Pesto aioli is a flavorful, vibrant dip made by combining classic aioli ingredients with fresh pesto, resulting in a creamy, herb-infused condiment.
Key Ingredients of Pesto Aioli
This simple yet delicious concoction brings together the creamy texture of mayonnaise with the aromatic punch of garlic and the fresh, herby notes of pesto. The core components are stirred together to create this versatile dip.
The primary ingredients for pesto aioli include:
- Pesto: This provides the distinctive bright green color and the herby basil flavor that defines pesto aioli.
- Mayonnaise: Serving as the creamy base, mayonnaise gives the aioli its rich texture.
- Garlic: An essential ingredient for any aioli, garlic contributes a pungent and savory kick.
- Lemon Juice: A touch of lemon juice adds a bright, zesty tang, balancing the richness of the mayonnaise and enhancing the overall flavor.
- Salt: A small amount of salt is used to season and balance all the flavors, bringing out the best in the other ingredients.
Understanding Pesto Aioli
Essentially, aioli itself is a simple combination of mayonnaise and garlic. When pesto is incorporated, it transforms this basic garlic mayonnaise into a vibrant, herb-infused dip. The addition of pesto not only imparts a beautiful green hue but also introduces the fresh, aromatic taste of basil, making it a popular choice for spreading on sandwiches, serving with fries, or accompanying grilled meats and vegetables.