Delicious Lemon Aioli: Elevate Your Culinary Creations
This Lemon Aioli is the condiment you didn’t know you needed. Packed with flavor from lemon juice and fresh dill, this easy aioli recipe will level up everything from fresh vegetables to sandwiches to seafood.
Why Make This Recipe
- Many uses: Enjoy it as a dip, a sandwich spread, a dressing for salads, and much more!
- Super easy: Just a little prep, and you’ll have this flavorful sauce ready in just 5 minutes.
- So much flavor: The combination of lemon, garlic, mustard, and dill creates an explosion of taste in every bite!
🥗 Ingredients
- Mayonnaise: Choose a full-fat version for the best creaminess. You can also substitute half with Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.
- Dijon Mustard: This ingredient adds a lovely depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, feel free to skip it.
- Lemon Zest and Juice: Use one lemon for both zest and juice, and you’ll likely have some juice leftover for other recipes!
- Dill: Fresh dill is essential for that bright flavor. If you’re out, dried dill works in a pinch—just remember to use about half the amount.
🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s dive into making this delectable lemon aioli!
Start by mincing or grating 2 fresh garlic cloves. Zest a lemon until you have about 1 teaspoon, and juice half of the lemon to yield approximately 2 teaspoons of lemon juice.
In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup of mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, the lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of minced fresh dill, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Once mixed, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve and enjoy!
Storage Tips
Store any leftover lemon aioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to 5 days.
🧐 Recipe FAQs for Lemon Aioli
What is the difference between aioli and mayonnaise?
Traditionally, aioli is made by emulsifying garlic and olive oil, while modern versions often start with a mayonnaise base and get flavored with herbs, spices, or other ingredients like lemon—thus, you may find “lemon aioli” and “lemon mayo” used interchangeably.
Can you freeze lemon aioli?
It’s not recommended to freeze lemon aioli, as the mayonnaise base can break when thawed, affecting the texture.
Can I make vegan lemon aioli?
Absolutely! Simply substitute regular mayonnaise with vegan mayonnaise for a delicious vegan version.
How long does lemon aioli last in the refrigerator?
Lemon aioli can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just give it a good stir before serving!
What can I use lemon aioli with?
This versatile sauce works wonders as a dip for veggies, a spread for sandwiches, or a sauce drizzled over seafood. Try it with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or fresh roasted vegetables!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
Want to change up your flavor profile? Feel free to customize this lemon aioli recipe! Substitute lime juice and zest for lemon, pairing it with fresh cilantro for a delightful taco topping. Alternatively, swap the dill for fresh basil, making a refreshing lemon basil aioli perfect for summer sandwiches. Adding drained, chopped capers can create a lovely lemon caper aioli, ideal for crab cakes or salmon.
If mayonnaise isn’t on hand: You can always whip up your own aioli base! Follow the instructions in my roasted garlic aioli recipe using simple ingredients. However, if raw egg yolks aren’t appealing, stick with store-bought mayo for this dish.
Using your aioli: There are endless delights you can create with your aioli. Consider these options:
- Dip fresh veggies like celery and carrot sticks.
- Spread it on salmon fillets for an extra kick.
- Use it as a dipping sauce for shrimp or fried seafood dishes.
- Slather it on crab cakes for added flavor.
- Enhance any fish or grilled chicken sandwiches with it.
- Serve it alongside steamed vegetables like asparagus or artichokes.
- Pair it with crispy French fries or sweet potato fries for a delightful treat!
This revamped article outlines the process and ingredients for making a delightful Lemon Aioli while also providing a friendly tone and enough information to attract readers. Additionally, with a clear structure and helpful tips, it appeals to novice cooks and culinary enthusiasts alike, inviting them to engage and experiment with the recipe.
