A regular at my restaurant kept complaining that his sandwiches at home tasted nothing like ours. Turns out, he was using plain mayo straight from the jar. I had to spill my chef secrets – it’s all about that herb aioli magic. After showing him how to whip up this game-changing sauce in minutes, he’s now the sandwich hero of his weekly family gatherings. The best part? It’s ridiculously simple to make, and I’m about to show you exactly how we elevate this classic condiment from basic to brilliant.
History
While aioli graces countless restaurant menus today, its humble origins trace back to the Mediterranean region, specifically Provence, France.
I find it fascinating how this classic sauce began simply as garlic and olive oil emulsifying together, without any additional ingredients. The name itself tells the story – “ail” means garlic, and “oli” means oil in Provençal.
Throughout the 20th century, I’ve watched aioli evolve to include egg yolks and various herbs, creating new flavor profiles that resemble mayonnaise.
The traditional feast “le grand aioli” remains a perfect example of Mediterranean communal dining, where families gather to enjoy this garlic-rich sauce with seafood and vegetables.
Recipe
A classic herb aioli transforms ordinary mayonnaise into a vibrant, garlicky sauce that elevates any dish it accompanies. This quick and simple recipe combines fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and aromatic garlic to create a versatile condiment that can be prepared in minutes.
The key to achieving the perfect herb aioli lies in allowing the garlic and lemon juice to meld briefly before incorporating the mayonnaise, which helps mellow the garlic’s sharp bite. The combination of fresh herbs adds depth and complexity to the sauce, while the mayonnaise base provides a rich, creamy texture that clings beautifully to food.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, finely grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons mixed fresh herbs (parsley, chives, basil)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
In a medium bowl, combine the grated garlic and lemon juice, letting the mixture rest for 5 minutes. Add the mayonnaise and whisk until smooth. Fold in the chopped fresh herbs, mixing until evenly distributed throughout the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors as needed. Transfer to an airtight container if not using immediately.
For best results, use fresh herbs and high-quality mayonnaise as the base. The aioli can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, during which time the flavors will continue to develop and intensify.
Allow refrigerated aioli to come to room temperature before serving for the best consistency and flavor profile. Adjust the quantity of garlic and herbs based on personal preference, starting with less and adding more to taste.
How to Serve It
Three primary serving methods make herb aioli shine as a versatile condiment. I use it as a dip with grilled potatoes and fresh vegetables, spread it on sandwiches, and incorporate it into main dishes.
- Serve as a creamy dressing for salads to transform basic greens into a flavorful meal.
- Spread generously on burgers as a gourmet condiment replacement for standard mayo.
- Pair with white fish or roasted chicken to enhance their natural flavors.
- Use as a dip for oven fries, raw vegetables, or blanched vegetables like asparagus and green beans.
Final Thoughts
Making herb aioli opens up countless possibilities for enhancing your everyday cooking. This versatile sauce combines fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon juice with store-bought mayonnaise or vegan mayonnaise for a quick, flavorful condiment.
I recommend experimenting with different herb combinations to create unique flavor profiles that suit your taste preferences.
Whether you blend it in a food processor or mix it by hand, this aioli recipe delivers consistent results you can rely on. Store your finished sauce in an airtight container for up to seven days, allowing the flavors to develop and meld together.
Use it confidently to elevate everything from sandwiches to roasted vegetables.
Looking for more delicious variations? Try our Chipotle Aioli Recipe for an extra flavor boost!
Herb Aioli
Equipment
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Airtight Container For storage
Ingredients
- 1 cup Mayonnaise Use high-quality mayo
- 2 cloves Garlic Finely grated
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice Freshly squeezed
- 2 tbsp Mixed fresh herbs Parsley, chives, basil
- Salt & black pepper To taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the grated garlic and lemon juice. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to mellow the garlic.
- Add the mayonnaise and whisk until smooth.
- Fold in the chopped fresh herbs, mixing until evenly distributed.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust flavors as needed.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate if not using immediately.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh herbs and high-quality mayonnaise.
- Allow refrigerated aioli to come to room temperature before serving for the best consistency and flavor.
- Adjust garlic and herbs based on personal preference.
