Best Olive Oil Substitutes - Complete Guide for Cooking & Baking
Discover the best olive oil substitutes for cooking, baking, and salad dressings. Learn which oils work best for different recipes and cooking methods.
Quick Answer
The best olive oil substitutes are canola oil, vegetable oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil. Choose based on cooking method: canola/vegetable for neutral flavor, avocado for high-heat cooking, coconut for baking, and walnut oil for dressings.
Best Substitutes
Canola Oil
1:1Neutral-flavored oil with a smoke point of 400°F, making it perfect for most cooking applications. It's the closest substitute to olive oil in terms of versatility.
Best for:
Most versatile substitute with neutral flavor and similar smoke point to olive oil
Vegetable Oil
1:1A blend of neutral oils that works well in most recipes. Similar cooking properties to olive oil without the distinctive flavor.
Best for:
Most similar to olive oil in cooking properties with neutral flavor
Avocado Oil
1:1Premium oil with a high smoke point and mild, buttery flavor. Excellent for high-heat cooking and adds a subtle richness to dishes.
Best for:
High smoke point (520°F) makes it excellent for high-heat cooking and frying
Coconut Oil
1:1Solid at room temperature with a subtle coconut flavor. Use refined coconut oil for a more neutral taste in baking and cooking.
Best for:
Solid at room temperature, adds slight coconut flavor. Use refined for neutral taste
Grapeseed Oil
1:1Light, neutral oil with a high smoke point. Perfect for high-heat cooking without adding any flavor to your dishes.
Best for:
High smoke point (420°F) and neutral flavor make it excellent for cooking
Walnut Oil
1:1Rich, nutty oil that's perfect for salad dressings and finishing dishes. Has a lower smoke point so avoid high-heat cooking.
Best for:
Rich, nutty flavor perfect for dressings and finishing dishes. Don't heat above 320°F
Cooking Tips
- 💡For baking, use neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil to avoid overpowering the recipe
- 💡When substituting in salad dressings, consider the flavor profile - walnut oil adds richness, while canola oil keeps it neutral
- 💡For high-heat cooking like frying or roasting, choose oils with high smoke points like avocado or grapeseed oil
- 💡If a recipe calls for extra virgin olive oil for finishing, use walnut oil or a high-quality neutral oil
- 💡When substituting in Mediterranean dishes, consider the flavor impact - you might want to add herbs or spices to compensate
- 💡For vegan baking, coconut oil works well but may add a slight coconut flavor to the final product
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute olive oil for vegetable oil in brownies?
Yes, you can substitute olive oil for vegetable oil in brownies, but use light olive oil to avoid a strong olive flavor. The texture and moisture will be similar, though the taste may be slightly different.
What's the best substitute for olive oil in salad dressing?
For salad dressings, walnut oil provides the best flavor profile with its rich, nutty taste. Canola oil or grapeseed oil work well for neutral dressings, while avocado oil adds a subtle buttery note.
Can I use avocado oil instead of olive oil?
Yes, avocado oil is an excellent substitute for olive oil. It has a higher smoke point (520°F vs 325-410°F), making it better for high-heat cooking, and a mild, buttery flavor that works well in most applications.
Is olive oil a good substitute for vegetable oil?
Olive oil can substitute for vegetable oil in most recipes, but consider the flavor impact. Use light olive oil for baking to minimize the olive flavor, and extra virgin olive oil works well for sautéing and roasting.
What's the healthiest substitute for olive oil?
Avocado oil is considered one of the healthiest substitutes, with similar monounsaturated fat content and a higher smoke point. Walnut oil is also very healthy with omega-3 fatty acids, but it's best used in cold applications due to its lower smoke point.
Can I substitute coconut oil for olive oil?
Yes, coconut oil can substitute for olive oil, especially in baking and vegan recipes. Use refined coconut oil for a more neutral flavor, or unrefined if you want a subtle coconut taste. Note that coconut oil is solid at room temperature.
Summary
Find the best olive oil substitutes for cooking, baking, and dressings. Learn which oils work best for different recipes with our comprehensive guide to olive oil alternatives.