Top 10 ways to incorporate a tablespoon of olive oil into your daily routine

Making extra virgin olive oil part of your daily diet is so good for your well being.  An excellent olive oil also really kicks your meals up a notch.  Even a simple salad or toasted bread becomes a savory treat.  Here are 10 great ways to make olive oil a part of your food life:

• Drizzle over Salad: Toss your favorite greens, veggies, with a tablespoon of olive oil for a simple, yet flavorful dressing. Add a squeeze of lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and some herbs for extra zing.  Consider adding:  feta cheese, roasted nuts, pomegranate seeds, cranberries, grapefruit chunks. 

• Dip with Bread: Pair your favorite crusty bread with a small dish of olive oil. Freshly baked bread is absolutely irresistible with good olive oil.

• Sauté Veggies: Heat up a pan, add a tablespoon of olive oil, and sauté your choice of vegetables. Season with garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs, for a quick and tasty side dish.

• Marinade for Grilled Meat or Fish: Create a flavorful marinade by combining olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs. Let the meat or fish soak in the marinade for a few hours, then grill to perfection.

• Drizzle on Roasted Vegetables: Arrange your favorite vegetables in an oven dish. Generously drizzle Holive Oil.  Roast. Voila! Deliciousness. Our family favorite roasted veg combo is fennel, beet, and butternut squash. Slice thinly.  They require different roasting times so roast separately drizziled in olive oil and then combine in a bowl. Dress with homemade thin tehina.  Our family literally can't get enough of this dish. (It's also beautiful so is great for holidays and potlucks.)

• Make a Homemade Pesto: Blend fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a tablespoon of olive oil to create a delicious homemade pesto. Toss it with fresh pasta - heaven!

• Flavorful Popcorn: Instead of using butter, drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over freshly popped popcorn. Sprinkle with your favorite seasonings for a gourmet twist.

• Roasted Potatoes: Toss baby potatoes in olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary. Roast in the oven until golden brown and crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside. Irresistibly delicious!

• Wholesome Smoothies: Add a tablespoon of olive oil to your favorite smoothie recipe. It adds a creamy texture and boosts the healthy fats, making your smoothie more satiating and nutritious.

• Yogurt Health Bomb: Drizzle your olive oil into a cup of fresh yogurt, add a sprinkle of sea salt and some chopped garlic. Delicious and so so good for you!

These are just a few ways to enjoy the deliciousness of olive oil. Choose a high-quality, extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and health benefits. Let your taste buds show you the way!