Olive Oil Substitutes: 5 Best Cooking Alternatives
The best substitute for olive oil is Avocado Oil at a 1 cup avocado oil per 1 cup olive oil ratio. It works best for roasting, grilling, dressings. There are 4 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Avocado Oil
1 cup avocado oil per 1 cup olive oil
Similar healthy fat profile with a neutral flavor and higher smoke point. Works 1:1 in all cooking and baking. Will not replicate olive oil's distinctive flavor.
What are the other substitutes for olive oil?
Vegetable or Canola Oil
1 cup vegetable oil per 1 cup olive oil
Works 1:1 but lacks olive oil's fruity, peppery flavor. Best when olive oil is used for cooking rather than as a finishing or flavoring ingredient.
Grapeseed Oil
1 cup grapeseed oil per 1 cup olive oil
Very neutral flavor with a clean finish. High smoke point makes it good for cooking. Works 1:1. A good choice when you want a lighter flavor.
Walnut Oil
1 cup walnut oil per 1 cup olive oil
Rich, nutty flavor that works well in salads and finishing. Low smoke point-not for high-heat cooking. Best used as a finishing oil like extra virgin olive oil.
Melted Butter
3/4 cup melted butter per 1 cup olive oil
Use less since butter is only 80% fat. Adds richness but a completely different flavor profile. Works in baking and sautéing but not in dressings.
What should you know before substituting olive oil?
Extra virgin olive oil has a low smoke point (325-375°F) and a strong flavor-best for dressings, finishing, and low-heat cooking. Light or refined olive oil has a higher smoke point (465°F) and milder flavor, making it suitable for frying and baking. Match the substitute to how the olive oil is being used in the recipe.
How do you substitute olive oil in a recipe?
A flavorful oil pressed from olives, available as extra virgin (cold-pressed, robust flavor) and refined/light (neutral flavor, higher smoke point). A staple of Mediterranean cooking.
The best substitute for olive oil depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Avocado Oil (1 cup avocado oil per 1 cup olive oil), which works well for roasting, grilling, dressings.
If you need a different option, Vegetable or Canola Oil (1 cup vegetable oil per 1 cup olive oil) is another reliable choice. Works 1:1 but lacks olive oil's fruity, peppery flavor. Best when olive oil is used for cooking rather than as a finishing or flavoring ingredient.
When substituting olive oil, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and American Heart Association. See our testing methodology for details.
What can you use instead of olive oil in specific recipes?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best substitute for olive oil in cooking?
Avocado oil is the best all-around substitute-it works 1:1, has a similar healthy fat profile, and an even higher smoke point. For neutral cooking, vegetable or canola oil also works 1:1.
Can I use butter instead of olive oil?
Yes. Use 3/4 cup melted butter per 1 cup olive oil. The flavor will be richer and more buttery. This works for sautéing and baking but not for salad dressings or cold applications.
What is the best substitute for extra virgin olive oil in dressings?
Walnut oil or avocado oil are excellent for dressings. Walnut oil adds a rich nutty flavor, while avocado oil provides a neutral base. Both work 1:1 in vinaigrettes and dressings.