6 Smart Ways to Use Olive Oil

So many great dishes begin with olive oil. But here are six creative ways to put this versatile oil to use:.Change up your usual tomato sauce. Instead, drizzle pasta with olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper.It sounds strange, but it's a treat to put top-quality extra-virgin olive oil on vanilla or strawberry ice cream.For an amazing dressing, mix olive oil, an equal amount of vinegar, a little mustard, and salt and pepper.Before refrigerating pesto, add a layer of olive oil on top to retain the sauce's color.Heat a little olive oil in a pan over low heat, and stir in lemon, orange, or lime zest to make a simple, tasty infusion.For an easy dip, stir together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, a pinch of crushed red pepper, and grated Parmesan