Pesto Mayo
Pesto Mayo is a creamy, flavorful spread that combines the rich, herby taste of basil pesto with the richness of mayonnaise. It’s perfect for sandwiches, burgers, dips, or as a dressing to enhance any dish with smooth, garlicky goodness.
Best Pesto Mayonnaise
We’ve been pretty unsuccessful about growing certain veggies in our yard – specifically tomatoes. There was one year that went particularly well – and that was a unicorn. But when it comes to basil, we’ve had year after year of success. So guess what? Lots of pesto sauce has been made!
The best news is that you can easily freeze pesto sauce. Add it to small containers and keep handy for all the things – Shrimp Pesto Pasta, Pesto Bread, and Pesto Pizza.
Why This Recipe Works:
- SIMPLE RECIPE – This recipe combines a few simple ingredients. If you don’t want to make homemade pesto sauce, feel free to use store-bought sauce instead.
- DELICIOUS FLAVOR – We’re huge pesto fans, and basil is the one plant we have successfully grown on our patio, and that’s saying something.
- PERFECT FOR SANDWICHES – There is nothing better than a big ole sandwich, and this pesto mayo makes it more delicious than words! Try it, you’ll like it!
What You’ll Need:
- homemade pesto sauce – you’ll need a combo of fresh basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and olive oil.
- mayonnaise – use any mayonnaise you keep in your kitchen.
- fresh lemon juice
How to make Pesto Mayo:
Step 1
Make homemade pesto sauce. In a large food processor, combine fresh basil, garlic, freshly grated parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and salt & pepper. Pulse for about one minute. Then drizzle extra-virgin olive oil in food processor as it runs. Spoon into a bowl.
Step 2
Make pesto mayo. Combine about 3/4 cup mayonnaise, three tablespoons of homemade basil pesto sauce, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Stir to combine.
Step 3
Serve. Use pesto mayo on your favorite sandwiches, wraps, etc.
Ways to use Pesto Mayo:
- We love pesto mayo on a simple deli sandwich or wrap.
- Try it on our Club Sandwich with Pesto Mayo.
- Breakfast sandwiches with eggs and bacon
- Salmon Burgers or Turkey Burgers
- As a dressing for pasta salad
- As a dip for chips or Baked Garlic Home Fries
Store leftover pesto mayo in an airtight container in your refrigerator for about one week.
Recipe FAQs:
Store-bought pesto works well, but homemade pesto gives a fresher, more vibrant flavor.
Try sun-dried tomato pesto, arugula pesto, or even kale pesto for a unique twist.
Yes, swap regular mayo for Greek yogurt or a lighter mayo alternative.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or a little sriracha for heat.
Other Delicious Condiments:
Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)
xoxo ~Sue
Pesto Mayo Recipe
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3 Tablespoons homemade pesto sauce
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Make homemade pesto sauce. In a large food processor, combine fresh basil, garlic, freshly grated parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and salt & pepper. Pulse for about one minute. Then drizzle extra-virgin olive oil in food processor as it runs. Spoon into a bowl.
- Make pesto mayo. Combine about 3/4 cup mayonnaise, three tablespoons of homemade basil pesto sauce, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Stir to combine.3/4 cup mayonnaise, 3 Tablespoons homemade pesto sauce, 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Serve. Use pesto mayo on your favorite sandwiches, wraps, etc.
Notes
- We love pesto mayo on a simple deli sandwich or wrap.
- Try it on our Club Sandwich with Pesto Mayo.
- Breakfast sandwiches with eggs and bacon
- Salmon Burgers or Turkey Burgers
- As a dressing for pasta salad
- As a dip for chips or Baked Garlic Home Fries