Pesto Mayonnaise is the kind of spread that instantly upgrades anything it touches. Creamy, herby, and a little garlicky, it’s the perfect way to take your sandwiches, wraps, and even fries to the next level!
Oh, you thought pesto was just for pasta? Although there ain’t no denying that pesto pasta is ELITE, there also ain’t no denying that pesto goes well with SO MANY OTHER THINGS. It’s great on pizza, drizzled over roasted veggies, or slathered on a sandwich or burger for that extra kick.
And it’s no secret that I absolutely love all things creamy (especially when it comes to dipping sauces) and made with mayo. From my 3 ingredient spicy mayo to restaurant style chipotle mayo, and my easy mustard mayo recipe, I’ll never say no to a good spread! As I always say — if it’s good without a dipping sauce, it’s probably even better with!
Pesto just reminds me of summer. Probably because I always have an abundance of basil growing, and it’s the perfect way to use it up. Which means, I likely always have a batch of fresh pesto on hand. Which also means that I’m always dreaming up ways to use it!
Surely mixing anything with mayo is a good idea. Am I right?! And this pesto mayonnaise proves exactly that! It’s a match made in heaven! You get all that fresh, herby goodness of pesto with the creaminess of mayo—what’s not to love? Plus, it’s so versatile you’re going to have a hard time deciding what to use it on first!
(hint hint: try it with my crispy air fried gnocchi!)
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE PESTO MAYONNAISE
If you love pesto and you love mayo, get ready for your new favourite condiment! Pesto mayonnaise is a creamy, flavourful blend that combines the rich, herby goodness of pesto with the smooth, velvety texture of mayonnaise. It’s the perfect way to upgrade sandwiches, burgers, wraps, and even roasted veggies. Plus, it takes seconds to make and adds a gourmet touch to any meal. Let’s get into what you’ll need to make it in a little bit more detail down below:
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that makes this spread smooth and luscious. You can use store-bought, but if you really want to take things up a notch, try making your own! My homemade mayo recipe is super easy and gives this pesto mayo an extra rich, fresh flavour.
- Pesto: The flavour powerhouse! This classic blend of fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, and nuts (usually pine nuts or pistachios) brings bold, herby, and slightly nutty notes. I used my homemade pistachio pesto for this pesto mayo recipe. However, you can use whatever kind of pesto you prefer or have on hand. A good quality store bought pesto also works just fine!
- Lemon Juice (optional): A little acidity brightens up the flavours and keeps things fresh.
- Garlic (optional): If your pesto isn’t already garlicky enough, adding a little extra gives the mayo an extra kick.
- Salt and Pepper: A pinch of each to balance the flavours and bring everything together.
HOW TO MAKE PESTO MAYO FROM SCRATCH (KEY TIPS)
You can find full instructions for how to make homemade pesto mayonnaise in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Go for homemade pesto (if possible) using fresh ingredients. Fresh basil, good-quality olive oil, and real Parmesan make all the difference in flavour. Avoid using dried basil or pre-grated cheese. Try using my easy homemade pistachio pesto like I did! However, if you’re using store-bought, make sure it’s of good quality.
- Go for homemade mayo (if possible). Store-bought works, but homemade mayo brings an extra level of richness. Try my homemade mayo recipe if you’re up for it! EXTRA TIP: If you’re making your own mayonnaise from scratch, you can add the pesto directly to the jar with the egg yolk, mustard, and other ingredients before blending. This way, you’ll have a smooth, perfectly blended pesto mayo with no extra steps!
- Blend it well. Although not mandatory, a food processor or immersion blender ensures a smooth, creamy consistency. If your pesto is chunky, give it an extra pulse before mixing it with the mayo.
- Taste and adjust. Everyone’s flavour preferences are different! Add more lemon juice for brightness, extra garlic for a kick, or a pinch of salt to enhance the flavours. You can also make it spicy by adding a touch of hot sauce, chili flakes, or cayenne pepper.
- Let it chill. Allowing the pesto mayo to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps the flavours meld beautifully. It gets better as it sits!
- Store properly. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge and use it within 4–5 days for the best taste and freshness.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, pesto and mayonnaise make an amazing combination! The rich, creamy texture of mayonnaise perfectly complements the bold, herbaceous flavours of pesto. The creamy mayo balances the sharpness of the garlic, fresh basil, and Parmesan in the pesto, creating a smooth and flavourful spread or dip. Whether you’re using it on sandwiches, as a dip for fries or vegetables, or as a dressing for salads, pesto mayonnaise adds a vibrant twist to any dish. It’s the best of both worlds—creamy and tangy, with a punch of fresh, zesty goodness.
Pesto mayo can be a flavourful and versatile addition to your meals, but whether it’s “healthy” depends on how it’s made and how much you use. Traditional mayonnaise is high in fats, but if you opt for homemade mayonnaise with quality ingredients—like olive oil-based mayo and fresh basil pesto—you’ll get heart-healthy fats and some beneficial nutrients. Basil is packed with antioxidants, garlic has immune-boosting properties, and olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats. However, since pesto mayo is still calorie-dense, moderation is key.
PRO TIP: Use it as a flavourful accent rather than the main event, and it can absolutely be part of a balanced diet!
Pesto mayo can last about 4 to 7 days in the fridge, depending on the freshness of the ingredients you used. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for as long as possible. If you’re using homemade mayonnaise, keep in mind that it may have a slightly shorter shelf life than store-bought versions. Always check for any signs of spoilage, like off smells or discoloration, before using!
LOVE PESTO? Then you need to try my homemade sun-dried tomato pesto recipe next!
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LOVE THIS RECIPE? PIN IT FOR LATER!
PESTO MAYONNAISE
Ingredients
- ½ cup Mayonnaise* (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tbsp Pesto* (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tsp Lemon Juice optional
- 1 small Clove Garlic optional, grated
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add the mayonnaise, pesto, lemon juice, and grated garlic.
- Whisk until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately or chill at least 30 minutes before serving for even better flavour.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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