If you’re ready to fall in love with a creamy, vibrant condiment, let me introduce you to Basil Aioli. This simple, verdant sauce is the kind of flavor-packed addition that can instantly elevate even the humblest sandwich or roasted potato. Blending the sweet, peppery notes of fresh basil with zippy lemon and a hint of garlic, Basil Aioli is a game changer for dipping, spreading, dolloping, or drizzling. Whether you’re serving alongside crispy fries, grilled chicken, or summer vegetables, this aioli is a must-have for cooks who love bold, garden-fresh flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the beauty of Basil Aioli: every ingredient is accessible, yet each brings a particular magic to the bowl. The creamy base, sharp garlic, and fragrant basil create a sauce that is far greater than the sum of its parts. Let’s walk through the lineup:

Mayonnaise: The luxurious, creamy canvas for our aioli, giving it body and richness.
Basil Leaves (1/2 cup, about 30 leaves): Fresh basil is the star, providing vivid color and that unmistakable herbal aroma.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Just enough for a punch of flavor, but not so much it overwhelms the delicate basil.
Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens up the whole mixture and balances the richness of the mayo.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing every other flavor in the bowl—a little goes a long way.

How to Make Basil Aioli

Step 1: Blend It All Together

Start by gathering your ingredients and placing them in the bowl of a food processor: the mayonnaise, basil leaves, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt. It’s as easy as it sounds. Blitz everything until the mixture becomes silky-smooth and takes on a gorgeous, pale green hue. If you don’t have a food processor, don’t worry! Just mince your basil and garlic as finely as you can, and whisk them into the mayo, lemon, and salt until everything is well mixed. The color won’t be quite as bright, but the flavors will still shine.

Step 2: Let the Flavors Mingle

Patience has its rewards! Scrape your Basil Aioli into a small bowl or jar, cover it, and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step isn’t just for convenience—resting gives the basil and garlic a chance to infuse the mayonnaise, turning a good sauce into something truly crave-worthy. You’ll taste the difference, I promise.

Step 3: Serve and Savor

Once chilled, give your Basil Aioli a quick stir. It’s now ready for dipping, spreading, or spooning onto whatever your heart desires. From here, the possibilities are endless—use your aioli as an instant upgrade for sandwiches, wraps, grilled veggies, burgers, or your favorite snacks. You’re officially the hero of lunch and dinner.

How to Serve Basil Aioli

Garnishes

To take your Basil Aioli from simple to sophisticated, scatter a few extra basil leaves on top right before serving. For a truly restaurant-worthy touch, add a swirl of olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt as a finishing flourish. Even a light dusting of freshly ground black pepper works wonders—visual drama and another subtle layer of flavor in one swoop!

Side Dishes

Basil Aioli is the ultimate sidekick for a huge array of dishes. Serve it with golden fries, crispy chicken tenders, roasted potatoes, or tempura-style veggies as a dip. It pairs beautifully with grilled shrimp skewers, sandwiches, or anything that could use a creamy, herbaceous jolt. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to dip for everything from raw carrot sticks to sweet potato wedges.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, spoon Basil Aioli into a small decorative bowl and swirl the surface with the back of a spoon. Add a few basil leaves or edible flowers for color. Alternatively, serve it in a squeeze bottle so everyone can drizzle artful zigzags over sliders or salad bowls—restaurant chic right at home!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Basil Aioli keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container or a small covered bowl, and it’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. Over time, the flavors continue to meld, so you may find it tastes even better the next day. If any liquid separates on top, just give it a good stir before serving.

Freezing

While it might be tempting to save Basil Aioli for months, freezing isn’t ideal—the texture can become watery and separated when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh, so whip up a batch for the week and plan to use it in all your favorite dishes while it’s at its best.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Basil Aioli! In fact, it’s meant to be served chilled or at cool room temperature. If it’s a bit too firm straight from the fridge, let it sit out for a few minutes and stir before serving. Heating may cause the mayonnaise base to break, so just enjoy that creamy, cool goodness as is.

FAQs

Can I make Basil Aioli without a food processor?

Absolutely! Just mince the basil and garlic as finely as possible, then stir them into the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and salt. It’s a bit more rustic, but still totally delicious and packed with fresh flavor.

How long does Basil Aioli last in the fridge?

When stored in an airtight container, Basil Aioli will keep for up to 4 days. It’s best eaten within this window for maximum freshness and vibrancy.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Fresh basil is really key for the vibrant flavor and lovely green color of Basil Aioli. Dried basil won’t provide the same aromatic punch or hue, so I recommend sticking with fresh leaves if you can.

Is Basil Aioli gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your mayonnaise is gluten-free (most are, but always check the label), this recipe contains no gluten ingredients and is safe for those avoiding gluten.

What else can I use Basil Aioli for?

Basil Aioli is ridiculously versatile! Spoon it over grilled chicken, toss it with roasted vegetables, spread it on burgers, use as a salad dressing base, or even dollop onto grilled corn. It’s hard to find a savory dish that wouldn’t benefit from a little basil magic.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something creamy, fresh, and just a bit indulgent, Basil Aioli has your back. It’s a little jar of sunshine for your fridge and guaranteed to turn any meal into something memorable. Try it once, and you might find yourself dreaming up new ways to use it all week long!