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 homemade hamburgers, my 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
- Mayonnaise (regular or low fat)
- fresh lemon
- fresh basil
- garlic
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:
More Like This
If you want to try out more recipes with basil:
- Basil simple syrup
- Italian basil olive cake
- Grapefruit and basil popsicles
- Homemade pesto
- Strawberry and Basil Mocktail
- Strawberry Popsicles with Basil
Basil Mayonnaise
Tried the Recipe? We Would Love To Hear From You In The Comments Below!
Ingredients
- 1 cup regular fat mayonnaise You can substitute with low fat or dairy free mayonnaise
- 1 small lemon juiced or ½ of a large lemon juiced
- 2 tablespoon fresh basil chopped finely
- 1 clove garlic minced very fine
Instructions
- In a large bowl add your mayonnaise
- Now add your fresh squeezed lemon juice and mix well
- Next add your chopped basil and garlic and mix well
- Use immediately or refrigerate covered for up to 24 hours.
Nutrition
Nutrition Values are estimates only.
See full nutrition disclaimer here
Bethel says
This basil Mayo is exactly what I was looking for! It was very easy to make and so delicious on our sandwiches.
Melissa says
I am so glad to hear that 🙂
Sarah says
I needed a quick recipe for aioli so I used this and it was perfect.