Name: Lemon Basil Aioli Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: Approximately ¾ cup
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: ½ cup mayonnaise; 2 cups fresh basil leaves; 2-3 cloves garlic; 1 ½ tablespoon lemon juice (or more to taste)

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Introduction

Lemon Basil Aioli is a bright and flavorful sauce that’s perfect for sandwiches, grilled vegetables, or as a dip. With fresh basil and zesty lemon, it brings a refreshing twist to classic aioli. It’s quick to prepare and adds a vibrant touch to many dishes.

A clear glass jar filled to about three-quarters with a creamy light green sauce, having a slightly speckled texture, sits centered on a two-layered round base; the top layer is off-white and the bottom layer is a light wood tone. A thin, dark metal spoon is placed inside the jar, leaning slightly to the right. In the bottom left corner, bunches of fresh dark green basil leaves and a bright yellow lemon half with visible pulp are arranged on a white marbled surface. Nearby, a partially peeled clove of garlic adds a light off-white color contrast. The background is soft white with faint marble veins. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup mayonnaise
2 cups fresh basil leaves
2–3 cloves garlic
1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice (or more to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Add the mayonnaise, fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, and lemon juice into a mason jar or blender.
Step 2: Blend the ingredients using a stick blender or regular blender until smooth and well combined.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh, young basil leaves for the best flavor and vibrant color.
Add a pinch of salt or a dash of black pepper to enhance the taste.
Adjust the lemon juice to balance the acidity to your preference.
For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

Storage

Store the aioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to one week. Before serving, give it a quick stir. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A clear glass jar filled with a pale green creamy sauce sits on a round wooden cutting board. To the right, fresh dark green basil leaves rest on the board. In front of the jar, a white plate holds a small dollop of the same pale green sauce with a black spoon in it. To the left of the jar, a lemon half with bright yellow flesh and some white garlic cloves lie on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?

Fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor and texture. Dried basil will not provide the same vibrant taste and may result in a gritty texture.

Is this aioli suitable for vegans?

This recipe uses mayonnaise, which typically contains eggs. For a vegan version, substitute with a vegan mayonnaise alternative.