Lemon Aioli
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026
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This zesty lemon aioli is a sophisticated take on the classic Mediterranean garlic sauce, offering a bright and creamy accompaniment to a variety of seasonal dishes. By emulsifying rich egg yolks with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and pungent fresh garlic, you create a velvet-textured condiment that far surpasses any shop-bought alternative. The addition of fresh lemon juice and finely grated zest cuts through the richness, providing a balanced, citrusy lift that awakens the palate.
As a versatile vegetarian sauce, this homemade aioli is a wonderful addition to a sharing platter. Serve it alongside crunchy crudités, roasted new potatoes, or use it as a luxurious spread for a gourmet sandwich. It is naturally gluten-free and packed with heart-healthy fats from the olive oil, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a nutritious, flavour-led dip for casual entertaining or a simple midweek dinner.
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Ingredients for Lemon Aioli
2-3 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped (about 1 tablespoon )
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 extra large egg yolk
240ml extra virgin olive oil
2-45ml fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon finely chopped lemon zest
How to make Lemon Aioli
Using a mortar and pestle, pulverize the garlic and salt to a smooth paste. (If you don't have a mortar and pestle, smash the garlic with the flat side of a chef's knife or a garlic press.) If your mortar is too small to whisk the entire amount of oil in (or you don't have one), transfer the mashed garlic and salt to the bowl of an electric mixer or a medium stainless-steel bowl, and whisk in the egg yolk by hand. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, drop by drop, whisking constantly. As the mixture begins to thicken, add a teaspoon of vinegar, a teaspoon of lemon juice, and a teaspoon of warm water. Once you've added almost half of the oil, place the bowl in the mixer fitted with a whisk attachment and mix on medium speed. Or continue to whisk in the oil by hand. Pour the oil in a slow, steady trickle, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary. As the mixture thickens, add a little more of the lemon juice and water, and continue whisking until the remaining olive oil is completely incorporated and the sauce is thickened. Season with lemon juice and zest, and salt to taste.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
16 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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