Zesty Basil Garlic Aioli Recipe: Homemade Flavor Magic

Whipping up a creamy basil garlic aioli can elevate even the simplest dish with magical flavor combinations.

Bold Mediterranean ingredients dance together in this smooth, herbaceous sauce.

Kitchens come alive when fresh basil leaves mingle with robust garlic cloves.

Bold home cooks appreciate how quickly this condiment transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences.

Each dollop promises a burst of rich, zesty goodness that makes taste buds sing.

Smooth texture and vibrant green color invite you to experiment with different serving styles.

Prepare to be amazed by how this versatile aioli becomes your secret culinary weapon.

Why Basil Garlic Aioli Recipe Wins Hearts

• This basil garlic aioli takes just 5 minutes to prepare, making it a lightning-fast condiment for busy home cooks.
• Use as a dip for vegetables, spread on sandwiches, drizzle over grilled meats, or enhance salads with its vibrant, herbaceous taste.
• Adjust ingredients to suit personal preferences by tweaking garlic intensity, adding more lemon for brightness, or increasing basil for a fresher profile.
• Requires minimal kitchen equipment and basic ingredients, perfect for novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike who want a quick, delicious sauce.

What You’ll Need for Basil Garlic Aioli Recipe

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that provides richness and smooth texture for the aioli.
• Garlic: Adds bold, pungent flavor and classic aioli character. Choose fresh garlic cloves for best taste.
• Basil: Fresh herb that brings bright, aromatic green notes to the sauce. Use fresh basil leaves for maximum flavor.

• Lemon Juice: Adds tangy brightness and helps balance the richness. Fresh lemon juice works best.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides subtle heat and depth of flavor. Smooth Dijon works perfectly.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out the flavors in the aioli. Use freshly ground black pepper for best results.
• Olive Oil: Optional ingredient for adjusting sauce consistency and adding subtle fruity notes. Extra virgin olive oil recommended.

How to Whisk Basil Garlic Aioli at Home

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

• Mayonnaise
• Fresh garlic cloves
• Fresh basil leaves
• Lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Salt
• Black pepper

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smooth blending.

Step 2: Blend To Silky Perfection

Pulse and blend the mixture until it transforms into a creamy, uniform sauce. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the processor, ensuring no chunks remain. If the consistency feels too thick, drizzle in olive oil to achieve a luxurious, spreadable texture.

Step 3: Taste And Customize

Sample your aioli and fine-tune the flavor profile. Want more zing? Add an extra squeeze of lemon. Craving more herbal notes? Toss in additional fresh basil. Seeking more depth? Sprinkle extra salt and pepper. The beauty of this sauce is its adaptability to your personal taste preferences.

Step 4: Store And Serve

Transfer the aioli to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. Serve as a dipping sauce, sandwich spread, or drizzle over roasted vegetables for an instant flavor boost.

Basil Garlic Aioli Tips for Bold Flavor

• Master Garlic Intensity: Roast garlic beforehand for a deeper, mellower flavor that reduces sharp raw garlic bite.
• Preserve Basil Brightness: Add fresh basil leaves just before blending to maintain vibrant green color and maximum herbal taste.
• Customize Consistency: Gradually add olive oil while blending to control thickness, making the aioli perfect for spreading or drizzling.
• Boost Nutritional Profile: Substitute part of mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich version that keeps creamy texture.
• Store Smartly: Keep aioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to meld and develop deeper complexity.

Store Basil Garlic Aioli Right Every Time

• Store leftover basil garlic aioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Cover the container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent air exposure and maintain freshness.
• Gently mix the aioli before serving, as ingredients may separate during storage.
• Discard if you notice any unusual odor, color change, or signs of spoilage.

Serve Basil Garlic Aioli With These

• Select grilled chicken skewers or crusty artisan bread for dipping into this vibrant aioli.
• Choose a crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that complements the herbal basil and bright lemon notes in the sauce.
• Arrange roasted asparagus, grilled zucchini, and colorful bell peppers as perfect vehicles for showcasing the aioli's rich, garlicky flavor.
• Serve alongside grilled shrimp, pan-seared scallops, or delicate white fish to enhance the delicate marine proteins with the aioli's zesty profile.

Put a Twist on Basil Garlic Aioli

• Herb Garden Aioli: Swap basil for a mix of fresh parsley, chives, and dill to create a vibrant, multi-herb condiment.
• Vegan Creamy Spread: Replace mayonnaise with cashew cream or silken tofu for a plant-based version that's equally smooth and tangy.
• Spicy Kick Aioli: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to introduce a zesty heat that transforms the classic recipe.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Incorporate roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a rich, Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

FAQs About Basil Garlic Aioli

• What's the difference between aioli and mayo?

Aioli traditionally is a garlic-based emulsion from Provence, France, made with olive oil and garlic. Modern versions like this recipe use mayonnaise as a base, adding fresh ingredients for extra flavor.

• Can I make this aioli without a food processor?

Yes, you can whisk all ingredients by hand in a bowl. Finely chop the basil and mince the garlic before mixing to ensure smooth incorporation.

• How long will fresh basil garlic aioli stay good?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this aioli will keep for 3-5 days. The fresh basil might cause slight color changes, but the flavor remains delicious.

• Is this aioli spicy or mild?

This recipe is mild with a gentle garlic and herb flavor. If you want more kick, you can add a small amount of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when blending.

Basil Garlic Aioli Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy basil garlic aioli brings Mediterranean charm to any dish, blending rich, herbaceous flavors with silky homemade mayonnaise. Drizzle this luxurious sauce over grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or use as a dipping delight that elevates simple ingredients to gourmet status.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• ¼ cup (15 g) fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1 small garlic clove, minced or grated

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredient:

• 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 ml) olive oil for a silkier texture

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Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients – mayonnaise, minced garlic, freshly chopped basil, zesty lemon juice, pungent Dijon mustard, and a delicate sprinkle of salt and pepper – into a food processor or high-powered blender.
2. Pulse and blend the mixture until it transforms into a velvety, uniform sauce, pausing occasionally to scrape down the sides with a spatula to ensure complete integration of ingredients.
3. Evaluate the aioli’s flavor profile and texture, gradually introducing additional olive oil if a more fluid consistency is desired.
4. Fine-tune the seasoning by incrementally adding more salt, bright lemon juice, or aromatic basil to achieve a perfectly balanced and personalized condiment that tantalizes the taste buds.
5. Transfer the completed aioli to a serving bowl or storage container, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify for approximately 15-30 minutes before serving, which will enhance its overall taste complexity.

Notes

• Balance garlic intensity by roasting cloves first, which mellows sharp flavors and adds subtle sweetness to the aioli.
• Create dairy-free version by using vegan mayonnaise or cashew-based alternative for those with dietary restrictions.
• Control texture by gradually adding olive oil and monitoring consistency, ensuring smooth, spreadable sauce without separation.
• Enhance flavor depth by toasting fresh basil leaves briefly before blending, which releases more complex herbal notes and intensifies aromatics.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg