This pesto aioli sauce recipe is an easy and delicious condiment for pasta, pizza, sandwiches, burgers, fries, and much more! Not only is it creamy and flavorful, but it's super easy to make at home from scratch! Once you try it on your favorite dishes, you'll want to keep it on hand all the time!
Easy Basil Pesto Aioli Recipe
I'm a bit of a condiment fanatic, and I love any dish that comes with a signature sauce or side of dip! When I'm cooking, this easy pesto aioli is my go-to spread for sandwiches and burgers (honestly, I'll try it on just about anything; it's that good)!
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🥘 Pesto Aioli Ingredients, Notes, & Substitutes
- Basil Leaves - 1 cup of fresh basil leaves. Baby basil leaves are best, and you can use up to 2 cups of basil with great results!
- Mayonnaise - 1 cup of good quality mayo like Dukes or Hellman's (or try my homemade mayonnaise)!
- Parmesan Cheese - ½ cup of grated Parmesan or a Parmesan cheese substitute
- Pine Nuts - ¼ cup of toasted pine nuts.
- Garlic - 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Try roasted garlic for added depth of flavor, yum!
- Lemon Juice - 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice or a lemon juice substitute.
- Salt - 1 pinch of salt (to taste).
*Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!*
🔪 How To Make Pesto Aioli
To make pesto aioli, all you have to do is combine the ingredients! You'll need a blender or food processor, your measuring utensils, a small mixing bowl, and a silicone spatula to get started.
This makes around 1 ½-2 cups of sauce, which is roughly 4 servings when served as a dip or over pasta. As a condiment or sandwich spread, it will go even further!
Step 1: Combine the ingredients. Add 1 cup (48 grams) of fresh basil leaves, 1 cup (224 grams) of mayonnaise, ½ cup (50 grams) of Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup (33.75 grams) of pine nuts, 1 tablespoon (8 grams) of garlic, 2 tablespoons (29.57 milliliters) of lemon juice, and 1 pinch (0.1 gram) of salt to a blender or food processor.
Step 2: Blend. Place the lid on top to cover, then blend on medium speed for about 3 minutes or until a smooth consistency is reached. Use a silicone spatula to scrape the sides occasionally between blending.
Step 3: Taste test. Taste and adjust the seasoning once the aioli is fully combined.
Step 4: Cover. Transfer the pesto aioli sauce to a small mixing bowl, then cover it with plastic cling wrap.
Step 5: Refrigerate. Refrigerate until ready to serve as a dipping sauce or an addition to your favorite pasta. Whisk to distribute the pesto throughout your aioli before serving.
🍽️ What To Serve With Pesto Aioli
Pesto aioli is a super versatile condiment! Swap it out for the mayo on a toasted BLT sandwich, or spread it on your favorite burger recipes! It's also tasty tossed with pasta or as a dip for crostinis or crusty French bread!
💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Notes
- Use the best quality mayo for this recipe, as it's the main ingredient and the base of great results when making aioli recipes. Opt for Duke's or Hellman's (aka Best Foods) when available.
- See my homemade mayo for the best possible pesto aioli!
- Baby basil leaves are preferred for making pesto sauce whenever available.
- For a milder garlic flavor, use my roasted garlic recipe.
- If your aioli is a bit thin after blending, refrigerate for an hour or two to thicken.
🥡 Storing
Keep covered with cling film or transfer to an airtight storage container. The aioli can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
>>>>See all of my recipes here<<<<
❓Can I Make Pesto Aioli With Storebought Pesto?
For the best results, I recommend starting with fresh ingredients like I did here. However, if you're short on time, you can use storebought pesto. Just combine the pesto with mayonnaise until you reach your desired consistency and flavor.
❓What Can I Use Pesto Aioli On?
You can use it as a dip for vegetables or bread or a spread for sandwiches and burgers. It also makes a tasty topping for grilled chicken or fish or an easy dressing for pasta and potato salad!
❓Can I Freeze Pesto Aioli?
I don't recommend freezing pesto aioli because mayonnaise-based sauces tend to separate and become grainy when thawed. It's best enjoyed fresh or chilled in the refrigerator.
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📖 Recipe Card
Pesto Aioli
Ingredients
- 1-2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- ¼ cup pine nuts (toasted)
- 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 pinch salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Add 1-2 cups fresh basil leaves, 1 cup mayonnaise, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup pine nuts, 1 tablespoon garlic, 2 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 pinch salt to a blender or food processor.
- Place the lid on top to cover, then blend on medium speed for about 3 minutes or until a smooth consistency is reached. Use a silicone spatula to scrape the sides occasionally between blending.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning once the aioli is fully combined.
- Transfer the pesto aioli sauce to a small mixing bowl, then cover it with plastic cling wrap.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve as a dipping sauce or an addition to your favorite pasta. Whisk to distribute the pesto throughout your aioli before serving.
Notes
- Use the best quality mayo for this recipe, as it's the main ingredient and the base of great results when making aioli recipes. Opt for Duke's or Hellman's (aka Best Foods) when available.
- See my homemade mayo for the best possible pesto aioli!
- Baby basil leaves are preferred for making pesto sauce whenever available.
- For a milder garlic flavor, use my roasted garlic recipe.
- If your aioli is a bit thin after blending, refrigerate for an hour or two to thicken.
- To store: Keep covered with cling film or transfer to an airtight storage container. The aioli can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
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