The Ultimate Guide to Memorial Day BBQ + Grilling with Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar

May 17, 2025by Lauren Powell
The Ultimate Guide to Memorial Day BBQ + Grilling with Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar

Elevate Your BBQ Game the Healthy, Flavorful Way

Nothing says Memorial Day like the smell of sizzling food on the grill, laughter echoing through the backyard, and the rich flavor of well-seasoned meals. This Memorial Day, make olive oil and balsamic vinegar your grilling MVPs. They add not only depth and sweetness but also health benefits and a gourmet touch. So, keep reading for holiday deals, helpful grilling tips and 5 delicious BBQ + grilling recipes that are sure to be the star of your Memorial Day plans.

Memorial Day BBQ Bundle 

What better way to kick off grilling season than with our Memorial Day BBQ Bundle Sale? From May 22 through May 26 receive 10% off when you purchase the BBQ Bundle- Black Pepper Garlic Olive Oil 500 ml, Sola Stella Extra Virgin Olive Oil 250 ml, and Bourbon Barrel Aged Balsamic Vinegar 250 ml- and receive Free Shipping when you spend $65+

Why Olive Oil is a Grilling Essential

Benefit

Why It Matters

High Smoke Point Keeps food from burning and oils from turning toxic
Flavor Booster Adds a fruity, earthy richness to grilled food
Keeps Food Juicy Locks in moisture on meats, fish, and veggies
Versatile Perfect for marinades, grill brushes, or finishing oils

 

Balsamic Vinegar: The Secret Weapon

There are many reasons Balsamic Vinegar is amazing for BBQ + Grilling: Caramelizes beautifully on high heat, balances sweetness and acidity, and adds depth to meats, fruits, and veggies.

Kick it up a notch and add a flavored Balsamic Vinegar to your summer menu! It might sound a little strange to put Strawberry or Fig Balsamic Vinegar on a protein, but let us be the ones to tell you that it is a flavor explosion you never saw coming.

Flavored Balsamic Ideas:

Flavor

Best With

Strawberry Balsamic Grilled chicken or fruit kabobs
Fig Balsamic Glazed pork chops or burgers
Traditional Balsamic Grilled steak, mushrooms, and onions

 

Over the years we have compiled quite the collection of grilling recipes, but these five are our absolute favorites that we just had to share with you! Below you will find the link to all five recipes! We would love to see how you incorporate these delicious dishes into your Summer BBQ plans- Share your photos with us for a chance to win a free tasting for two at our orchard in Dripping Springs!

🔥 5 Must-Try BBQ + Grilling Recipes

  1. Sweet and Spicy Raspberry Chipotle Balsamic BBQ Sauce
  2. Balsamic Grilled Chicken w/ Creamy Dill Chopped Salad
  3. Greek Style Ribeye Steak w/ Feta and Olive Topper
  4. Grilled Onion Cheddar Burger w/ Avocado Aioli & Texas EVOO
  5. Spicy Lamb Kebabs w/ Persian Lime Chimichurri

Grilling Tips with Olive Oil & Balsamic

✅ Do:

  • Use EVOO for brushing and finishing

  • Marinate with balsamic + oil combos

  • Apply balsamic late in cooking to avoid burning

❌ Don't:

  • Over-oil (causes flare-ups)

  • Use balsamic directly on very high heat without dilution


🍽️ Perfect Pairings


🧠 Key Takeaways

  1. Olive oil enhances grilling with rich flavor and moisture.
  2. Balsamic vinegar adds sweet, tangy depth—perfect for glazes and marinades.
  3. Together, they transform ordinary grilling into gourmet summer feasting.
  4. Use flavored versions for an elevated and unique culinary twist.

❓ FAQs

Q: Can olive oil be used for high-heat grilling?
A: Yes! Choose EvOO with a smoke point around 400°F and avoid overheating it directly. We suggest using our Sola Stella Extra Virgin Olive Oil for high temps!

Q: When should I apply balsamic vinegar while grilling?
A: Towards the end or post-grill to avoid burning and preserve its flavor.

Q: What’s the best balsamic for meat?
A: Traditional or Bourbon Barrel-Aged Balsamic pairs beautifully with red meats and poultry.

Q: Can I use balsamic on desserts?
A: Definitely! Drizzle over grilled peaches, vanilla ice cream, or pound cake.


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