Lemon Aioli Recipe

You know there is something very special about a good lemon aioli. It is creamy, tangy and packed with garlicky goodness.
It’s just the right kind of sauce that takes an ordinary dish to the next level.
Whether you pour it over crispy some crispy fries, slather it on a sandwich or pair it with juicy seafood, lemon aioli is the one condiment you didn’t know you needed.
But as soon as you taste it you realize you can’t live without it.
And the best part is that you don’t need to be a pro chef to make this wonderful sweet sauce at home.
So in this guide we are going to teach you how to make a lemon aioli recipe. The first one starts with a classic mayonnaise recipe, the second one is for the crab cakes and the final one is for our dear vegan friends.
Let’s take a look.
Why Should I Use Lemon Aioli?
This is the most basic way of making a lemon aioli recipe by using an already-bought store mayonnaise as a base. You will get a creamy and rich texture without going into too many technical details.
It is quick, simple and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
- ½ cup of mayonnaise. Make sure to use the best brand for the best taste.
- 1 clove garlic that is minced or grated.
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.
- ½ teaspoon of Dijon mustard. This is optional but adds a bit more depth.
- Salt and pepper for the taste.
Instructions
- Take a small bowl and then mix the following together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest and Dijon mustard.
- Season it with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Then just leave it for 10 to 15 minutes so that all the flavors mix together.
- You can now either serve it immediately or store it in a fridge for up to a week.
The Reason Why You Will Love It
- It takes only 5 minutes to make.
- No more complicated techniques. Just mix and enjoy.
- Perfect for everything like fries, sandwiches, burgers, fish and much more.
Lemon Aioli Recipe with Crab Cakes

Crab cakes and lemon aioli are a match made in heaven. The vibrant citrus taste and mild garlic bite play out the sweetness of the crab perfectly. This version is a bit more complex.
But in the end. It’s all worth it.
Ingredients
- ½ cup of mayonnaise
- Two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
- One teaspoon of lemon zest.
- One garlic clove which is heavily minced.
- ½ teaspoons of Old Bay seasoning for an ordinary seafood touch.
- Add ½ teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
- A half teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
- Make sure to add salt and black pepper based on your taste.
- Chopped freshly grown parsley for decoration.
Instructions
- Grab a bowl and mix all the ingredients. Stir them until everything is as smooth as a paste.
- You can then taste and adjust the flavoring according to how you like it. If you want a stronger garlic flavor let it sit for about 30 minutes.
- Finally you can serve chilled with crab cakes or as a coating over shrimp, lobster or grilled fish.
Pro Tip: For a hotter edition add an extra pinch of cayenne pepper or an extra teaspoon of spicy sauce.
This type of lemon aioli pairs perfectly with crab cakes, grilled seafood, calamari and even fish tacos.
Vegan Lemon Aioli Recipe
So now for our vegan friends who don’t like eggs or dairy. But don’t worry. You can still enjoy that creamy, flavorful lemon aioli without any compromises to the taste.
This special edition is just as delicious as the previous two thanks to aquafaba the liquid that comes from a can of chickpeas.
Ingredients
- You need three spoons of aquafaba.
- One garlic clove which has been minced.
- One spoonful of lemon juice.
- Another one spoon of lemon zest.
- ½ teaspoon of dijorin mustard.
- ½ cup of neutral oil which can either be avocado oil or light olive oil.
- Lastly a pinch of salt and pepper for your tasting.
Instructions
- Get a tall container like a mason jar.
- Mix the aquafaba, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest and Dijon mustard.
- Begin working with a handheld blender to mix everything while slowly adding the oil. This will combine the mixture, which will give it a thick and creamy feel.
- Pour some salt and pepper for your taste.
- When everything is complete, store it in a fridge for 5 days.
Now, you can also enjoy the same taste as those meat eaters. Everything is fair and square now.
How to Use Lemon Aioli?
If you are curious or don’t know then here are the following ways:
- You can pour it over roasted vegetables such as asparagus, brussels sprouts and potatoes.
- You can use it on a burger or sandwich spread as well as barbecued chicken, turkey or veggie burgers. It’s terrific.
- Try dipping it or combining it with either fries or sweet potato fries instead of ordinary ketchup.
- Put it in your potato salad or place it on the cole slaw for some extra zing.
Storing Tips
This homemade lemon aioli recipe could be stored for up to a week in an airtight container inside the fridge.
Flavors may develop while the garlic is fresh. So before using it, you just need to stir it a little bit so that everything mixes back together.
Final Thoughts: Making Meals Delicious
Lemon aioli is one of those hidden trump cards that makes the real difference when paired with a meal.
By making it at your own home, you will control all the freshness, its ingredients and the way it tastes. Once you do you will never ever want to have a store sauce.
So go ahead and try making one or all of them. You will be surprised how tasty it is.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can my homemade lemon aioli stay fresh before it expires?
If you follow all the steps correctly. It can last for a week if it is stored in the proper air-sealed container and placed in a fridge.
Can I make it without any garlic?
Yes, you can replace it with garlic powder for a more milder taste.
What can I use besides mayonnaise for a more lighter version?
You can either use Greek yogurt or aquafaba for a healthier option.