🫒 Oils & Fats

Vegan Olive Oil Substitutes - Plant-Based Alternatives for All Cooking

Discover the best vegan olive oil substitutes for plant-based cooking and baking. Learn about oil-free alternatives and plant-based oils that work in all recipes.

✓

Quick Answer

The best vegan olive oil substitutes are coconut oil, avocado oil, and canola oil. For oil-free cooking, use vegetable broth, water, or aquafaba. These plant-based alternatives work perfectly in vegan recipes while maintaining flavor and texture.

Best Substitutes

Coconut Oil

1:1

Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, making it perfect for vegan baking where you need a solid fat. Use refined coconut oil for neutral flavor, or unrefined for a subtle coconut taste.

Best for:

vegan bakingcookiesbrowniestropical dishessautéing

Solid at room temperature, perfect for vegan baking. Use refined for neutral flavor

Avocado Oil

1:1

Avocado oil has a mild, buttery flavor and high smoke point, making it excellent for all types of vegan cooking. It's rich in monounsaturated fats and works well in both sweet and savory dishes.

Best for:

high-heat cookingfryingroastingsalad dressingsgeneral cooking

Mild, buttery flavor with high smoke point. Excellent for all vegan cooking

Canola Oil

1:1

Canola oil is neutral-flavored and versatile, making it perfect for most vegan recipes. It has a good smoke point and won't interfere with other flavors in your dishes.

Best for:

bakingfryingsautéingsalad dressingsgeneral cooking

Neutral flavor and versatile. Perfect for most vegan recipes

Sesame Oil

1:1

Sesame oil has a strong, nutty flavor that's perfect for Asian-inspired vegan dishes. Use sparingly as it has a potent flavor, or mix with neutral oils for a more subtle effect.

Best for:

Asian cookingstir-friesdressingsmarinadesfinishing

Strong, nutty flavor perfect for Asian-inspired vegan dishes

Vegetable Broth

1/2 cup broth = 1/4 cup olive oil

Vegetable broth is nearly calorie-free and perfect for sautéing vegetables or adding moisture to dishes. Use low-sodium varieties to control salt content and enhance the natural flavors of your ingredients.

Best for:

sautéing vegetablessoup basesgrain cookingsteam-frying

Nearly calorie-free for sautéing and adding moisture. Use low-sodium varieties

Aquafaba

3 tbsp aquafaba = 1 tbsp olive oil

The liquid from canned chickpeas can be whipped to create creamy, oil-free dressings and baked goods. It's nearly calorie-free and works especially well in vegan recipes where you want creaminess without oil.

Best for:

salad dressingsmayo substitutesmoussevegan bakingcreamy applications

Chickpea liquid that can be whipped for creamy, oil-free dressings and baking

Nut Butters

1/2 cup nut butter = 1 cup olive oil

Nut butters like almond, cashew, or tahini can add richness and flavor to vegan dishes. They work well in dressings, dips, and some baked goods, providing healthy fats and protein.

Best for:

dressingsdipsspreadssome bakingsauces

Adds richness and flavor. Use almond, cashew, or tahini for different flavor profiles

Cooking Tips

  • 💡For vegan baking, coconut oil works best as it solidifies at room temperature like butter
  • 💡Use aquafaba whipped to soft peaks for creamy dressings and mousse-like desserts
  • 💡For oil-free cooking, use a good non-stick pan with vegetable broth or water
  • 💡Sesame oil is perfect for Asian-inspired vegan dishes but use sparingly due to its strong flavor
  • 💡Avocado oil is excellent for high-heat cooking and adds a subtle richness to dishes
  • 💡For creamy dressings, blend aquafaba with herbs and spices for oil-free alternatives
  • 💡Nut butters work well in dressings and dips, providing healthy fats and protein
  • 💡When using vegetable broth for sautéing, add it gradually to prevent steaming instead of browning

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best vegan substitute for olive oil?

Coconut oil is the best vegan substitute for olive oil, especially for baking, as it solidifies at room temperature like butter. For cooking, avocado oil works well with its mild flavor and high smoke point. For oil-free options, use aquafaba or vegetable broth.

Can I use coconut oil instead of olive oil in vegan baking?

Yes, coconut oil is excellent for vegan baking as it's solid at room temperature, similar to butter. Use refined coconut oil for neutral flavor, or unrefined for a subtle coconut taste. It works well in cookies, brownies, and other baked goods.

What's a good oil-free substitute for olive oil?

For oil-free cooking, use vegetable broth or water for sautéing, aquafaba (whipped chickpea liquid) for creamy applications, and cooking spray for greasing pans. These options provide similar functionality with minimal calories and no oil.

Can I use aquafaba instead of olive oil?

Yes, aquafaba can replace olive oil in many applications, especially for creamy dressings and some baking. Whip it to soft peaks for best results. It's nearly calorie-free and works well in vegan recipes where you want creaminess without oil.

What oil should I use for vegan salad dressing?

For vegan salad dressings, avocado oil provides a mild, buttery flavor, while sesame oil adds a nutty taste perfect for Asian-inspired dressings. For oil-free dressings, use whipped aquafaba with herbs and spices.

Can I substitute nut butter for olive oil?

Yes, nut butters like almond, cashew, or tahini can substitute for olive oil in dressings, dips, and some baking. Use about 1/2 cup nut butter for every 1 cup of olive oil. They add richness, flavor, and healthy fats.

Summary

Discover the best vegan olive oil substitutes for plant-based cooking and baking. Learn about oil-free alternatives and plant-based oils that work in all vegan recipes.