Gourmet Olive Oil Dipping Trio

This trio is an easy, thoughtful host gift that the whole table can enjoy. Bring it to a dinner party, give it to a teacher or a coworker, or include it in a holiday gift basket. Pair it with a bottle of good olive oil and a fresh loaf of bread for a gift that’s ready to serve.

Pour about ½ cup of good olive oil into a shallow bowl, then stir in a tablespoon of your favorite blend and a pinch of salt. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar if you like. Let it rest for a few minutes so the herbs soften and infuse the oil, then serve with warm, crusty bread. The blends also work on roasted vegetables or in a quick vinaigrette.

A good dipping oil is one of the simplest ways to make a table feel special, and the right blend makes all the difference. These three salt-free blends each bring a different personality to olive oil. Cantanzaro Herbs leans Italian, Bohemian Forest is savory and rustic, and Herbes de Provence is classic French. Since none of them contain salt, you can season the oil exactly to your taste.

What kind of olive oil should I use?

A good extra virgin olive oil. Its fruity, peppery flavor comes through in a simple dip, so this is the place to use the good bottle.

Do I need to add salt?

Yes. All three blends are salt-free, so add a pinch of salt to taste. Flaky sea salt is especially nice here.

Can I make the dipping oil ahead of time?

Yes. Mix it up a few hours before guests arrive so the herbs have time to soften. Refrigerate any leftovers and use them within a few days.

What else can I use these blends on?

Roasted vegetables, pasta, grilled chicken, focaccia, or whisked into a quick vinaigrette.