Lemon Aioli

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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:

lemon aioli dressing in deli container

Lemon Aioli

Prep: 10 minutes
Servings: 1.25 cups

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.

Notes

Add more salt to taste. Some mayos have more salt included in them, so start with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, taste, then adjust. 
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About Jackie Shao

I’m Jackie. Trained Chef. On a mission to make and share easy, gourmet food for the busy body. Midwesterner at heart and lover of vegetables, sweets, + mountains.

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