Ina Garten’s Herby Basil Mayo Recipe for Flavor Lovers

Basil mayo transforms ordinary condiments into extraordinary culinary experiences with its vibrant green hue and intense herbal essence.

Crafted from simple, fresh ingredients, this creamy concoction elevates sandwiches, salads, and appetizers to gourmet levels.

Home cooks and food enthusiasts adore how effortlessly it adds depth and brightness to countless dishes.

Each dollop promises a burst of aromatic freshness that dances across your palate with surprising complexity.

Blending traditional mayonnaise techniques with the delicate, peppery notes of fragrant herbs creates a sophisticated yet approachable spread.

The magic happens when commonplace ingredients merge into something truly spectacular: prepare to revolutionize your culinary repertoire.

Basil Mayo Tips That Pack a Punch

• Crack Perfect Yolks: Separate egg yolks carefully at room temperature to guarantee a silky, smooth mayo texture.
• Drizzle Technique: Pour oils slowly in a thin, steady stream while blending to create a perfectly emulsified and creamy basil mayo.
• Herb Freshness Matters: Select vibrant, bright green basil leaves and chop them just before mixing for maximum flavor and aroma.
• Processor Power: Use a food processor for quick, consistent blending that helps ingredients combine seamlessly.
• Storage Savvy: Store your homemade basil mayo in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3-5 days for optimal taste and safety.

Keeping the Freshness in Every Dollop

• Air-Tight Container Method: Seal leftover basil mayo in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent oxidation and flavor loss. Refrigerate immediately after preparation to maintain maximum freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezing Method: Transfer basil mayo to a freezer-safe plastic container, leaving a small space at the top for expansion. Label with the date and use within 2 months. Note that thawed mayo might separate slightly and lose its original creamy texture, so best used in cooked dishes.
• Single-Portion Method: Portion leftover basil mayo into small silicone ice cube trays or mini containers. Freeze individual servings, which allows you to defrost exactly what you need without compromising the entire batch's quality. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.

Wild Twists to Basil Mayo You’ll Want to Try

• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap basil for a mix of fresh oregano, thyme, and parsley to create a complex herb-infused mayonnaise perfect for Mediterranean-style sandwiches and grilled vegetables.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Blend in roasted jalapeños for a zesty, spicy version that adds heat and depth to burgers, tacos, and seafood dishes.
• Roasted Garlic Boost: Replace raw garlic with deeply caramelized roasted garlic cloves to develop a rich, mellow flavor that complements grilled meats and roasted vegetables.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Splash: Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, umami-packed mayonnaise that elevates sandwiches, salads, and dipping sauces.

The Mayo Moment of Truth

Ina Garten’s basil mayo elevates sandwiches and salads with Mediterranean flair.

Fresh herbs dance through creamy emulsions, creating robust flavor profiles.

Homemade condiments bring restaurant-quality experiences directly to kitchen counters.

Kitchen enthusiasts can master gourmet elements through careful ingredient blending.

Culinary magic happens when passionate cooks explore signature sauces like this zesty basil mayo – grab your processor, share your dish, and spark conversation among flavor-seeking friends.

Why Basil Mayo Isn’t Just for Sandwiches

• Burst with Fresh Herbal Flavor: Basil mayo transforms ordinary condiments with a vibrant, aromatic punch that elevates sandwiches, salads, and dips to gourmet status.
• Master a Professional Technique: This homemade mayonnaise demonstrates how simple ingredients can create a restaurant-quality sauce using basic food processor skills that even beginner cooks can confidently execute.
• Customize Your Culinary dish: Blending fresh basil directly into the mayo allows you to control the intensity of herb flavor while creating a versatile condiment that adds instant excitement to multiple dishes.
• Enjoy a Quick Gourmet Upgrade: In just minutes, you can whip up a sophisticated condiment that looks and tastes like something from a high-end restaurant kitchen, impressing family and friends with minimal effort.

What You Need for This Flavor Bomb

• Egg Yolks: Rich, creamy base that helps emulsify and thicken the sauce, best when fresh and at room temperature.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright acidity and helps stabilize the mayonnaise, choose fresh lemons for the best flavor.
• Garlic: Provides a sharp, aromatic flavor that complements the basil, select fresh garlic cloves for maximum punch.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the mayonnaise, use freshly ground black pepper.

• Vegetable Oil, Olive Oil: Neutral and flavorful oils that create a smooth, creamy texture, blend for a balanced taste.

• Basil: Adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor, use fresh basil leaves for the most vibrant green color and aromatic taste.

Quick Steps to Creamy, Herby Perfection

Step 1: Gather Your Flavor Powerhouses

• Egg yolks
• Fresh lemon juice
• Garlic cloves
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Neutral oil (like vegetable or canola)
• Olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves

Step 2: Create the Creamy Base

Place egg yolks, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper into a food processor. Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly frothy.

Step 3: Carefully Build the Emulsion

Start drizzling oils into the processor very slowly while the machine runs. Keep the stream thin and consistent. Continue blending until the mixture transforms into a thick, creamy consistency.

Step 4: Infuse with Basil Magic

Toss fresh basil leaves into the processor. Pulse and blend until the herbs are completely incorporated, creating a vibrant green-flecked mayonnaise.

Step 5: Chill and Store

Transfer the basil mayo to an airtight container. Refrigerate immediately to let the flavors meld and develop. The sauce will keep for 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Serving Tip: Perfect as a sandwich spread, dip for vegetables, or a zesty sauce for grilled meats and seafood.

Ina Garten Basil Mayo Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s basil mayo elevates sandwiches with Mediterranean flair. Garden-fresh basil blends seamlessly with creamy mayonnaise, creating a luxurious condiment you cannot resist drizzling on summer dishes.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup olive oil
• 1 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 6 tablespoons (90 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 4 extra-large egg yolks, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

Dry Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients and sanitize the food processor, ensuring the steel blade is securely attached.
2. Combine egg yolks, freshly squeezed lemon juice (about or 15 milliliters), minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in the food processor.
3. Pulse the mixture until the ingredients are thoroughly integrated and appear smooth and creamy.
4. With the processor running at a steady speed, gradually drizzle olive oil and vegetable oil (or 240 milliliters total) through the feed tube in a thin, consistent stream.
5. Continue processing until the mixture transforms into a thick, glossy emulsion with a uniform texture.
6. Add fresh basil leaves and pulse briefly to distribute evenly, ensuring the herbs are finely chopped but not completely liquefied.
7. Transfer the herb-infused mayonnaise to a clean, sealed container and refrigerate immediately.
8. Store the homemade condiment in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

Notes

• Keep homemade aioli refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, checking for freshness before each use.
• Whisk continuously during oil incorporation to prevent sauce separation and maintain smooth texture.
• Experiment with alternative herb combinations like dill, parsley, or cilantro for unique flavor profiles.
• Select high-quality extra virgin olive oil and neutral vegetable oil for balanced taste and creamy consistency.
• Temperature matters significantly – cold ingredients can cause sauce to break, so let eggs sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before starting.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 594
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 463 mg
• Fat: 66 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 57 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 370 mg