3 Ingredient Pesto Aioli (best recipe)
Pesto Aioli is a delicious condiment that is super simple to make. All you need is a lemon (zest and juice), mayonnaise, and pesto. The end result is a restaurant quality aioli that can be served in a ton of ways!
What is Aioli?
Traditionally, Aioli is a Mediterranean dip similar to mayonnaise. It’s a creamy dip that is emulsified garlic and eggs and is served as a condiment for many items like vegetables, proteins like chicken or fish, and my favorite- French fries!
What is Pesto Aioli?
Pesto Aioli is a modern, Americanized twist on the classic Mediterranean Aioli. This recipe has a 3 ingredient twist where mayonnaise serves as the aioli base and is flavored by using pesto and lemon juice.
Pesto: Use Homemade or Storebought for Aioli
The most key ingredient to making pesto aioli, is pesto! I’ve tried numerous store-bought pestos and have a couple favorites I recommend. My benchmarks for store-bought high quality pesto include a bright green color which indicates the use of fresh basil, and minimal processed ingredients. I love pesto to taste just like what it is; fresh from the garden.
Best Store Bought Pesto:
- Kirkland Brand from Costco: This is my go to. It is refrigerated and the best quality pesto I have found in a store. It has a relatively short shelf life which speaks to the quality.
- Raos: While less fresh than Costco, it is a reliable shelf stable option with good flavor. It does have some extra ingredients like potato flakes and lactic acid to aid in shelf preservation, but it has a fresh flavor consistent with the Raos brand.
More Store Bought Options: Vincenzo over at Vincenzo’s plate did a blind pesto taste test that is worthwhile, check it out here.
You can also choose to make homemade pesto, which is super easy. You’ll need an abundance of fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, parmesan, pine nuts, and salt & pepper. This is a great recipe!
Making Homemade Pesto Mayonnaise
Combine the ingredients in a dish, and whisk with a fork. That’s it! It’s super easy and only takes a few minutes to make this easy flavorful condiment.
If you want to amp up the flavor a bit, you can consider adding more lemon zest, or if you like spice, add some crushed red pepper flakes.
Serving & Storing Pesto Aioli
You can serve pesto aioli in so many ways! Use it as a sandwich spread, as a pasta salad dressing, or as a dip on a crudite board. It’s also great drizzled over chicken thighs with some sliced tomatoes and arugula.
You can keep pesto aioli stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before using it after it’s been stored as sometimes the oil from the pesto can settle.
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Enjoy! – Kathi and Rachel
Easy 3 Ingredient Pesto Aioli
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp pesto
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- salt and pepper (as needed)
Instructions
- In a medium sized bowl, combine mayonnaise, pesto, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Mix well to combine, ensuring aioli is fully incorporated and no lumps remain.
- Use a clear spoon to taste test; add salt and pepper as necessary.
- Store dip in refrigerator in an airtight container if not serving immediately. Aioli will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator once in airtight container.
Nutrition
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