Why Olive Oil on Ice Cream Is Amazing (+ How to Do It)

Vanilla ice cream drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and topped with flaky sea salt—a simple yet gourmet combination.

It might sound unconventional, but olive oil on ice cream is the dessert hack everyone’s talking about. Thanks to viral TikTok videos and celebrity shout-outs, this unlikely pairing has become a sensation. Influencers like Claudia Sulewski (who ends her video by saying “you’ll thank me later!”) swear by a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and a pinch of sea salt over vanilla ice cream. Even pop superstar Dua Lipa has given her seal of approval —she famously shared “olive oil ice cream for the win” on social media, helping propel the trend across TikTok. 

But while it’s now a viral phenomenon, foodies know this combo isn’t entirely new. Italians have been enjoying gelato con olio e sale (gelato with olive oil and salt) for years, and artisan ice cream shops in the U.S. have offered it since the late 2000s. So what makes this sweet-and-savory twist so special? Let’s dive into the flavor, the fun, and the health perks of drizzling olive oil on ice cream—and how you can try it at home with Olivea’s polyphenol-rich oils.

Why Olive Oil Works So Well on Ice Cream

At first glance, pouring olive oil on ice cream sounds strange. Ice cream is sweet and creamy; olive oil is rich and pungent. Yet it's precisely this contrast that makes it magical.

Flavor-wise, olive oil brings a fruity, peppery note that cuts through the sweetness of ice cream, adding depth and complexity. When you sprinkle flaky salt on top, you introduce bursts of savory crunch that elevate the dessert from simple to sophisticated.

Texture is another secret. Drizzle high-quality EVOO over a cold scoop and the oil chills and thickens upon contact, creating a silky coating. It doesn't freeze solid but firms up just enough to create a velvety layer. As you take a bite, the olive oil melts in your mouth, releasing its aromatic flavors. The flaky salt begins to dissolve, giving little pops of salinity that make the sweetness sing.

Good extra virgin olive oil contains aromatic compounds and polyphenols that complement sweet flavors. A robust EVOO can have grassy, fruity, or spicy notes that accentuate certain ice cream flavors. As Hallie Meyer, founder of Caffè Panna gelato shop, explains, olive oil adds "a totally different dimension" to cold desserts. And unlike sugary syrups, EVOO comes packed with heart-healthy fats and antioxidants.

In short, drizzling olive oil on ice cream hits all the right notes: surprising flavor contrast, enhanced texture, and even a nutritional boost. Once you try that first luscious, salty-sweet bite, you'll wonder why you ever settled for plain vanilla.

How to Drizzle Olive Oil on Ice Cream (and What You Need)

Getting that perfect olive oil sundae is easy. Here's how:

Start with cold ice cream. Make sure your ice cream is firm from the freezer. The cold surface helps the olive oil set into a silky shell. For extra credit, chill your serving bowl in advance.

Use quality extra virgin olive oil. This is key. You want a real, high-quality EVOO with flavor and aroma. Avoid "light" or refined olive oils. A cold-pressed extra virgin with some peppery kick or fruitiness will shine here. Olivea's Ultra High Phenolic EVOO brings bold fruity flavor and a peppery finish, while our Premium Organic EVOO offers a smoother, balanced taste.

Drizzle, don't drench. Pour about 1 to 2 teaspoons per scoop in a thin stream, moving over the ice cream so it doesn't pool in one spot. You want just enough to coat the surface in a glistening sheen.

Finish with flaky sea salt. Use Maldon or fleur de sel if possible. Just a pinch sprinkled over the oiled ice cream. The delicate crunch and pops of saltiness elevate the whole experience.

Serve immediately. Dig in while the ice cream is cold and the olive oil is freshly set for the best texture contrast.

That's it! With good olive oil and a pinch of salt, you've transformed basic ice cream into a gourmet dessert.

DIY Olive Oil Ice Cream Recipes (Two Ways)

Recipe 1: Quick Vanilla Ice Cream with Olive Oil & Sea Salt

The viral TikTok combo that takes 2 minutes.

Yield: 1 serving (easily multiplied)

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2-3 scoops vanilla ice cream

• 1-2 teaspoons Olivea EVOO

• Pinch of flaky sea salt

Instructions:

1. Scoop ice cream into a bowl

2. Drizzle olive oil over top in a thin stream

3. Sprinkle with sea salt

4. Serve immediately

That's it. The combination of cold vanilla, rich olive oil, and crunchy salt is a revelation.

Recipe 2: Homemade Olive Oil Ice Cream

For true enthusiasts who want olive oil flavor throughout. You'll need an ice cream maker.

Yield: about 1 quart (4 servings)

Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling and freezing time)

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups heavy cream (divided)

• 1½ cups whole milk

• ⅔ cup sugar

• 4 egg yolks

• ½ teaspoon sea salt

• ¼ cup Olivea EVOO

Instructions:

1. Heat milk, ¾ cup cream, sugar, and salt until steaming

2. Whisk egg yolks, slowly add half the hot milk while whisking

3. Return to heat, cook until thickened (170°F)

4. Strain, add remaining cold cream, chill completely

5. Whisk in olive oil before churning

6. Churn in ice cream maker, freeze until firm

This creates an ultra-creamy gelato with a subtle olive oil flavor throughout. Serve plain or with an extra drizzle of Olivea EVOO and salt on top.

Health Benefits: Guilt-Free Indulgence with Olivea's Polyphenol-Rich Oils

While ice cream is still a treat, adding extra virgin olive oil brings genuine wellness perks compared to typical toppings.

EVOO is loaded with monounsaturated fats (the "good" fats linked to heart health) and polyphenols, natural antioxidant compounds with anti-inflammatory effects. The EU even allows health claims stating that olive oil polyphenols "contribute to the protection of blood lipids from oxidative stress."

Compare this to standard sundae toppings like chocolate syrup or caramel, which add only empty calories and sugar. A tablespoon of high-polyphenol olive oil adds healthy fats that can increase satiety and slow sugar absorption, plus those protective antioxidants.

Olivea's oils take this even further. Our Ultra High Phenolic EVOO contains 900+ mg/kg of polyphenols—about 20 times more than typical store-bought EVOO. Our Premium Organic EVOO boasts 600+ mg/kg, still far above average. That's like adding a potent shot of antioxidants to your dessert. These compounds, including hydroxytyrosol, have been clinically shown to protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation and support cardiovascular health.

We're not saying ice cream with olive oil is health food, but it's a smarter indulgence. You get the satisfaction of dessert while contributing heart-healthy fats and antioxidants. With Olivea's polyphenol-packed oils, you're supercharging that effect in every bite.

Moderation is key, but if you're going to indulge, this is a fantastic way to do it.

Best Flavor Pairings: Ice Cream & Olivea Olive Oils

Just as you pair wines with food, you can match specific olive oils with ice cream flavors for unique taste experiences.

Vanilla + Robust EVOO + Sea Salt: The OG and a must-try. Vanilla lets high-quality EVOO truly shine. Try Olivea's Ultra High Phenolic Oil for bold, peppery notes that transform plain vanilla into a gourmet treat.

Chocolate or Coffee + Robust EVOO: Peppery olive oil pairs wonderfully with rich chocolate ice cream, adding complexity like sea salt or chili does to chocolate. Our Ultra High Phenolic EVOO can stand up to intense cocoa flavors.

Fruit Flavors + Milder EVOO: Berry, citrus, or fruit-based ice creams pair well with smoother oils. Olivea's Premium Organic EVOO complements strawberry or peach gelato without overpowering, bringing out fruity nuances in both.

Caramel or Nutty Flavors + Medium EVOO: Butter pecan and caramel swirl ice creams love a medium-intensity oil. The olive oil amplifies roasted, nutty notes while its peppery finish cuts sweetness.

Sorbets + EVOO: Don't forget dairy-free options. Sorbets have zero fat, so adding EVOO introduces silky richness. Try our Organic EVOO on tart fruit sorbets like raspberry or lemon for a luxurious upgrade.

The general rule: simple flavors love bold EVOO, while complex ice creams may prefer balanced oils. But experiment freely. Just use quality extra virgin oil and you'll unlock gourmet flavor in any ice cream.

Serving Tips and Creative Variations

Ready to get creative? Here are ways to elevate your olive oil ice cream experience:

Chill your dish. Pop bowls in the freezer 15 minutes before serving. Cold dishes help the olive oil form that perfect silky shell.

Don't skip the salt. Flaky sea salt is essential. It makes flavors pop through contrast, just like salted caramel beats plain caramel every time.

Add honey or balsamic. A tiny drizzle of honey adds sweetness that plays beautifully with olive oil. Aged balsamic works too, especially on vanilla.

Try citrus zest. Fresh lemon or orange zest amplifies the fruity notes in EVOO. Works great on vanilla or berry flavors.

Experiment with herbs. A few basil leaves on strawberry ice cream with olive oil creates a sweet-savory-herbal mix. Try a tiny pinch of minced rosemary on honey ice cream.

Add crunch. Beyond salt, try toasted nuts (pistachios, almonds), crushed amaretti cookies, or cacao nibs for textural contrast.

Make an affogato twist. Pour espresso over vanilla gelato along with olive oil for a trifecta of bitterness, sweetness, and richness.

Pair with desserts. Serve olive oil-drizzled ice cream over warm apple pie or chocolate brownies. The oil runs onto the pastry, making everything more decadent.

The rule of thumb: use great ingredients and balance flavors. Have fun experimenting to find your perfect combination.

FAQs About Olive Oil and Ice Cream

1. Can I use regular olive oil, or does it have to be extra virgin? 

Use extra virgin olive oil for best results. EVOO contains all the flavor compounds and polyphenols that make this dessert special. Regular refined olive oil is flavorless and won't give you the fruity, peppery notes you want.

2. Does the olive oil freeze on the ice cream? 

The oil thickens but doesn't fully freeze. It forms a silky, buttery coating that melts on your tongue, releasing its flavors. Think soft fudge shell texture, not hard crack.

3. What ice cream flavors work best?

Vanilla with olive oil and sea salt is the must-try classic. Simple flavors like chocolate, coffee, strawberry, or lemon sorbet also work great. The olive oil can get lost in chunky mix-ins or very rich bases like peanut butter.

4. How much olive oil should I use?

About 1-2 teaspoons per scoop. Start conservatively—you can always add more. Too much can make the ice cream soupy.

5. Is this actually healthier than regular toppings? 

It's still ice cream, but olive oil is definitely healthier than sugary syrups. You're adding heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants instead of just sugar. With Olivea's high-polyphenol oils (600-900+ mg/kg), you get an extra antioxidant boost.

6. Can I make this without an ice cream maker? 

Yes! Either drizzle oil on store-bought ice cream or make no-churn olive oil ice cream by folding EVOO into whipped cream and condensed milk, then freezing.

Try Olive Oil Ice Cream with Olivea

The olive oil on ice cream trend is far more than a viral gimmick. It's a genuinely delicious, sophisticated twist that transforms even the simplest scoop into a memorable experience. You've learned why it works, how to do it right, and creative ways to make it your own.

Now it's time to try it yourself. Grab your favorite ice cream and a bottle of Olivea EVOO. Our ultra-high-polyphenol oils deliver the ultimate flavor boost to your dessert. Check out the Olivea Ultra High Phenolic Olive Oil for the most robust experience, or the Olivea Premium Organic EVOO for a milder touch.

We'd love to see your creations! Share photos on Instagram @myolivea or use #OliveaIceCream.

Sometimes the best food experiences come from the simplest ideas. Olive oil on ice cream is easy, extraordinary, and might just become your new favorite dessert. Take that first spoonful of silky, olive-oil-drizzled ice cream and welcome to the club of those who know dessert's best-kept secret.

Buon appetito! 🍨🫒✨

Shop Olivea's Ultra-Premium Olive Oils → Elevate your desserts and everyday dishes with our polyphenol-packed olive oils.