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.
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 was 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.
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.
To Make This Pesto Aioli Recipe You Will Need:
You just need four simple ingredients!
- Basil leaves: Fresh and with the stems removed
- Mayonnaise: A good quality one
- Garlic: You can use fresh or even the jarred pre-minced garlic if you prefer. Just make sure you’re watching your measurements on the pre-minced kind so you don’t go overboard in comparison to traditional garlic cloves!
- Lemon juice: Use fresh, not the bottled stuff- such a flavor improvement!
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make This Basil Aioli Recipe
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!
Can You Make This Basil Sauce Recipe Ahead Of Time?
You can easily make this pesto and mayonnaise dip ahead of time. Once you have blended the ingredients, transfer it to an air tight container or covered bowl and refrigerate. You can make it about a day ahead of time and if you don’t use it all, it will keep for another couple of days covered in the fridge.
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:
- 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.
Basil Sauce Is An Easy Way To Add Flavor
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!
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 (Roasted Artichoke)
- to dip crab cakes
Top Tips To Make This Basil Aioli Recipe
- Use the best quality and freshest ingredients you can.
- Make the pesto dip a day in advance and keep covered in the fridge.
- Try adding different herbs to this recipe like cilantro, mint or parsley.
Check Out These Other Tasty Sauce and Dip Recipes
- Truffle Aioli
- Spicy Pomodoro Sauce
- Cranberry Sauce with Port
- Incredible Red Wine Sauce for Steak
- White Wine Lemon Caper Sauce
- Creamy Jalapeño Dip
- Easy Sour Cream Dip
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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Pesto Aioli Recipe
Pesto aioli is great as a dip, tossed with pasta or topping burgers!
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.
Recipe Notes
- Use the best quality and freshest ingredients you can.
- Make the pesto dip a day in advance and keep covered in the fridge.
- Try adding different herbs to this recipe like cilantro, mint or parsley.
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!