Spicy Extra Virgin Olive Oil Pairings
As foodies, we’re always on the lookout for new ways to push flavor further, and we love adding a little heat, flavor, and spice to our recipes. In this post, join Primo Oils and Vinegars as we explore the best spicy, flavor-infused olive oil pairings in our collection. We’ll also break down our favorite pairings, explore potential substitutes, and share practical ways to cook with them.Quick Answer: What balsamic pairs best with spicy olive oil?
Fruit-forward and citrus balsamics pair best with spicy and savory infused olive oils. The sweetness balances the heat, which gives you that classic sweet-and-spicy combo.
- Chipotle EVOO: Mango White, Raspberry, or Fig Balsamic
- Harissa EVOO: Mango White, Peach White, or Sicilian Lemon White Balsamic
- Garlic EVOO: Fig, Pomegranate, or Apricot White Balsamic
Our Top Picks
Primo Chipotle Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Primo Garlic Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Primo Harissa Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Why Does Olive Oil Taste Spicy?
You’d be surprised, but fresh EVOOs should naturally taste hot, spicy, and/or bitter. It shocked us the first time, too! Many people are surprised when they taste a high-quality extra virgin olive oil and feel a peppery or stinging sensation at the back of the throat. This reaction is often mistaken for spoilage or the oil’s gotten “rancid”. In reality, that hot, spicy bite is one of the strongest signs of freshness. It usually means the olives were harvested and pressed very recently. Fresh oils retain more of their natural compounds, which directly affect flavor and mouthfeel. This sensation comes from naturally occurring antioxidants found in the olives themselves. The key compound responsible for this feeling is oleocanthal, a polyphenol that triggers a mild throat irritation. These polyphenols help protect the oil from oxidation and extend its shelf life. So if you’ve ever tasted a “spicy extra virgin olive oil” during our tasting sessions at our store in Louisville, that’s one of the freshest ones in stock! Stop by our tasting room on Bardstown Road to try some of the freshest olive oils around! And you don’t have to take our word for it, our 4.9 star rating on Google speaks for itself!Spicy Infused Olive Oils to Cook With
What Balsamic Goes Best with Chipotle Olive Oil? 
- Apricot White Balsamic
- Black Cherry Balsamic
- Dark Chocolate Balsamic
- Cinnamon Pear Balsamic
- Espresso Balsamic
- Fig Balsamic
- Jalapeño White Balsamic
- Lavender Balsamic
- Lemongrass-Mint White Balsamic
- Mango White Balsamic
- Maple Balsamic
- Peach White Balsamic
- Pineapple White Balsamic
- Pomegranate Balsamic
- Raspberry Balsamic
- Sicilian Lemon White Balsamic
- Strawberry Balsamic
- Tangerine Balsamic
- Tahitian Vanilla Balsamic
What Does Garlic Olive Oil Pair Well With? 
- Apricot White Balsamic
- Blackberry-Ginger Balsamic
- Blueberry Balsamic
- Cinnamon-Pear Balsamic
- Fig Balsamic
- Honey-Ginger White Balsamic
- Pomegranate Balsamic
- Jalapeño White Balsamic
- Pineapple White Balsamic
- Oregano White Balsamic
- Neapolitan Balsamic
What are the best pairings for Harissa Olive Oil?
- Mango White Balsamic
- Blackberry-Ginger Balsamic
- Maple Balsamic
- Cinnamon-Pear Balsamic
- Peach White Balsamic
- Raspberry Balsamic
- Sicilian Lemon White Balsamic
- Pineapple White Balsamic
Some Spicy Olive Oil Recipes You Can Try
How do I make a Spicy Dipping Sauce?
You’ve dipped bread in olive oil before, but have you tried a spicy olive oil dipping sauce? This simple upgrade turns everyday snacks into something special and adds just the right amount of heat when you have guests over. We have an in-depth guide on how to make your own bread dipping sauce from scratch, with tips and variations you can try at home. Be sure to check it out for inspiration and easy ideas! To make this olive oil pairing: instead of adding dry ingredients, try a different approach by swapping your olive oil with an infused, spicy extra virgin olive oil. If you’d like to stick to the classic Italian style for your bread dip, try using Garlic Olive Oil. However, if you want more heat and don’t mind experimenting, our Cayenne Chili Oil solves all your spice cravings. Try it today!Can I make a Spicy Marinade with Olive Oil?
Marinades are where spicy olive oils really shine. They soak into meat quickly and add a smoky, spicy flavor without too much effort.Remember the key to a good marinade is a 3:1 ratio of oil to acid.
Try our Maple Balsamic Glazed Salmon with any of the listed spicy olive oil pairings above! If you’re feeling bold, try adding our Gochujang EVOO to the marinade. The spicy, savory flavor profile of this olive oil perfectly complements the sweet maple balsamic. Just be careful, though. The texture of the salmon can break down and leave you with a mushy dinner if left too long. So we recommend marinating salmon no more than 2 hours.Get your Favorite Olive Oil Pairings from Primo Oils and Vinegars
Ready to try out a few combinations? We have daily free tastings at our store in Louisville, Ky on Bardstown road. You can also Order a Seasonal Foodie Gift Box for yourself (or a fellow foodie) and bring a little heat to your kitchen. See how one of the best spicy olive oil brands in the US can put a kick into your next recipes.Frequently Asked Questions about our Olive Oil Pairings
Why is olive oil spicy, even though it’s not infused?
A “spicy” extra virgin olive oil indicates that it was freshly pressed. Scientifically speaking, the oil still contains high levels of natural antioxidants, particularly the polyphenol oleocanthal. These antioxidants help slow oxidation, allowing the oil to stay fresh for longer. The heat you feel is not like what you’d taste in chili peppers, but rather a natural indicator of quality and freshness.Do you have reviews of infused spicy olive oils for salads?
While we don’t have a specific review of these pairings we’d love for you to be the first! You can check out other happy customers and our 4.9 star rating on Google below.What’s the best spicy olive oil for salad dressing?
Our favorite spicy olive oil for salad dressings is to use the freshest varietal in stock. We receive multiple shipments every year from around the globe. These varietals each have a crush date and intensity listed so that you can pick the varietal that works best for you! And if you’re looking to expand your salad dressing repertoire, we’ve got 17 ways to make your own salad dressings from scratch using our oils. Any of the parings mentioned above would be a great way to spice up a salad.
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