Learn how to make the BEST Pesto Mayo in minutes! This quick + easy Aioli recipe is super scrumptious and versatile ... it makes a delicious dipping sauce, sandwich spread, and more!
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Looking for an easy-to-make condiment that will perk up just about any meal? Then you're going to love this amazing Pesto Mayo recipe!
There really isn't a more versatile (or delicious) spread than this decadent sauce. Serve it on sandwiches, enjoy it as a dip, and more. Plus, it's great way to use up leftover pesto, either homemade or from a jar.
While you can buy this crave-worthy condiment, it tends to be pricey and hard to find. And why buy, when you can DIY, right? Especially when you can make a batch of this yummy Pesto Aioli at home in mere minutes.
Ready to try this easy recipe for yourself? Then keep reading for all the details!
Ingredients
You'll need two simple ingredients (which you can probably guess!) to make this homemade Pesto Mayo:
- Pesto - I've made this aioli with homemade pesto and with store bought ... either works great, though from scratch is best, of course! Try it with my delicious Basil Pesto (or any of my Pesto Recipes).
- Mayonnaise - And of course, you'll need some mayo. Use a high-quality brand, like Hellmann's or Duke's, for best results.
Don't be afraid to customize the recipe to taste! You can use different types of pesto, add a little spicy heat, or even make it vegan / dairy free. I'm sharing lots of easy tips below.
How to Make Pesto Mayo (Aioli)
This recipe couldn't be easier (or faster) to make! You'll find a detailed, printable recipe below with measurements, but all you need to do is mix the the mayonnaise until smooth, then stir in the pesto. Et voilà ... you are done!
Make sure to taste your Mayo Pesto Sauce after mixing. I didn't add anything other than those two simple ingredients, but you can easily tweak the flavor to your exact taste:
- More Basil / Pesto Flavor - Stir in more pesto (one tablespoon at a time) until you're happy with the taste.
- Make the Flavors Pop - Sometimes store bought pesto can be a little bland. To make the flavors shine, add a pinch of salt or a little fresh, minced garlic. You could even squeeze in a dash of lemon juice (or fresh lemon zest) if your mayonnaise isn't super tangy.
- Smoother - Are you trying to replicate the smoother consistency of store bought Pesto Mayonnaise? Blend the sauce in your food processor or high-powered blender for a more uniform texture.
Variations
Now that you've mastered this super basic recipe, have fun customizing it with these easy ideas:
- Different Pesto Flavors - I made this sauce with homemade Basil Pesto, but any kind of pesto will work. Try it with my Rosemary Pesto, Macadamia Pesto, Cilantro Pesto, or Kale Pesto, too!
- Vegan / Dairy Free - As written, this recipe is vegetarian, but you can easily make it vegan / dairy free by using vegan mayonnaise and vegan pesto. You can make any of my pesto recipes vegan simply by leaving out the cheese.
- Spicy - Love a little heat? Add some Sriracha, hot sauce (this Secret Aardvark Sauce is my all-time fave), or cayenne to spice up the flavor this creamy sauce!
- Thinner - To create more of a drizzling consistency (tasty over a grain bowl, grilled or roasted veggies, or even pizza), you can thin the finished sauce with a little water or milk (a teaspoon at a time). Of course, this will also dilute the flavors, so make sure to taste before serving and add a pinch of salt, if necessary.
- Lighter - If you want to lighten up this spread a bit, you can substitute Greek yogurt for some of the mayo.
How to Use Pesto Aioli
Now for the good part ... how to use Pesto Mayo! There are so many creative ways to use this delightful spread:
- Dipping Sauce - Almost anything—from raw, steamed, roasted, or grilled vegetables to pretzels, chips, fries, crackers, crusty bread, and more— can be improved by this tasty pesto dipping sauce! Try using it as a dip for these Sweet Potato Fries, Caprese Salad Skewers, or these Roasted Potato Wedges.
- Sandwich Spread - Another way to enjoy this recipe is by adding a dollop to your fave sandwich, burger, or wrap, including grilled cheese and panini. This delicious Halloumi Sandwich and these tasty Green Burgers feature it, but you'll love it on this Tomato Avocado Sandwich, too. It would even be super tasty on a Breakfast Sandwich.
- Pasta Salad - Who settle for a boring pasta salad when you can make one with this creamy, garlicky, herby dressing instead? Try it on this Greek Pasta Salad!
- More - You can also mix this aioli into rice or Mashed Potatoes, swirl it into Hummus, drizzle over a green salad, stir it into Chickpea Salad, or use it for a creative potato salad. Try serving this sauce alongside chicken or salmon, spread on a turkey sandwich, or use it to make a unique tuna or chicken salad, too.
Storage
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in your refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to one week.
Related Recipes
If you're hungry for more recipes using pesto, check out these ideas next:
- Pesto Pasta
- Pumpkin Pizza
- Pesto, Feta, and Veggie Pizza
- Pesto Gnocchi
- Kale Pizza
- Hummus Pesto Sandwich
- Tomato Galette
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Still have questions about this yummy sauce? Check out these FAQs:
Pesto mayo is made with a combination of pesto (basil, garlic, parmesan, pine nuts, and olive oil) and mayonnaise.
Pesto pairs especially well with Italian foods, like pasta, but you can use it as a sandwich spread, dipping sauce, pizza sauce, stir it into rice or mashed potatoes, drizzle it over veggies, mix it with mayo, and so much more! Find more Ways to Use Pesto here.
Pesto Aioli tastes like a creamy pesto. It has a vibrant, herby flavor from the pesto (with notes of basil and garlic), along with a creamy texture and slightly tangy taste from the mayo.
Aioli and mayonnaise are both emulsified sauces that are made with similar ingredients: eggs, oil, and lemon juice. However, aioli also contains garlic, and it's made with olive oil, whereas mayo is typically made with a more neutral-tasting oil, like canola or vegetable.
Pesto Mayo
Ingredients
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup pesto
Instructions
- Mix mayo in a small bowl until smooth.
- Stir in pesto sauce until well incorporated.
- Use immediately or store in an airtight container in your refrigerator until ready to serve. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
