The Best Mediterranean Dishes Using Olive Oil

Imagine a meal that tastes indulgent, feels comforting, and still supports your health goals. That’s the beauty of the Mediterranean diet, and at the heart of it all is olive oil. Revered for both its culinary versatility and health benefits, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is much more than a cooking fat. It’s the essence of Mediterranean flavour, a tradition passed down through generations.

Whether you’re drizzling it over ripe tomatoes, stirring it into a stew, or using it as the base for a robust dressing, olive oil is indispensable in Mediterranean kitchens. In this article, you’ll find a delicious roundup of the best Mediterranean dishes using olive oil, from classic appetisers to hearty mains and satisfying vegetarian meals. We’ll also share handy olive oil recipes and tips for getting the most out of this golden ingredient.

If you’re looking to boost your intake of healthy olive oil meals that feel as good as they taste, you’re in the right place.

Why Olive Oil Is the Star of the Mediterranean Diet

Health Benefits That Make It a Staple

Olive oil isn’t just tasty — it’s backed by science. Studies show that high consumption of extra virgin olive oil:

• Supports heart health by lowering LDL cholesterol and raising HDL cholesterol
• Contains antioxidants like polyphenols that reduce inflammation
• May help regulate blood sugar and improve brain function

In other words, using olive oil in everyday cooking is a smart and delicious way to promote long-term wellness.

Culinary Versatility You’ll Love

• Works beautifully in both raw and cooked dishes
• Enhances the flavour of vegetables, fish, legumes, and grains
• Balances the richness of meats and the brightness of citrus and herbs

Olive Oil in Mediterranean Starters and Sides

1. Greek Tzatziki with Olive Oil

A creamy yoghurt-based dip infused with garlic, cucumber, dill, and a generous swirl of EVOO.

Serve with: Warm pita, raw vegetables, or grilled meats.

Drizzle a little oil on top just before serving for a glossy finish.

2. Spanish Pan con Tomate

Crusty bread rubbed with garlic and tomato, topped with sea salt and olive oil.

Why It Works: EVOO adds richness and ties the simple ingredients together.

3. Marinated Olives

Combine assorted olives with EVOO, citrus peel, garlic, and herbs. Let sit overnight.

Bonus: Customise with chilli flakes or rosemary for extra flair.

4. Italian Bruschetta

Top toasted bread with a mix of diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil.

Use a fruity EVOO to complement the freshness of the tomatoes.

Main Dishes That Celebrate Olive Oil

5. Mediterranean Baked Fish

How to Make It:

• Use cod, sea bass or salmon
• Lay on a bed of sliced onions, tomatoes, and olives
• Drizzle with EVOO and bake until flaky

Why It’s Great: Olive oil enhances the natural richness of fish and locks in moisture.

6. Moroccan Chicken Tagine

A slow-cooked North African stew with chicken, preserved lemons, olives, and spices.

EVOO’s Role: Acts as a flavour carrier for cumin, turmeric, and paprika.

Serve with: Couscous or crusty bread to mop up the sauce.

7. Pasta Aglio e Olio

A minimalist Italian dish using just garlic, red pepper flakes, spaghetti, and EVOO.

Let the garlic infuse the oil slowly to avoid bitterness.

8. Ratatouille

This French Provençal vegetable stew is a celebration of olive oil and fresh produce.

Vegetables to Include: Aubergines, courgettes, peppers, tomatoes, onions

Cook vegetables separately in olive oil before combining for a richer flavour.

Vegetarian & Vegan Dishes Bursting with Olive Oil

9. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Toss chickpeas with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, red onion, and a lemon-EVOO dressing.

Why You’ll Love It: Light, satisfying, and ideal for meal prep.

10. Grilled Vegetable Platter

Char aubergine, courgette, red onion, and peppers. Finish with a liberal pour of EVOO and fresh herbs.

Pro Tip: Add a sprinkle of za’atar or sumac for an earthy tang.

11. Hummus Drizzled with Olive Oil

Creamy chickpea dip blended with tahini, lemon, and garlic.

Finish with: A pool of EVOO and a dusting of paprika or cumin.

12. Bulgur and Roasted Pepper Pilaf

Toss cooked bulgur wheat with charred red peppers, pine nuts, raisins, and EVOO.

Flavour Note: EVOO brings all the textures together into a cohesive, silky dish.

Sauces, Dressings & Dips Where Olive Oil Shines

13. Classic Pesto

Blend fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, and EVOO into a rich paste.

Use With: Pasta, grilled chicken, or drizzled on roasted vegetables.

14. Greek Ladolemono (Lemon-Olive Oil Dressing)

Just lemon juice, oregano, garlic, and EVOO — simple but bold.

Pair with: Grilled fish or green salads.

15. Muhammara

A Syrian dip of roasted red peppers, walnuts, and olive oil.

Use EVOO to adjust consistency and add a silky finish.

Olive Oil in Baking and Sweets

16. Olive Oil & Lemon Cake

Swap butter for EVOO for a tender crumb and Mediterranean twist.

Flavour Tip: Choose a milder oil to avoid overpowering the citrus.

17. Orange & Olive Oil Biscotti

A crunchy, not-too-sweet biscuit perfect for dunking in tea or coffee.

Bonus: EVOO keeps the texture crisp but light.

18. Olive Oil Granola

Mix oats, nuts, seeds, honey, and EVOO before baking.

Result: Golden clusters with a hint of savoury depth.

Cooking with Olive Oil

Choose the Right Oil

• Use robust EVOO for grilling, stews, and sauces
• Pick milder oils for baking and raw applications

Don’t Fear Heat

Despite the myths, EVOO is safe for most cooking methods, including sautéing and baking.

Finish with Flair

Drizzle olive oil at the end of cooking to highlight its raw flavour.

Sample Weekly Menu Using Olive Oil

Monday: Grilled fish with ladolemono, roasted veg

Tuesday: Chickpea salad with hummus and pita

Wednesday: Ratatouille over bulgur wheat

Thursday: Pasta aglio e olio with green salad

Friday: Tagine with couscous and marinated olives

Saturday: Bruschetta starter and lemon olive oil cake

Sunday: Pesto pasta with grilled aubergines

Conclusion: Make Olive Oil Your Everyday Hero

When it comes to flavour, healthfulness and versatility, olive oil has earned its place at the middle of the Mediterranean plate. From bright salads and grilled vegetables to creamy dips and citrusy cakes, it makes everything taste just better.

And by working more of these olive oil recipes into your week, you’re not only going to be eating better — you’re taking up a way of life that rests on a foundation of moderation, pleasure and simplicity.

Want to cook smarter? Explore our guide on cooking with extra virgin olive oil: do’s and don’ts for practical tips that go beyond the basics.