⏱️ Prep Time: 5 minutes • 🍳 Cook Time: 0 minutes

This creamy garlic aioli is a five-minute wonder—just mayo, garlic, lemon, and salt—but it packs enough punch to make any plate feel a little extra.

Jump to Recipe

*A silky swirl of hot honey hummus, drizzled with chili honey and topped with crushed red pepper*

I started making this as a shortcut version of Spanish aioli for patatas bravas, and now I use it on everything. The garlic is finely grated so it melts right into the mayo, infusing every bite with bold, savory flavor. The lemon juice gives it just enough brightness to cut the richness, and the salt brings it all together. It’s the kind of dip that makes you want to dunk everything you eat into it.

What I love most is how versatile it is. This is the dip I bring to parties when I need something fast but impressive. It's also the condiment I spread on sandwiches when I want something that tastes homemade with zero effort. You can make it a little zippy with more lemon or keep it mellow with just a pinch of garlic. Either way, it’s a fridge essential in my kitchen now.

I usually double the batch if I know I’ll be cooking for friends. It keeps well in the fridge for a few days, and it actually gets even better as the garlic flavor deepens. Pro tip: try it as a dip for roasted broccoli or on a burger—it’s a quiet little flavor bomb that works hard behind the scenes.

🍽️ Servings: 4 • 🔥 Calories/Serving: 90

Ingredients

¼ cup mayonnaise
1 clove garlic, finely grated
1 tsp lemon juice
Pinch of salt

Steps

Step 1

Add the mayo to a small bowl.

Step 2

Finely grate the garlic using a microplane or rasp and stir it into the mayo.

Step 3

Add the lemon juice and a pinch of salt.

Step 4

Mix everything until smooth and creamy.

Step 5

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed; serve immediately or refrigerate.

Make it your own!

🌱 Make it vegan
Use your favorite vegan mayo for a fully plant-based version.
🍋 Zest it up
Add a little lemon zest for a bright citrus note.
🌿 Add herbs
Stir in finely chopped parsley, chives, or dill for a fresh twist.