Vanilla Ice Cream with Olive Oil and Sea Salt

I want to start off by saying that this isn't my original recipe/idea—in fact, it’s a classic pairing that has long been a hidden gem in high-end restaurants/among gourmets—but it’s a combination I have been returning to lately for an elegant but super simple dessert.

Vanilla ice cream topped with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

If you haven't seen or tried this before, you might be thinking, "oil on ice cream? Gross!" No, my friend, no... it is such a treat BUT, you must use good quality olive oil (more on that in a second...).

The creamy sweetness of the vanilla ice cream is elevated by the fruity, peppery notes of the olive oil, while the salt adds just the right pop to balance everything out. It’s the perfect dessert for a dinner party or a quiet evening when you want something special without much effort.

Choosing the Right Olive Oil

The magic of this dessert lies in using an exceptional olive oil. Not all olive oils are created equal, and finding the right one can make all the difference. Here are a few tips to help you identify a high-quality olive oil:

1. Look for the COOC Seal (California Olive Oil Council): If you’re buying California olive oil, this seal ensures that the product is 100% extra virgin olive oil and has been tested for quality and purity.

2. Check the Harvest Date: Olive oil, unlike wine, does not improve with age. The fresher the oil, the better its flavor and nutritional properties. Look for bottles with a harvest date and aim to use them within a year of that date.

3. Avoid Clear Bottles: Exposure to light can degrade the quality of olive oil. Opt for bottles made from dark glass or opaque materials to ensure the oil stays fresh.

4. Be Cautious with Italian and Spanish Olive Oils: While these countries produce some excellent olive oils, there have been instances where cheaper oils, like sunflower or soybean, have been blended in to cut costs. This doesn’t mean all Italian or Spanish oils are bad—just that it’s essential to buy from a trusted producer.

5. Taste Before You Buy: If possible, taste the olive oil. High-quality oils should have a fresh, vibrant flavor with fruity, grassy, or peppery notes. A good olive oil should never taste greasy, flat, or overly bitter.

   
   

   

   
   

Vanilla Ice Cream with Olive Oil and Sea Salt

Assembling the Dessert

Here’s how to put together this simple yet gourmet dessert:

1. Start with a high-quality vanilla ice cream. I recommend a brand with a short ingredient list—just cream, sugar, and vanilla—for the purest flavor.

2. Scoop the ice cream into serving bowls.

3. Drizzle with your chosen olive oil. Start with about a teaspoon per scoop and adjust to taste.

4. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, such as Maldon or fleur de sel, for a delicate crunch and salty contrast.

Additional toppings: crumbled lemon biscotti, chopped nuts, chocolate chips (or shavings!)

That’s it! In just minutes, you’ll have a dessert that tastes like it belongs on the menu of a high-end restaurant.

Why I Love This Dessert

This recipe is a fun way to introduce people to the concept of using olive oil in sweet dishes. If you’ve never tried it, I promise it’s worth stepping outside your comfort zone.

This dish is proof that a few high-quality ingredients, thoughtfully combined, can create something truly extraordinary. I hope you’ll give it a try and let me know what you think!