I will be the first to admit that the term “garlic aioli” is a bit redundant as literally translated, it means “garlic and oil.” However, aioli has in recent years come to be a catch-all term for a flavoured mayonnaise — with garlic being one of the most popular. But can you make garlic aioli without added storebought mayo?
My answer is, obviously, yes. In fact, in the most traditional of terms, aioli is simply an emulsion of garlic and oil. Hailing from Catalonia, traditionally aioli (which is generally called alioli in Spain) is made by emulsifying garlic and olive oil in a mortar and pestle until it resembles a mayonnaise.
However, this technique is difficult and these days, making homemade aioli typically involves adding egg yolks to the mix in order to make a stable emulsion a bit easier.
A “cheaters” way of making aioli is simply by grating garlic into a few tablespoons of jarred mayonnaise, but if you are craving this delicious dipping sauce and either don’t have any mayo or don’t want to use the store-bought, follow this recipe!

How to Make Garlic Aioli Without Mayo
It can be a bit intimidating to make aioli – especially since this recipe effectively has you making mayo from scratch.
But so long as you work slowly and confidently, you’ll likely be successful. Especially considering the recipe is as simple as it comes.
I recommend using a blender for this recipe to make it as foolproof as possible. I also find that I like the consistency of aioli made in a blender (it’s much closer to a store-bought mayo) better.
However, if you don’t have a blender, I do actually outline how to make aioli by hand in my kepta duona recipe! It’s also a very similar process to making Caesar dressing.

The first step is to add your egg yolks to the jar of a blender. I recommend using room-temperature egg yolks as they, apparently, make your aioli less likely to break.
However, I have had success using fridge-cold eggs so don’t fret about this too much. And if you need something to do with the leftover whites, check out my easy meringue recipe, homemade marshmallow recipe or candied pecans recipe!
To the yolks, add some grated garlic cloves (I like to use a rasp-style grater, but you can just use a garlic press — the blender will break it up completely) and a bit of lemon juice. Pulse the yolks, garlic and lemon juice until they’re combined — only a few pulses will suffice.

Now, this is where speed can be your downfall. Turn the blender to high and, drop by drop, pour in your oil.
When I say drop by drop, I really mean it because the speed at which you add the oil can make or break this recipe – literally.

Keep in mind that it may take some time to incorporate all of your oil but once you’ve incorporated about two-thirds of the oil into the egg yolks, you can increase the speed at which you add it.
Make sure you’re not just dumping it in, but a more steady stream should be fine.

Once your oil is added, your aioli is effectively done. Transfer it to a small bowl and season with salt to taste. Then, you can serve it immediately or refrigerate it until you’re ready to eat.

Garlic Aioli Without Mayo
Ingredients
- 2 egg yolks room temperature
- 3 cloves garlic grated
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 120 ml (½ cup) neutral oil such as canola, sunflower or avocado
- 120 ml (½ cup) extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- In the jar of a blender, add egg yolks, garlic and lemon juice. Pulse once or twice to combine.
- With the blender running on high, very slowly (drop by drop, even) stream in both oils (you can combine them in one measuring cup). This will take some time, but the key is to incorporate it very slowly so as not to break the emulsion.
- Transfer the aioli to a small dish and season with salt to taste. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.
Video
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is automatically generated and provided as guidance only. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
Making a no-mayo garlic aioli can be quick and easy so long as you don’t rush incorporating the oil! Once you master this technique, you may no longer want to use anything with store-bought mayonnaise again.
Are you wondering how to make aioli? Have any questions about this recipe? Let me know in the comments!

I didn’t want to use my expensive kewpie mayo (I live abroad, and it’s hard to find) for my leftover fries, and this worked in a pinch! The instructions are simple and straightforward. Thanks for the tip on combining the two oils.