammation and protect your cells. - Supports Brain Health and Longevity:
Regular olive oil consumption may boost memory, support cognitive function, and promote a longer, healthier life. - Naturally Anti-Inflammatory:
Olive oil contains natural compounds that help soothe and balance inflammation in the body.
Understanding Olive Oil vs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
When choosing olive oil, quality matters — and knowing the difference helps you make the healthiest, most delicious choice.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO):
- The highest quality, cold-pressed from fresh olives without heat or chemicals.
- Full of vibrant, fresh flavor — fruity, peppery, sometimes slightly grassy.
- Richest in antioxidants and heart-healthy fats.
- Best for salad dressings, sauces, drizzling, finishing dishes, and even desserts.
In my kitchen, I always use extra virgin olive oil for raw preparations — like salad dressings, pesto, chimichurri, and sauces — where its beautiful, fresh flavor can really shine.
Regular Olive Oil (Pure or Light):
- More processed, usually a blend of refined olive oils.
- Milder flavor and lighter in color.
- Good for high-heat cooking, like sautéing, roasting, or baking, where a neutral flavor and higher smoke point are more important.
I prefer using regular olive oil for everyday sautéing and baking, keeping my precious extra virgin oil for dishes that truly highlight its beauty.
A Little Note from the Heart
Olive oil isn’t just good for the body — it’s good for the spirit too. It reminds me that health, beauty, and joy can come from the simplest ingredients when we choose them with care.
A splash of good olive oil carries the sunshine of the fields it grew in — and every meal becomes a little more alive because of it.
