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Bright, herby and rich, basil aioli is the kind of sauce that instantly elevates a meal. Fresh basil blends with garlic, lemon and creamy mayonnaise to create a spread that’s as versatile as it is flavorful. A quick whirl in the food processor turns simple ingredients into a smooth and vibrant green sauce. It’s an easy way to bring fresh flavor to everyday dishes while adding the right balance of zest and creaminess.
Why You’ll Love It
This basil aioli is creamy, garlicky and packed with aromatic, fresh basil flavor. It’s quick to make, versatile and perfect to enhance sandwiches, veggies and more.
Quick to make: Ready in minutes with just a food processor.
Versatile: Works as a dip, drizzle or sandwich spread.
Fresh flavor: Basil and lemon add brightness to every bite.
Customizable: Adjust the garlic or lemon for your taste.
You might also like blue cheese dressing, pink pasta sauce, eel sauce, gluten-free sweet and sour sauce, and whole lemon vinaigrette.
Basil Aioli Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Fresh basil leaves: Provide a bright, aromatic and herby base. This is an essential ingredient. Don’t use dried basil in this recipe.
Mayonnaise: Brings creamy texture and smooth richness.
Lemon juice: Adds tang and balances the garlic and herbs. Use fresh lemon juice.
Extra virgin olive oil: Enhances the flavor and helps blend the sauce.
Garlic cloves: Gives bold, savory depth and sharpness.
Lemon zest: Boosts citrus aroma and freshness.
How to Make Basil Aioli
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Combine ingredients: Add basil, mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic and olive oil to a food processor.
Blend smooth: Pulse until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
Adjust flavor: Taste and tweak garlic or lemon to preference.
Serve: Use immediately as a spread, dip or drizzle.
Substitutions and Variations
Mayonnaise options: Use low-fat or olive oil-based mayo for a lighter version.
Garlic flavor: Roast the garlic before blending for a sweeter, milder taste. Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste.
Citrus swap: Lime juice and zest work if you don’t have lemon.
Add spice: Include red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Other herbs: You can use any other fresh herbs instead of the basil to make another flavor aioli, perhaps fresh parsley or cilantro aioli.
Serving Suggestions
On a sandwich: I love fresh basil aioli on a steak sandwich. It would also be good on a chicken sandwich.
As a dipping sauce: Enjoy it with sweet potato wedges, chips, toasted sourdough bread or veggies like carrot sticks or raw sliced zucchini.
As part of a dip trio: Serve basil aioli along with French onion bacon dip and red chili salsa (perhaps in this dip bowl set).
As a condiment: Try it with Italian steak, roasted chicken, shrimp and fries, or fritto misto.
As a pasta sauce: Toss it with cooked spaghetti and a little olive oil to make spaghetti aglio e olio (literally: spaghetti with garlic and oil).
How to Store
Store: Keep this basil garlic sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing aioli with basil as it can separate and become watery.
Top Tips
Use fresh basil: Dried basil won’t give the same flavor or bright color.
Balance garlic: Adjust the amount depending on how strong you like it.
Chill before serving: A short rest in the fridge deepens the flavors.
Zest carefully: Only use the bright outer peel to avoid bitterness.
Basil Aioli FAQs
Yes, a blender will also give you a smooth consistency, either a regular one or an immersion blender. If you don’t have a food processor, you’ll need to finely mince the basil and garlic, then whisk everything together by hand or with a blender.
Yes, as long as the mayonnaise you use doesn’t contain dairy ingredients.
It’s actually a popular sauce in Provence, France, but also widely used in neighboring Spain (known as alioli in some areas) as well as Italy.
Fresh Basil Aioli Recipe
Basil Aioli
Equipment
- Microplane or Grater
- Food Processor or Blender
Ingredients
- 2 Cups basil leaves, fresh
- ½ Cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice, fresh
- ½ Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 4 Cloves garlic
- 1 Teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- To a food processor, add fresh basil leaves, mayonnaise, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest.
- Pulse until the mixture is smooth and well combined, about 30 seconds.
- Chill until serving.
Notes
Balance garlic: Adjust the amount depending on how strong you like it.
Chill before serving: A short rest in the fridge deepens the flavors.
Zest carefully: Only use the bright outer peel to avoid bitterness.
Nutrition
This basil aioli is a flavorful blend of fresh herbs, citrus and garlic that brings a bright lift to any dish. Its creamy base makes this amazing recipe versatile and easy to pair with sandwiches, vegetables or proteins. With only a few ingredients and a couple of minutes, you’ll have a homemade sauce that feels special without the effort. Once you try it, you’ll want to slather it on everything.
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Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
