Easy Pesto Aioli Recipe {3 Ingredients}

Pesto is a rich sauce that has a vibrant green color.  It is a blend of basil, olive oil, pine nuts, garlic and parmesan cheese.  This pesto aioli is a combination of pesto with a creamy mayo.  Making this easy recipe is a terrific way to jazz up a sandwich, fish or roasted veggies!

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Traditional aioli is made with a mixture of raw egg yolk, Dijon mustard, white wine and garlic cloves.  While delicious it's a little more time consuming when making a quick spread for a sandwich.  Try this quicker version with a little mayo as a substitute!

Why this pesto aioli is the best!

This pesto aioli recipe is made with simple ingredients that really allow the bright flavor of basil to stand out!  It will make your next sandwich the best experience!   The natural flavor of the fresh basil and punch of raw garlic really elevates any dish.  This flavorful spread is so easy to make and doesn't require any equipment like a food processor or immersion blender.  Aioli is the prefect finishing touch to sandwiches, burgers, flatbread pizzas or even a great dip for French fries.

Key ingredients

pesto- there are many options for classic basil pesto at the grocery store.  Or you can make your own homemade pesto.  There are many pesto recipes using different flavor variations like my pistachio pesto.

mayonnaise- I used a lower calorie olive oil based Mayo but there are many varieties.  I have even tried vegan brands!  You can use your favorite brand of mayonnaise or even make your own mayonnaise if you are feeling really adventurous in the kitchen.  A great way to make a lighter version of the aioli is by using Greek yogurt instead of mayo.

lemon juice- with only 3 ingredients in this recipe, they are all important!  Use fresh squeezed lemon juice and no lemon juice concentrate!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Add ½ cup mayonnaise, pesto and fresh lemon juice to a small bowl.  Whisk until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and you have a creamy pesto aioli.  It's that simple!

Expert tips

Because of the olive oil in pesto, a natural separation is common.   Just give the aioli sauce a good stir if it looks a little runny.

How to serve pesto aioli

Aioli is pretty much used to on everything these days.  It can be a spread or even a dipping sauce.  I absolutely love this velvety aioli spread on my Pesto Turkey Sandwich.  It just takes a blah sandwich into something craveable!  Try pesto mayo on you favorite dishes to give that restaurant style presentation at home!

Storage

To store the leftover pesto aioli, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for 4-5 days. I do not recommend freezing anything with mayonnaise however, when you buy a jar of pesto at the store or make homemade pesto you can actually freeze the leftover pesto in an ice cube tray.  Pesto has such a strong flavor a little goes a long way!  You can thaw a cube at a time to make more aioli or use the pesto for other recipes.

Looking for other sauce recipes?  Try these!

Homemade Balsamic Glaze

If you try this recipe for Pesto Aioli, let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, and don’t forget to snap a pic and tag it #bluesbestlife on Instagram! Seeing your creations makes my day.

 

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