Let's make an easy and delicious recipe that can elevate any meal to the next level: Pesto Mayo. This creamy and flavorful sauce is perfect for sandwiches, burgers, wraps, and more.
It adds a burst of fresh herbs and garlic to your favorite dishes, making them even more satisfying and appetizing.
Table of contents
Pesto mayo is a simple yet versatile recipe that we can make in just a few minutes. And we need just a handful of ingredients to make it as well. All we need is some good-quality mayonnaise and Pesto made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
We can customize the recipe to suit our taste preferences by adding other herbs like parsley or cilantro, or by adjusting the amount of garlic or cheese. The result is a creamy and zesty sauce that will make you forget all about boring ketchup and mustard.
Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this basil pesto mayo recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and your guests. It's a great way to add a touch of gourmet to your meals without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen.
Why make Pesto Mayo at home?
Delicious - Making pesto mayo is a great way to add a burst of flavor to your favorite dishes. It creates a unique and delicious taste that can elevate even the simplest of meals.
Versatile and customizable - You can adjust the recipe to suit your taste preferences. We could add different herbs or adjust the amount of garlic or cheese.
Quick to make - This recipe is a great way to jazz up your favorite dishes without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
Cost-effective - It's a great way to use up excess basil. This way we reduce food waste and make the most of your ingredients. And when made with homegrown basil, it is very affordable.
Healthier - By making our own pesto mayo, we can control the quality of the ingredients and ensure that it is free of preservatives and chemicals.
Growing your own basil
Growing your own basil and making pesto is a great way to enjoy fresh and flavorful herbs throughout the year. One of the biggest advantages of growing your own basil is that it is easy and affordable.
Basil is a hardy herb that can be grown in a pot or in a garden and requires minimal care. By growing your own basil, you can ensure that it is fresh and free of pesticides and chemicals.
Moreover, it is a cost-effective way to have a steady supply of basil on hand, which can be used to make pesto or added to your favorite dishes.
Freezing homemade pesto
We grow a lot of basil just so I can make pesto. We love pesto on everything. I make pesto pasta, and crostini, and also bake these delicious pull-apart rolls.
Another advantage of making pesto and freezing it for later use is that it is a great way to save time and reduce food waste. Making pesto is simple and requires just a few ingredients like basil, garlic, nuts, and cheese.
By making a large batch of pesto and freezing it in small portions, you can have a quick and easy sauce on hand whenever you need it.
This is a great way to save time when preparing meals and reduce food waste by using up excess basil. Additionally, frozen pesto can last for several months, making it a convenient and versatile addition to your pantry.
Ingredients and substitutes
Mayonnaise - Use good quality store-bought mayo or make your own. If vegan, feel free to use your choice of Vegan Mayo.
Pesto - Again, use homemade basil Pesto or use your favorite store-bought one.
Step by step process
If using frozen pesto, let it sit at room temperature until completely thawed. Make sure that you leave it covered to thaw as pesto will discolor when exposed to air.
All we need to do now is combine the mayonnaise with the pesto and mix well to combine. I like to use a little whisk to combine them. A spoon or a fork will work equally well.
The amount of pesto to mayonnaise really depends on individual preference. We love the flavor of the pesto and use a little more. Taste as you mix and adjust depending on your liking.
How to use pesto mayo?
- Use as a sandwich spread - Pesto mayo makes a great spread for sandwiches and burgers. Use it in place of regular mayo for a burst of flavor.
- Serve with grilled or roasted veggies - Pesto mayo is a great accompaniment to roasted and grilled vegetables like potatoes, asparagus, zucchini or butternut squash.
- Use as a dip - Pesto mayo makes a tasty dip for vegetables or chips. When Halloween is just around the corner, serve this pesto mayo as a dip along with this Halloween Veggie Platter. Kids and/or adults are going to be back for second serving.
- Add to pasta dishes - Pesto mayo can be used as a sauce for pasta dishes. Simply toss cooked pasta with pesto mayo and some veggies for a quick and delicious meal.
- Use as a salad dressing - Pesto mayo can be thinned out with a little bit of vinegar or lemon juice and used as a dressing for salads.
- Serve with Fries - My favorite dip to serve with potato wedges, French fries or sweet potato fries is the pesto mayo.
Expert tips
- Use fresh and high-quality ingredients: The key to a great pesto mayo is using fresh and high-quality ingredients.
- Toast the nuts when making the pesto. This will add a depth of flavor to your pesto mayo.
- Adjust the ingredients to your taste: Everyone's taste buds are different, so feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. You can add more garlic for a stronger taste, or reduce the amount of cheese for a lighter flavor.
- Store in an airtight container: To keep your pesto mayo fresh and flavorful, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This will prevent oxidation and keep the flavors intact.
Frequently asked questions
Pesto mayo can last for up to 1 week in an airtight container in the fridge.
I don't recommend freezing pesto mayo as it can change the texture and flavor of the sauce.
While dried basil can be used in a pinch, we recommend using fresh basil for the best flavor and texture.
Yes, you can use vegan mayonnaise to make a vegan version of pesto mayo. You can also use Greek yogurt or sour cream for a healthier alternative.
Recipe Card
Pesto Mayo Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Whisk
Ingredients
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoon Basil pesto
Instructions
- If using frozen pesto, let it sit at room temperature until completely thawed. Make sure that you leave it covered to thaw as pesto will discolor when exposed to air.
- All we need to do now is combine the mayonnaise with the pesto and mix well to combine. I like to use a little whisk to combine them. A spoon or a fork will work equally well.
- The amount of pesto to mayonnaise really depends on individual preference. We love the flavor of the pesto and use a little more. Taste as you mix and adjust depending on your liking.
Notes
- Use as a sandwich spread - Pesto mayo makes a great spread for sandwiches and burgers. Use it in place of regular mayo for a burst of flavor.
- Serve with grilled or roasted veggies - Pesto mayo is a great accompaniment to roasted and grilled vegetables like potatoes, asparagus, zucchini or butternut squash.
- Use as a dip - Pesto mayo makes a tasty dip for vegetables or chips.
- Add to pasta dishes - Pesto mayo can be used as a sauce for pasta dishes. Simply toss cooked pasta with pesto mayo and some veggies for a quick and delicious meal.
- Use as a salad dressing - Pesto mayo can be thinned out with a little bit of vinegar or lemon juice and used as a dressing for salads.
- Use fresh and high-quality ingredients: The key to a great pesto mayo is using fresh and high-quality ingredients.
- Toast the nuts when making the pesto. This will add a depth of flavor to your pesto mayo.
- Adjust the ingredients to your taste: Everyone's taste buds are different, so feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. You can add more garlic for a stronger taste, or reduce the amount of cheese for a lighter flavor.
- Store in an airtight container: To keep your pesto mayo fresh and flavorful, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This will prevent oxidation and keep the flavors intact.
GRETA says
Never had pesto mayo before, but I was curious and made it. And it's so good! Will make this again, for sure! Thanks x
Sandhya says
Thank you and I am glad you liked it.
Kendall says
I always have tons of fresh basil growing in my window sills and I am always looking for new ways to enjoy it. I ran across this recipe and wow! What a great fry dipping sauce it makes!! I am not a ketchup girl so this is just perfect!
Sandhya says
Thank you Kendall! I am not a ketchup person as well and this is my favorite.
Ann says
I added this mayo on a halloumi sandwich and it was SO good! Loved the pesto flavor. Easy to make, too!
Sandhya says
Oh yum! I am craving for some now!
Chelsea says
Picked up fresh basil in our garden and made this recipe. It is so creamy and definitely delicious. I threw in some cilantro and used it as a dipping sauce and everyone loved it. I'm never going back to plain mayo. lol
Sandhya says
Thank you and I agree with you! After eating this, it is so hard to go back to eating plain mayo. Love the idea of using some cilantro with the basil.
Jane says
I made this last night to pair with roasted potatoes and it was so amazing! I just know that I'm going to make this more often than I realize so I'm saving this recipe! I really loved it!
Sandhya says
Thank you! We love it with potatoes as well.