This easy homemade aioli is rich, creamy, and packed with fresh garlic, basil, and lemon flavour. Made with simple ingredients like olive oil, egg, garlic, and lemon juice, this versatile aioli sauce comes together in minutes using an immersion blender. Whether you’re serving it with roasted vegetables, fries, sandwiches, seafood, or grilled meats, this flavorful sauce instantly elevates any meal.
Table of Contents
- Tested Until Perfect
- Why I Love This Recipe
- What Is Aioli?
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Substitutions & Variations
- Directions
- How To Store Leftovers & Make Ahead
- Other Sauce Recipes to Elevate Your Summer Meals
- Final Thoughts
- Connect With Me
I truly believe every home cook should have a few simple sauces in their back pocket, and aioli is one of mine. For years, I ordered garlic aioli whenever I saw it on a restaurant menu, especially alongside crispy potatoes, grilled fish, or sandwiches.
Once I started making it at home, I realized how incredibly easy it is. After experimenting with different oils, herbs, and garlic levels, I fell in love with this basil-infused version. It has all the creamy richness of traditional aioli sauce but with a fresh, herbaceous twist that feels perfect for spring and summer cooking.
Tested Until Perfect
Many modern aioli recipes are simply flavored mayonnaise mixed with garlic. While convenient, I wanted a version that tasted homemade and fresh without requiring complicated techniques.
After testing several variations, I found that combining basil-infused olive oil with fresh garlic and lemon juice created the most balanced flavor. The basil adds subtle freshness while still allowing the garlic to shine. Using an immersion blender also makes the process nearly foolproof and delivers a silky, creamy texture every time.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Ready in less than 5 minutes
- Rich, creamy texture
- Made with simple ingredients
- Perfect for sandwiches, vegetables, and seafood
- Easy to customize
- More flavorful than store-bought mayo
- Instantly elevates everyday meals
What Is Aioli?
If you’ve ever wondered what is aioli, you’re not alone.
Traditional French aioli (sometimes spelled alioli, allioli, or ali oli) is a Mediterranean sauce made from garlic and olive oil emulsified together. Modern versions often include egg, similar to mayonnaise, creating the creamy sauce most people recognize today.
In simple terms, aioli sauce is a garlic-forward emulsion that combines oil, garlic, and often egg and lemon juice into a rich, creamy condiment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Egg
The egg acts as the emulsifier, helping the oils blend into a smooth, creamy sauce. Traditional recipes may use only an egg yolk, but using a whole egg makes this version incredibly easy, lighter and fluffier.
Basil Infused Olive Oil
Adds beautiful herbal flavor throughout the aioli.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Provides richness and helps create the silky texture.
Garlic
Fresh garlic is essential for authentic aioli flavor.
Lemon Juice
Brightens the sauce and balances the richness.
Fresh Parsley
Adds freshness and color.
Salt
A small pinch enhances every ingredient.
Substitutions & Variations
One of my favorite things about aioli sauces is how versatile they are.
- Use regular olive oil and add fresh basil.
- Add Dijon mustard for extra tang.
- Stir in roasted garlic for a sweeter flavor.
- Add chipotle peppers for a smoky aioli.
- Mix in fresh dill for fish and seafood.
- Add parmesan cheese for a richer spread.
- Use lime juice instead of lemon juice.
Directions
Step 1: Add Ingredients
Place the egg, basil infused olive oil, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, and salt into a tall jar or container.
Step 2: Blend
Place the immersion blender at the bottom of the container.
Blend without moving the blender for about 15–20 seconds.
Step 3: Emulsify
Slowly lift the immersion blender upward until the mixture becomes thick, smooth, and creamy.
Step 4: Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.
Expert Tips For Making Aioli
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Make sure the blender cup is just slightly wider than the blender head.
- Blend from the bottom up for the smoothest emulsion.
- Fresh lemon juice always tastes better than bottled.
- Taste before serving and adjust salt as needed.
- If using regular olive oil, add fresh basil for extra flavor.
How To Store Leftovers & Make Ahead
Store homemade aioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Because it contains raw egg, I always recommend making only what you’ll use within a few days.
Aioli can be prepared a day ahead and often tastes even better after the flavors have had time to develop.
Other Sauce Recipes to Elevate Your Summer Meals
- 3 Ingredient Basil Feta Sauce
- Chimichurri Sauce with Mint
- Healthy Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe
- Creamy Pistachio Sauce
- Homemade BBQ Sauce with a Chili Lime Twist
- Homemade Tzatziki Sauce (with Fresh Herbs & Yogurt)
FAQ
Final Thoughts
This homemade aioli recipe is proof that a few simple ingredients can completely transform a meal. The combination of garlic, basil-infused olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and parsley creates a rich, flavorful sauce that works with everything from roasted vegetables to sandwiches and seafood.
If you’ve ever wondered what is aioli sauce or thought it was difficult to make, this recipe shows just how approachable it can be. Once you try homemade aioli, it’s hard to go back to store-bought versions.
Connect With Me
Follow me on Instagram for more delicious recipes and food tips. And, join me over on Facebook where I share recipes daily!
Basil Garlic Aioli Recipe
This creamy aioli sauce is made with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, and basil-infused olive oil for a fresh and flavorful twist. Ready in just 5 minutes, it's the perfect sauce for sandwiches, fries, vegetables, seafood, and grilled meats.
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup basil infused olive oil
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp fresh parsley, minced
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Add the egg, basil infused olive oil, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, and salt to a tall jar or container.
- Place an immersion blender at the bottom of the container.
- Blend without moving the blender for 15–20 seconds.
- Slowly lift the immersion blender upward until the mixture becomes thick, smooth, and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.
