This lemon garlic aioli sauce recipe is so easy to make! It’s the perfect dipping sauce for fries or crab cakes.

Because we are using prepared mayo as a starter, we don’t need to break out the food processor or the immersion blender.

Traditional aioli is an emulsified sauce, an emulsion of raw garlic, egg yolks, and a neutral vegetable oil. Guess what is also an emulsion of egg yolks and oil? Mayo!

a photo of aioli in an open mason jar

So, we’ll call this easy recipe “cheater aioli” because we use good quality pre-made mayonnaise as a starter. It’s just an easier way to make aioli!

The creamy texture of the mayo is enhanced with fresh garlic, a little lemon juice and seasonings. Don’t be fooled by the simple ingredients. This homemade lemon garlic aioli packs a TON of flavor!

an overhead shot of aioli ingredients on blue and white tile

Recipe Substitutions and Additions:

  • If you’re a garlic lover, double the garlic
  • Substitute a pinch of cayenne pepper for the hot sauce
  • Use garlic mayonnaise and omit the fresh garlic
  • Use regular mayonnaise, not Miracle Whip. You’re welcome to use vegan mayonnaise if necessary.
  • If your aioli is too thick, add a splash of oil and whisk. I prefer a neutral tasting oil like avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil
an overhead photo of aioli in a jar with lemon wedges

Serving Suggestions

Use this easy Aioli recipe like you would any would use any creamy condiment! Here are a few ideas:

an overhead photo of aioli ingredients in a bowl

Storage

Save this homemade aioli recipe in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

a jar of aioli sitting on a counter

Easy Lemon Garlic Aioli

Yield: Roughly ¾ cups
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Additional Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

This lemon garlic aioli sauce recipe is so easy to make! It's the perfect dipping sauce for fries and crab cakes.

Ingredients

  • ⅔ cup good quality mayonnaise
  • 2 large cloves garlic cloves, minced fine or pressed with a garlic press
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 dash hot sauce

Instructions

  1. In a small mixing bowl, add all ingredients.
  2. Whisk vigorously to combine.
  3. Cover, and allow to rest in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  4. Whisk again before serving.

Notes

If you want additional lemon flavor, add lemon zest! You can zest the same lemon you use for the juice with a micro plane grater.

Nutrition Information
Yield 8 Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving Calories 129Total Fat 14gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 11gCholesterol 8mgSodium 250mgCarbohydrates 1gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 0g

The nutrition for this recipe is calculated by an app and may be incorrect.

Did you make this recipe?

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