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    You are here Home Β» Recipes Β» food

    By: Melissa

    Basil Mayonnaise (Cheater Aioli!)

    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 top view
    Jump to Recipe
    Total Time: 5 minutes

    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
    • 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 πŸ™‚

    Pairing Ideas

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

    • rotisserie chicken sandwich
      Rotisserie Chicken Sandwiches
    • Italian roast beef sandwiches on tray
      Italian Roast Beef Sandwich
    • grilled potato slices
      Grilled Potatoes in Foil
    • roasted cauliflower and potatoes on sheet pan
      Roasted Cauliflower and Potatoes with Turmeric

    More Like This

    • easy gochujang mayo
      Gochujang Mayo (Spicy Korean Mayo)
    • sriracha mayo
      Creamy Sriracha Mayo (Spicy Mayo)
    • creamy cilantro dressing top view
      Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce
    • poblano cream sauce
      Poblano Cream Sauce

    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
    Italian Mayonnaise closeup
    Print Recipe
    5 from 3 votes

    Basil Mayonnaise

    A delicious and vibrant mayonnaise with basil and lemon
    Prep Time5 mins
    Total Time5 mins
    Servings: 1 cup

    Tried the Recipe? We Would Love To Hear From You In The Comments Below!

    Author: Melissa

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup regular fat mayonnaise You can substitute with low fat or dairy free mayonnaise
    • 1 small lemon juiced or Β½ of a large lemon juiced
    • 2 tablespoon fresh basil chopped finely
    • 1 clove garlic minced very fine
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    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

    Calories: 1524kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 168g | Saturated Fat: 26g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 100g | Monounsaturated Fat: 38g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 1423mg | Potassium: 57mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 357IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutrition Values are estimates only.

    See full nutrition disclaimer here
    Course :Side Dish

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Bethel says

      February 25, 2023 at 1:31 pm

      5 stars
      This basil Mayo is exactly what I was looking for! It was very easy to make and so delicious on our sandwiches.

      Reply
      • Melissa says

        February 25, 2023 at 1:55 pm

        I am so glad to hear that πŸ™‚

        Reply
    2. Sarah says

      August 14, 2021 at 1:22 pm

      5 stars
      I needed a quick recipe for aioli so I used this and it was perfect.

      Reply

    Trackbacks

    1. Italian Roast Beef Sandwich • Keeping It Simple Blog says:
      August 18, 2021 at 8:09 pm

      […] prep portion of this is the Italian basil mayonnaise. All you need to do is take store bought mayonnaise and add some diced garlic, lemon and basil. I […]

      Reply
    2. Grapefruit Lemon and Basil Popsicles • Keeping It Simple Blog says:
      June 18, 2021 at 4:40 pm

      […] Italian Basil Mayonnaise […]

      Reply
    3. Chorizo and Pork Burger • Keeping It Simple Blog says:
      May 21, 2021 at 8:20 pm

      […] no burger is complete in my book without some cheese and the proper toppings. I made my Italian Basil Mayonnaise (this is mayonnaise with garlic, basil and lemon added) for the spread and topped the burger with […]

      Reply

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    I am so excited you are here. My name is Melissa and I started this recipe website a few years ago to share recipes that I have been cooking for family and friends for years.

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