High-quality flavoring for salad dressings, in brief

EVOO

Think of the liquid often called "golden" that comes from the first pressing of olives and is a staple in Mediterranean cooking.

This clue is looking for a shorthand term often used for a premium type of olive oil—extra virgin olive oil—which is a staple in high-end salad dressings. The "in brief" hint signals that the answer is an abbreviation, and "EVOO" is the common way to refer to it, especially in cooking shows and recipes. The term gained popularity through food media, making it a familiar shorthand for home cooks and chefs alike.