Olive oil, especially extra virgin, is considered one of the healthiest oils because of its high levels of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health from olive oil vs avocado oil. Avocado oil is also rich in healthy fats and vitamins, but it is less effective in antioxidant activity than olive oil. So if you’re looking for maximum health benefits, extra virgin olive oil may be a better choice.

I’ve experimented with both olive oil and avocado oil, and I find they work well in different dishes. For cooking, I lean toward avocado oil because of its higher smoke point, but olive oil is my go-to for dressings and marinades. This actually came up recently when I was trying some new bbq salad ideas​** for a weekend gathering. Using a light avocado oil dressing for a grilled vegetable salad gave it a fresh, slightly nutty flavor that paired perfectly with the smoky meats. It’s one of the reasons I’ve started keeping both oils in my kitchen—they each bring something unique to the table!