Bursting with fresh cilantro and bright lime juice, this Cilantro Lime Aioli is an easy, flavorful sauce to keep on hand for sandwiches, tacos, or as a dip. It uses store-bought mayonnaise for a quick, reliable base and comes together in minutes with just a few simple ingredients.
Traditional aioli is an emulsified sauce made by whisking oil into egg yolks, often using a food processor or immersion blender. This recipe skips the emulsification step by starting with mayonnaise, giving you the same creamy texture and rich flavor without the extra effort.
This cilantro lime aioli brightens dishes with fresh herbs and citrus and is a tasty twist on plain mayonnaise. Use it on fish tacos, burgers, roasted vegetables, or as a dip for fries and onion rings.
Homemade Aioli Ingredients
- Full Fat Mayonnaise – Use your favorite brand. Vegan or low-fat mayo will work; note that lower-fat versions will be slightly thinner.
- Cilantro – Fresh cilantro provides the herbaceous flavor.
- Fresh Lime Juice – Adds brightness. Fresh lemon juice can be substituted if needed.
- Fresh Garlic – Optional, for a touch of heat and depth. Garlic powder can be used if raw garlic is too strong.
Equipment for Homemade Aioli
No special tools required. Simply use mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, and a spoon for stirring. A citrus squeezer helps but squeezing by hand works fine.
What is an Aioli Sauce?
Aioli is traditionally an emulsified garlic sauce made with oil and egg yolks. Making it from scratch involves slowly adding oil while whisking or blending to form a mayonnaise-like emulsion. Using prepared mayonnaise gives you the classic creamy base without the emulsification step, making this recipe a quick cilantro lime mayonnaise-style aioli.
How To Make Cilantro Aioli
Combine 1 cup mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro in a small bowl. Grate or finely mince 1 garlic clove (optional) and add 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then stir until smooth.
Chill the aioli in the refrigerator for at least one hour to let the flavors meld. For extra citrus aroma, grate a little lime zest over the aioli just before serving.
Homemade Aioli Variations
- Swap fresh garlic for garlic powder if you prefer a milder garlic flavor.
- For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes, a squeeze of sriracha, or a dash of hot sauce.
- Lighten it up by mixing ½ cup mayonnaise with ½ cup Dijon mustard for a tangy, lower-fat option.
How To Serve Cilantro Aioli
- As a dip: Serve with raw vegetables, chips, or crispy onion rings.
- With fries: A creamy alternative to ketchup—great with regular or sweet potato fries.
- With protein: Pair with grilled or baked seafood, chicken, or turkey for added flavor.
- On burgers: Spread it on beef, chicken, or plant-based burgers instead of plain mayo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store the aioli in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Yes. Use a vegan mayonnaise in place of full-fat mayonnaise to make a vegan version.
Yes. If you have a garlic-flavored mayonnaise, you can use it and omit fresh garlic from the recipe.
More Easy Recipes
- Sriracha Aioli
- Salt Free Taco Seasoning
- 2 Ingredient Honey Mustard
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📖 Recipe
Cilantro Aioli Recipe
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Equipment
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Measuring Cups
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Measuring Spoons
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Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 cup Mayonnaise Full Fat
- 2 tablespoons Cilantro Chopped
- 1 tablespoon Lime Juice Fresh
- 1 Garlic Clove Optional
- Salt and Pepper To Taste
Instructions
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In a small bowl, combine 1 cup mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro. Grate or mince 1 garlic clove if using, add 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, and season with salt and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
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Refrigerate the aioli for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Optionally, grate lime zest over the top just before serving.
Notes
- Keep this aioli refrigerated in an airtight container.
- To make it vegan, substitute vegan mayonnaise.
- Using low-fat mayonnaise will result in a thinner consistency.
- Chill at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor.
Nutrition information is an estimate and not guaranteed.