Name: Vegan Garlic Aioli
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups vegan mayo or 1 batch tofu mayo; 2 small-to-medium sized cloves of garlic or ½ teaspoon granulated garlic; 2 tablespoons lemon juice, or to taste; 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast, optional but recommended; ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper, or to taste

Why Make This Recipe

Vegan Garlic Aioli is a tasty and versatile sauce that brings flavor to many dishes. This recipe is low in fat and free from oil, making it a healthier choice. It’s simple to make and uses readily available ingredients, so you can whip it up in no time. Plus, it’s perfect for those following a vegan lifestyle or anyone looking to cut back on unhealthy fats.

🧰 Kitchen tools commonly used in similar recipes

Before starting, many home cooks like to have these basic tools ready:

How to Make Vegan Garlic Aioli

Ingredients

2 cups vegan mayo or 1 batch tofu mayo (see note 1)
2 small-to-medium sized cloves of garlic or ½ teaspoon granulated garlic (see note 2)
2 tablespoons lemon juice, or to taste
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast, optional but recommended (see note 3)
¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper, or to taste

Directions

If you’re using my homemade tofu mayo, make that recipe first. You don’t even have to empty your blender—just add the remaining ingredients and blend.
For using store-bought mayo, add the mayo to the blender with the garlic, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast, but leave out the black pepper for now. Blend until smooth. Stir or pulse in the black pepper.
Alternatively, if you prefer to mix by hand, use minced garlic or garlic powder. Combine vegan mayo, lemon juice, minced garlic or garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl or jar. Mix well.
This vegan aioli is perfect with fries or chips, on sandwiches (especially with soy curl bacon), or as a base sauce for pasta and salad dressings. You can also use it in vegan loaded baked potatoes instead of sour cream or in macaroni salad.
Store any leftover vegan garlic aioli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Do not freeze it. You can also make half the amount if you’re worried about leftovers, as the base recipe yields 2 cups.

How to Serve Vegan Garlic Aioli

Vegan Garlic Aioli goes well with many foods. Use it as a dip for crispy fries or raw veggies. Spread it on sandwiches or burgers for added flavor. You can even drizzle it over salads or use it in pasta dishes to elevate the taste. The creamy texture and garlicky flavor will enhance any meal.

How to Store Vegan Garlic Aioli

Store your vegan garlic aioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 5 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. Avoid freezing the aioli, as this can change the texture and flavor negatively.

Tips to Make Vegan Garlic Aioli

Adjust the garlic level according to your taste. If you love garlic, feel free to add more!
Add more lemon juice to brighten the flavor if you prefer a tangy taste.
Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor, so don’t skip it if you have it on hand.

Variation

You can customize this aioli in many ways. Try adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a fresh twist. You could also mix in some chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

FAQs

Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of vegan mayo?
Yes, but this recipe is designed to be vegan, so using vegan mayo keeps it in line with that diet.

What can I substitute for lemon juice?
If you don’t have lemon juice, lime juice can be a great alternative.

Can I use store-bought tofu mayo?
Absolutely! Just mix in the other ingredients as instructed, and you are good to go.