This quick and simple basil aioli is a pesto mayo dip and spread that’s perfect for burgers, fries, grilled vegetables and all of your dipping needs. The easiest pesto aioli with just four simple ingredients, this flavorful basil sauce is ready in less than five minutes.
It’s time to take burgers, grilled cheeses, fries and more up a notch with Pesto Aioli! The fresh vibrant flavor of pesto blended into the ultimate condiment!
I am a huge fan of aioli of all kinds, because they are so creamy and flavorful – and they are so tasty as dips! My Truffle Aioli and Chipotle Aioli are always such a huge hit, and this super easy pesto version has been just as popular with friends and family.
The bright green color and flavor of basil is the perfect summertime flavor addition to so many of our favorite dishes. I love homemade pesto… it’s just the most fresh, vibrant flavor to add to so many things! I’ve shared pesto pasta, pesto chicken, pesto cheese dip, and even a pesto cheeseball!
Basil aioli is full of fresh and summery lemon, garlic and basil character and I know you’re going to enjoy it as much as we do! I love to dip my fries in this aioli – using it like a basil garlic sauce, and it’s equally good on top of my favorite sliders.
I love how creamy and vibrant this sauce is! The basil leaves add a wonderful freshness to whatever you add it too! It’s great as a spread for a sandwich and I love tossing fresh pasta in it for a delicious quick meal. However you use it, I promise that you’ll be making it again!
Table of Contents
Pesto Aioli Ingredients
You just need four simple ingredients!
- Basil Leaves – Fresh and with the stems removed
- Mayonnaise – A high quality mayonnaise offers the best flavor
- Garlic -You can use fresh or even jarred pre-minced garlic if you prefer.
- Lemon Juice – Use fresh if possible or substitute with 100% Lemon Juice purchased in the produce aisle of your grocer.
- Salt and Pepper – To taste.
Variations
- Experiment with Herbs – Try adding different herbs to this recipe like cilantro, mint or parsley.
- Add Nuts – Pine nuts or walnuts work really well
How to Make Basil Aioli
You just need a blender (a traditional blender is fine but an immersion blender works great as well!) and five minutes!
- Put of all the ingredients into a blender or food processor.
- Pulse for 3 minutes, occasionally scraping the sides down, until smooth.
Recipe Variations
If you’d like, you can add some savory toasted pine nuts to your basil aioli. Pine nuts will give you the extra texture and flavor of a traditional pesto sauce!
You can also add a touch of parmesan cheese to your pesto mayo!
What’s The Best Mayonnaise For Pesto Mayo?
You can use your favorite brand of mayonnaise, I like to use one made with olive oil as I find it much more flavorful. This dip is all about bold and vibrant flavors, so be sure to use the best quality ingredients you can; super fresh basil leaves and fresh lemon juice will make all the difference.
If you’d like to whip up your own mayonnaise for your pesto mayo, it’s surprisingly simple to do so! You’ll simply add a few extra ingredients to this basil aioli recipe to create an entirely scratch aoili.
If making this pesto mayo from scratch you’ll add the following items to this recipe to use instead of the store bought mayo listed.
How to Make Mayo
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- Pulse to combine along with the ingredients listed in the printable recipe below.
- Turn processor on and slowly pour in olive oil mixed with the vegetable oil. Process until aioli forms, about a minute. Turn processor off, scrap sides, process again until combined.
How to Store
Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container or covered for up to 1 week refrigerated.
What to Serve With Pesto Aioli
This aioli is perfect on so many things! I love to include it as part of my Burger Bar alongside all of the other condiments and burger toppings. It’s great for dipping, spreading and drizzling – try it with these recipes:
- Juicy Sliders
- Gourmet Fries
- Healthy Sweet Potato Fries
- Italian Vegetables
- Add it to a Gourmet Grilled Cheese – YUM.
- Use this creamy basil aoili on top of your oven baked burgers
- Add it on top of all kinds of fish
- Drizzle onto asparagus
- Blended into mashed potatoes
- In scalloped potatoes
- To dip or drizzle on Baked Artichoke
- To dip crab cakes
Tips
- Marinate – Make the pesto dip a day in advance and keep covered in the fridge.
If you try this pesto aioli recipe, please come back to share using my 5 star rating in the comments below! Not only do I appreciate it, but I know readers do, too! For more easy recipes and simple living ideas, subscribe to my newsletter!
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More Tasty Sauce and Dip Recipes
Pesto Aioli Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves (stems removed)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- pinch salt
Instructions
- Put of all the ingredients into a blender or food processor.
- Pulse for 3 minutes, occasionally scraping the sides down, until smooth.
- Transfer to an air tight container or covered bowl and refrigerate until needed.
Video
Notes
Substitutions / Ingredient Notes
- Mayonnaise – Olive oil mayonnaise is best, but you can use your favorite mayonnaise or make your own (see below). Avoid Miracle Whip.
- Garlic – Use fresh or pre-minced garlic in a jar.
- Lemon Juice – Use fresh if possible or substitute with 100% Lemon Juice purchased in the produce aisle of your grocer.
Variations
- Experiment with Herbs – Try adding different herbs to this recipe like cilantro, mint or parsley.
- Add Nuts – Pine nuts or walnuts work really well
How to Make Mayonnaise
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- Pulse to combine along with the ingredients listed in the printable recipe below.
- Turn processor on and slowly pour in olive oil mixed with the vegetable oil. Process until aioli forms, about a minute. Turn processor off, scrap sides, process again until combined.
Tips
- Marinate – Make the pesto dip a day in advance and keep covered in the fridge.
To Store
- Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container or covered for up to 1 week refrigerated.
Ok to start off, I’m a condiment FREAK! I think I have more sauces and condiments in my fridge than I have food. And I have to say that, this is by far one of my absolute favorites!!! Thank you for sharing
Oh my gosh, you are so sweet! Glad you enjoyed it!
So easy and so yummy!
Thanks, Lois!
Yum! The garlic is somewhat overpowering, but since I like garlic, I’m good with it. 🙂 Looking forward to putting it on our BLTs later!
This recipe is crazy easy and comes together so quickly.
Thanks for a great recipe!
You can always cut back on it as well. Glad you enjoyed it! Now I’m craving a BLT!
This is by far the best & easiest pesto aioli sauce EVER! I added roasted pine nuts and some fresh parm too. I will never go a day without this new staple in my fridge! Thank you 🙂
Very good recipe!
Thank you, Angela! Glad you loved it!
This was so easy to make! Was a delicious addition to our burgers!
We made this on the side of fries and it was so good! The flavor is amazing!
This dip is so delicious! My whole family loved it!
My whole family really loved it!
My two favorites in one recipe! I love this!