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This lemon aioli is a bright, garlicky, and creamy sauce that I use for just about everything – sandwiches, burgers, roasted potatoes, fish, and even as a dip for fries. It comes together in seconds with a food processor, making it an easy go-to for adding richness and tang to any dish.


Chef Tips:
- Use a food processor – This breaks down the garlic completely, creating a smooth and well-emulsified aioli.
- Watch the blend time – Over-blending dressings with garlic can make it bitter. Pulse just enough to combine everything smoothly (~20 seconds).
- Store this in the refrigerator for up to 1 month (yes 1 month! I almost always have this in my fridge).
Ingredient Notes:
- Mayo – The base of this aioli. Use a high-quality mayo for the best flavor, or swap in full-fat Greek yogurt for a lighter option with a bit more tang.
- Lemon Juice – Fresh lemon juice is key for a bright, citrusy punch. I typically avoid bottled juices, but I find the Santa Cruz brand to be pretty good. I also like my aioli a bit tart to balance the richness of the mayo.
- Garlic – Adds bold, savory depth. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, let the cloves soak in the lemon juice for a few minutes before blending.
- Kosher Salt – The recipe calls for kosher salt. If using iodized or sea salt, start with less and adjust to taste.
Recipes that go great with this:
- Crispy Fried Potatoes
- Salmon Burgers
- Any sandwich!!!
Lemon Aioli
Equipment
- Food Processor
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayo
- 1 lemon juiced, about ¼ cup lemon juice
- 2 clove garlic
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 grinds fresh black pepper
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth, about 20 seconds. Taste, adjust seasoning as desired, and serve.