3-minute citrus aioli / mayo in 3 variations: Orange aioli, Lemon Herb aioli, & Lemongrass aioli. A unique & refreshing twist to your aioli!
Why You Will Love This Citrus Aioli
- 🍋 Bursting with citrusy flavor; it adds a refreshing twist to any dish!
- 🌱 Vegan-friendly, perfect for those seeking plant-based options without compromising on taste.
- ⏰ Quick and easy to make
- 😋 This versatile sauce enhances everything from sandwiches to salads with its tangy goodness!
- 🌈 With 3 flavor options of orange aioli, lemon aioli, and lemongrass aioli, you have plenty of options!
What is Citrus Aioli Made Of?
In simple terms, it’s mayonnaise + optional garlic + citrus flavoring. The citrus flavoring depends on your choice but the two basic ingredients for aioli are:
- Mayonnaise: Creamy base for a rich texture. Feel free to use any store-bought version or make a healthy version yourself by following this 3-Minute Vegan Oil-Free Mayonnaise (using either silken tofu or cashews)!
- (Optional) Garlic: Adds an aromatic kick, perfect when using the aioli as a savory dip.
And as to what kind of citrus, you have 3 options here.
Option 1: Orange Aioli 🍊
- Orange Juice: Infuses a citrusy sweetness, brightening up the aioli.
- Orange Zest: Amplifies the orange flavor with its aromatic oils.
Option 2: Lemon Herb Aioli 🍋🪴
- Lemon Juice: Offers a tangy acidity, balancing the sweetness of the aioli.
- Lemon Zest: Intensifies the lemony freshness, adding depth to the aioli.
- Chopped Herb: Provides a hint of herbal freshness, complementing the citrus notes. Some herbs that pair well with lemon are parsley, basil, rosemary, mint, and oregano. But feel free to experiment with your chosen herb!
Option 3: Lemongrass Aioli 🍋🌱
- Lemongrass Powder or Paste: Imparts a distinct lemony aroma and flavor to the aioli, with a subtle hint of earthiness and that Southeast Asian twist! I’ve attached a picture below if you’d like to see what mine looks like!
And since we’re speaking of citrus, if you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine, go ahead and make my Vegan Yuzu Mayo / Aioli instead for that unique Japanese citrus taste!
What is Real Aioli Made Of and How is Aioli Different from Mayonnaise?
Real traditional aioli is made of just olive oil and garlic, pounded together using a mortar and pestle until you get a thick and creamy paste called. So technically, aioli is supposed to be vegan. The confusion started because some brands and recipes added egg yolk to the aioli, which then became widely accepted that aioli could sometimes also include eggs. You can read more about this here in The TakeOut’s aioli article!
Once an egg is added, then aioli becomes very similar to mayonnaise, except that mayonnaise usually does not contain garlic whereas aioli does. This also means that aioli usually tastes more garlicky. But as always, it depends on the recipe/brand (myself included; for instance, I did not use garlic in my BBQ Aioli and my Smoked Paprika Aioli). At this point, the terms mayonnaise and aioli are interchangeable so if you want the real authentic aioli recipe, just pay extra attention to the ingredients!
Step-by-step Instructions
Prep Your Ingredients: If using, finely mince the garlic. Then zest your orange/lemon if you are making the orange or lemon version.
Mix: In a small bowl, combine the (vegan) mayonnaise, (optional) minced garlic, and the flavoring. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely mixed in.
Let It Sit: If you’re using garlic, let your citrus aioli sit for about 10 minutes so all those flavors meld together into a harmonious symphony of citrusy goodness! Skip this step if you’re not using garlic.
Serve and Enjoy: Now you’re ready to serve your citrus aioli! Use it as a dipping sauce for veggies, spread it on sandwiches, or drizzle it over roasted veggies for a burst of fresh flavor!
Top Tips
- Zesting the Orange / Lemon: Be sure to only grate the orange/yellow part, but NOT the white pith inside. The white pith is bitter and not something you’d want to add to your citrus mayo.
- Experiment with Herbs for the Lemon Herb Aioli: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like parsley, basil, rosemary, or mint to customize the flavor of your aioli!
- Wait for Flavor Fusion: Let the aioli sit on the counter / chill it in the fridge for a while before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Skipping this step might make you think that the flavor is a bit off because of the garlic, but trust me, just wait a bit more!
Serving Suggestions
Here are some ways you could use your aioli!
Vegetable Platter: Serve the aioli as a dip alongside a colorful assortment of fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. You can add another dip like this No-Garlic Hummus or this Cranberry Mayo Dip for a delicious platter!
Sandwich Spread: Use the aioli as a flavorful spread for sandwiches and wraps. It adds a bright and tangy kick to veggie wraps, bagels (think of using it in my Avocado Bagel recipe), or even burgers.
Salads and Bowls Dressing: Thin out the aioli with a bit of water or citrus juice to create a creamy citrus dressing for salads or veggies bowls (like in my Rainbow Poke Veggie Bowl)
Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle the aioli over roasted vegetables like asparagus, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts. Or even on top of my Tandoori Vegetables Platter! The citrusy flavor adds a refreshing contrast to the caramelized sweetness of the veggies.
Sushi: Switch up your good old soy sauce with any of this citrus mayonnaise! It pairs well with the good old Cucumber Roll (Kappa Maki), but also with sushi rolls with more fillings such as my Asparagus Sushi Roll, Kimchi Vegetables Sushi Roll, and Shiitake Mushroom Roll!
Storage and Meal Prep Instructions
Storage: Store any leftover citrus aioli sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Meal prep: Whip up a batch and use it throughout the week (for up to one week) to elevate your dinners & lunches. It’s great for spreading on sandwiches, dipping veggies, or topping grilled dishes!
Freezing: Do NOT freeze your aioli because this will change the texture.
FAQ
Want More Sauces & Dips Recipes?
For more creamy mayonnaise-based dips, try:
- 🇮🇩 Sambal Chili Aioli for an Indonesian twist (which is where I come from btw!)
- 🇮🇳 Tandoori Mayonnaise for an Indian twist
- 🇰🇷 Kimchi Aioli or Gochujang Aioli for a Korean twist
- 🇮🇹 Lemon Basil Aioli for an Italian taste
- 🇪🇸 Smoked Paprika Aioli for a smokey, Spanish twist
- 🇺🇸 Smoky Barbecue Mayo for that American vibes
- 🇫🇷 Dijon Aioli for a French twist
Citrus Aioli / Mayo, 3 Ways (Orange, Lemon Herb, & Lemongrass)
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic finely minced (optional)
Option 1: Orange Aioli
- 2 teaspoon orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Option 2: Lemon Herb Aioli
- 2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon chopped parsley fresh or dried, sub with basil/rosemary/mint/oregano
Option 3: Lemongrass Aioli
- 1 teaspoon lemongrass powder or lemongrass paste
Instructions
- Peel and finely mince the garlic. Be sure to chop them really finely to prevent biting into large pieces of garlic. Also zest the orange or lemon if you're making the orange aioli or lemon herb aioli.
- Combine all the ingredients together and stir until you get an even consistency.
- If you're using garlic, let it sit for at least 10 minutes up to overnight so the flavor will blend well. Then serve with your favorite snacks as dippings, or use them as spreads!If you're NOT using garlic, the citrus aioli is ready to serve right after!
Notes
- Click here for my homemade oil-free mayonnaise recipe
- Make sure you let them sit for at least 10 minutes so the garlic flavor has time to blend. Otherwise, you might end up with spicy bits of garlic in your aioli.
- If making the orange or lemon herb aioli, do NOT skip the zest! They add a slight bitterness which adds another layer to the flavor. Since you’re also using the zest, it’s best to buy organic for this citrus mayonnaise!
I tried both the lemon and orange aioli. Love both versions!