Bertolli is encouraging Canadians to bring simple Mediterranean inspired touches to holiday meals, from Thanksgiving through the festive season. The focus is not on replacing familiar dishes, but on using olive oil in easy, practical ways that add flavour and flexibility across the menu.
Bertolli Rich extra virgin olive oil
Holiday cooking often starts with one dependable bottle on the counter. Bertolli says its Rich 1L Extra Virgin Olive Oil is suited to everyday holiday cooking, especially for roasting seasonal vegetables and preparing side dishes.
That matters because the brand is framing olive oil as a kitchen staple, not a special occasion extra. From roasting and baking to dressing and finishing, Bertolli positions extra virgin olive oil as a versatile ingredient that can elevate familiar dishes while adding a Mediterranean approach to the way Canadians cook and share food.
Dress and Drizz for finishing touches
Some of the simplest changes happen at the end of cooking. Bertolli's newer Dress & Drizz format is designed for dressing, finishing or enhancing meals with a final drizzle, making it an easy visual fit for salads, appetizers and plated holiday dishes.
The package itself is part of the story. Bertolli says Dress & Drizz is a 2027 Best New Product of the Year Nominee and comes in an innovative bottle made from 100% recycled plastic. The bottle also has an ergonomic design, a comfortable grip and easy dosage control, all aimed at making pouring more effortless for home cooks.
Roasted butternut squash soup
A warm starter can set the tone for the whole table, and Bertolli spotlights roasted butternut squash soup as a seasonal option for Thanksgiving and holiday gatherings. It is presented as a comforting first course that fits naturally with cooler weather entertaining.
This example shows how olive oil can work early in the meal, not just in dressings. Roasting the squash with extra virgin olive oil brings the ingredient into a classic autumn dish, while keeping the overall approach simple. Bertolli's broader message is that small adjustments like this can refresh traditions without making them feel unfamiliar.
Arugula salad with pomegranate vinaigrette and nuts
Holiday meals can lean rich and heavy, which is why a bright salad earns its place. Bertolli points to an arugula salad with pomegranate vinaigrette and nuts as a fresh side that combines peppery greens, toasted nuts and the sweet tart note of pomegranate.
It is also one of the clearest examples of Mediterranean inspiration in action. Olive oil becomes the base for a vinaigrette rather than a background ingredient, helping tie together texture and flavour in a dish that looks festive on the table. The result is a side that complements traditional favourites instead of competing with them.
Creamy scalloped potatoes with a Mediterranean touch
Scalloped potatoes are already a familiar holiday favourite in many Canadian homes, and Bertolli includes a creamy version as part of its seasonal recipe lineup. The idea is not to reinvent the dish, but to give it what the brand calls a Mediterranean touch.
That approach matches a quote from CJ Body, General Manager of Deoleo Canada, who says holiday cooking is about bringing people together and enjoying the dishes and traditions people look forward to every year. In that context, olive oil becomes a practical addition to a beloved side dish, adding flavour while keeping the focus on shared meals and familiar comforts.
Chocolate pumpkin cake
The standout dessert in Bertolli's holiday lineup is a chocolate pumpkin cake. The recipe is meant to show that extra virgin olive oil has a place beyond savoury cooking, pairing rich chocolate with seasonal pumpkin in a dessert designed for the festive season.
That final example neatly closes Bertolli's larger pitch to Canadians. With more than 160 years of Mediterranean heritage, the brand is encouraging home cooks to use olive oil in small, approachable ways across the whole meal, from soup and sides to salads and dessert. It is a broad but clear reminder that one ingredient can move through every course.
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