Zesty Basil Garlic Aioli Recipe

Tangy Basil Garlic Aioli Recipe: A Zippy Flavor Booster

Creamy, rich aioli with fresh basil and garlic creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates any dish.

This zesty basil garlic aioli packs a flavorful punch with simple ingredients.

Each dollop brings a burst of Mediterranean-inspired goodness to your plate.

Homemade sauces offer unbeatable taste compared to store-bought alternatives.

The combination of fresh herbs and smooth mayonnaise makes this recipe a crowd-pleaser.

We blend classic techniques with vibrant ingredients to craft a condiment that sparks excitement.

Drizzle this aromatic aioli over grilled vegetables, sandwiches, or use as a dipping sauce to transform your next meal.

Where Basil Garlic Aioli Shines on the Plate

  • Dip Delight: Serve this creamy aioli as a luxurious dipping sauce for crispy french fries, crunchy vegetable sticks, or grilled seafood that craves a zesty companion.
  • Sandwich Supercharger: Spread this basil garlic aioli on sandwiches, burgers, or wraps to instantly elevate the flavor profile with its herbal and tangy punch.
  • Gourmet Drizzle: Use as a sophisticated sauce for roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or as a finishing touch on salads to add complexity and rich, herbaceous notes.
  • Appetizer Enhancer: Transform simple appetizers like crab cakes, fried calamari, or bruschetta by dolloping or drizzling this vibrant aioli on top for a restaurant-quality presentation.

Best Storage Methods for Basil Garlic Aioli

  • Transfer your basil garlic aioli to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days, keeping the flavors fresh and vibrant.
  • Let the aioli sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to allow the garlic and basil flavors to meld and intensify.
  • Keep the aioli chilled until ready to use, and always use a clean utensil when scooping to maintain its quality and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Avoid freezing this aioli, as the mayonnaise base can separate and lose its creamy texture when thawed, compromising the delicious taste and smooth consistency.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 5 minutes

Calories: 120 kcal

Servings: 9

What’s in Basil Garlic Aioli Recipe That Brings It to Life

For Base:
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy foundation that provides rich, smooth texture and tangy flavor base for the aioli.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds subtle sharpness and helps emulsify the sauce with a complex, zesty undertone.
For Fresh Aromatics:
  • Garlic: Delivers bold, pungent flavor that defines the classic aioli profile with its intense, earthy notes.
  • Basil: Introduces bright, herbaceous freshness with delicate sweet and peppery undertones that complement the garlic.
For Bright Enhancers:
  • Lemon Juice: Brings vibrant acidity that cuts through richness and balances the dense flavors of the aioli.
  • Olive Oil: Optional ingredient that helps create a more fluid consistency and adds subtle fruity Mediterranean notes.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate and harmonize all the ingredients' individual flavor profiles.

Must-Have Tools to Whip Up Basil Garlic Aioli

  • Food Processor or Blender: Essential for mixing ingredients into a smooth, creamy sauce.
  • Measuring Spoons: Precise for adding the right amount of salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
  • Spatula: Helps scrape down the sides of the processor to ensure all ingredients blend evenly.
  • Small Bowl: Perfect for tasting and adjusting the aioli's seasoning.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed to chop fresh basil and mince garlic finely.

Basil Garlic Aioli Recipe: How to Make It Smooth and Bold

  • Combine Ingredients

Toss all the zesty players into your trusty food processor – creamy mayo, punchy garlic, fragrant basil, bright lemon juice, tangy Dijon, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

  • Whirl and Blend

Blast those ingredients until they transform into a silky, luxurious sauce. Give the sides a quick scrape to ensure everything gets mixed perfectly. If you want a more relaxed texture, splash in some olive oil.

  • Fine-Tune the Flavor

Take a tiny taste and play around with the seasonings. Want more zing? Add an extra squeeze of lemon. Craving more herbal notes? Toss in more basil. Need a touch more salt? Go for it. This is your sauce, and you’re the boss.

Customize Your Basil Garlic Aioli with These Flavor Ideas

  • For a milder garlic flavor, briefly roast the garlic cloves before blending to mellow their sharp bite and create a deeper, sweeter taste.
  • Experiment with different fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill to create unique flavor profiles that complement various dishes.
  • Replace traditional mayonnaise with vegan mayonnaise or cashew cream to make this aioli completely plant-based and suitable for dairy-free diets.
  • Keep the aioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify over time.
  • Adjust the consistency by adding more olive oil for a thinner sauce or reducing liquid for a thicker spread perfect for sandwiches and dips.
Print
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Zesty Basil Garlic Aioli Recipe

Zesty Basil Garlic Aioli Recipe


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4.6 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Creamy basil garlic aioli elevates simple dishes with Mediterranean charm, blending fresh herbs and smooth garlic into a luxurious sauce. Home chefs can drizzle this zesty condiment over grilled vegetables, sandwiches, or use as a delectable dipping companion.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh basil leaves, packed
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced or grated
  • ½ cup (120 g) mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice (fresh is best)
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 12 teaspoons (510 ml) olive oil for a silkier texture (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Blend Ingredients: Combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, zesty lemon juice, tangy Dijon mustard, and a delicate pinch of salt and pepper in a food processor or blender.
  2. Emulsify Mixture: Pulse the ingredients until they transform into a silky, uniform sauce, periodically scraping down the processor’s sides to ensure complete integration. Optional: Drizzle in olive oil to achieve a more fluid texture and enhance the aioli’s richness.
  3. Refine Flavor Profile: Sample the aioli and fine-tune the seasoning, carefully adjusting with additional salt, a splash of lemon juice, or extra basil leaves to elevate the condiment’s vibrant taste and aromatic complexity.

Notes

  • Start with less garlic and gradually add more to control the pungent flavor, preventing overpowering the delicate basil and mayonnaise base.
  • Ensure ingredients are at room temperature and blend thoroughly to create a silky, emulsified sauce without lumps.
  • Adjust olive oil quantity to reach desired thickness – less for a thick dip, more for a drizzling sauce perfect for salads or sandwiches.
  • Use fresh basil leaves for vibrant flavor and bright green color, avoiding dried herbs which can make the aioli taste flat and dull.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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