Name: Italian Basil Mayonnaise (Cheater Aioli!)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 cup regular fat mayonnaise (You can substitute with low fat or dairy free mayonnaise); 1 small lemon juiced (or 1/2 of a large lemon juiced); 2 tbsp fresh basil (chopped finely); 1 clove garlic minced very fine

Italian basil mayonnaise is a fresh garlic and basil mayo that tastes great on everything. This is what I call my cheater basil aioli because it has all the same great flavor of aioli but without all the work.

If you are looking for ways to make amazing sandwiches with little effort, this garlic and basil mayonnaise is for you.

Italian basil mayonnaise top view — Italian mayonnaise toplay

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Total Time: 5 minutes

About this amazing lemony, garlicky basil aioli

Italian basil mayonnaise is a really simple and delicious way to enjoy mayonnaise on your favorite sandwiches. This recipe starts with regular store bought mayonnaise and then adds bright vibrant lemon, garlic and basil flavors to make this traditional condiment taste out of this world delicious.

This easy basil aioli not only tastes great but it can be made in minutes! If you are not into making your own aioli or homemade mayonnaise, then this garlic mayonnaise is for you.

You can 100 percent use this basil mayo in any recipe that calls for aioli or mayonnaise.

The ingredients you will need for this Italian Basil Mayonnaise are:

Mayonnaise (regular or low fat)
fresh lemon
fresh basil
garlic

Italian Mayonnaise closeup — Italian Mayonnaise

About the basil in this recipe:

I first started making this cheater basil aioli recipe years ago with just lemon and no basil just to lighten up the heaviness that mayonnaise can impart. Over the years, I began adding basil and loved it so much.

Basil really gives the mayonnaise a pick me up and makes any sandwiches that you make taste that much more delicious. It is my favorite aioli recipe to use on BLT sandwiches!

Fresh basil really brightens up the mayonnaise beautifully! In fact, I can't resist adding basil to almost everything from dips, to drinks to desserts!

Basil really adds a beautiful background note to so many dishes.

If you are wondering, am I going to taste a ton of basil or will the basil overpower my sandwich- the answer is not at all! This basil mayonnaise is light and bright and the basil lends a slight fresh and sweet note. You have to trust me on this!

What are some ways to use this basil mayonnaise?

Use it on a BLT
Use it on your favorite sandwich
Use it as a delicious dip for fries
Use it as a dip for your crudites platter
Use it as a dip for chips
Or anything else that requires a delicious punch of flavor

This basil aioli style mayonnaise can be made dairy free or light but substituting the ingredients accordingly. In fact, the addition of these extra flavors will really help boost the flavor of dairy free, fat free and low fat mayonnaise.

Can I substitute the fresh lemon for regular lemon juice?

Yes! Although I always prefer fresh lemon to the bottled lemon juice you find at the store, the fact is sometimes we don't always have that on hand and the bottled stuff is just convenient. When using bottled lemon juice, the flavor may not be a bright but it will still taste delicious!

If I add more basil to give it a stronger basil flavor will that be good?

Oh yes! Adding more basil is a wonderful idea and if you love the taste of basil, making a strong basil mayonnaise will be delicious on just about anything!

Should I substitute dried basil if I do not have fresh basil?

This is where I must say no! Dried basil has its uses but in a dish like this that is relying of fresh flavors, the dried basil will not add anything at all.

If you have another fresh herb though, go ahead and try that out. Fresh dill, thyme and cilantro would all make wonderful additions to the mayonnaise.

If you want to try out more recipes with basil:

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5 from 1 vote