Italian basil mayo is a really easy way to jazz up store bought mayonnaise and make anything it is used with taste amazing. This basil mayonniase starts with store bought mayo then garlic, basil and lemon are added. 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 is a really simple and delicious way to enjoy mayonnaise on your favorite sandwiches. This basil mayo also makes and incredible dip.

I love adding this basil mayo to my hamburger recipe, turkey patties and my chorizo and pork burger. It also makes a great dip for oven roasted potato wedges or veggies.

This easy basil mayo 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 use this basil mayo in any recipe that calls for aioli or mayonnaise.

Jump to:

The ingredients you will need
How to make Basil Mayo
Why You'll Love This Recipe
How To Use
Variations
Substitutions
Storage
Pairing Ideas
More Like This
If you want to try out more recipes with basil:
Basil Mayonnaise

The ingredients you will need

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

Italian Mayonnaise closeup — Italian Mayonnaise

How to make Basil Mayo

Making this eesy Italian flavored mayo couldn't be simpler. Here are what the steps look like.

Measure out store bought mayonnaise into a small bowl.
Dice garlic and add to the bowl.
Finely chop fresh basil and add that to the bowl.
Squeeze fresh lemon into the bowl and mix well.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I first started making this basil mayo 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!

How To Use

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 crudite platter
Use it as a dip for chips
Or anything else that requires a delicious punch of flavor

Variations

This basil mayonnaise can be made dairy free or lighter by substituting the ingredients accordingly. For dairy free, use a diary free mayo. FFor a lighter basil mayo, usee a ow fat mayonnaise.

If you are looking to use lighter ingredients, the addition of basil, lemon and garlic in this recipe will really help boost the flavor of dairy free, fat free and low fat mayonnaise.

Substitutions

Can I substitute bottled lemon juice for the fresh lemon?

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?

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.

Storage

This basil mayonnaise can be stored in an air tight container in the fridge for up to one week. It probably will not last that long because it is so good 🙂

Pairing Ideas

If you are looking for ideas of what to serve with this basil mayonnaise, here are some of our favorites:

If you want to try out more recipes with basil:

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5 from 4 votes