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This creamy avocado garlic aioli transforms ordinary sandwiches into gourmet creations and elevates simple veggies into crave-worthy snacks. I discovered this recipe during a summer picnic season when looking for something beyond basic mayo, and it's become my signature spread for everything from burgers to crudité platters.
This recipe saved me countless times when unexpected guests arrived. The first time I made it was for a backyard BBQ, and people were literally scraping the bowl clean with potato chips!
Ingredients
- Mayonnaise: Forms the rich base while keeping everything smooth
- Sour cream: Adds tanginess and balances the richness
- Ripe avocado: Provides the velvety texture; look for ones that yield slightly to pressure
- Fresh garlic cloves: Brings essential punchy flavor; choose firm bulbs without sprouts
- Basil leaves: Contribute freshness and aromatic notes
- Shallot: Offers a milder sweeter onion flavor
- Lemon juice: Brightens the flavor and prevents browning
- Banana pepper: Adds subtle heat without overwhelming
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning to your taste preference
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep ingredients:
- Roughly chop the avocado, garlic, basil, shallot, and banana pepper. No need for precision as everything will be processed together. The rough chopping simply helps your food processor blend everything more efficiently and ensures no large chunks remain in the final aioli.
- Combine in food processor:
- Add mayonnaise, sour cream, the chopped ingredients, lemon juice, salt and pepper to your food processor. Make sure to scrape the avocado flesh completely from its skin and include all the aromatic components. The order doesn't matter much, but putting liquids on the bottom can help with initial blending.
- Blend until smooth:
- Process all ingredients for about 30-45 seconds until completely smooth. You may need to stop once or twice to scrape down the sides of the processor bowl to ensure everything is incorporated evenly. The texture should be creamy and consistent with no visible chunks.
- Taste and adjust:
- Sample your aioli and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want more salt, pepper, or lemon juice depending on your preference. If you desire more heat, add additional banana pepper. For a thinner consistency, incorporate a small splash of water or olive oil.
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The banana pepper is actually my secret ingredient here. Most people expect the typical garlic aioli flavor profile, but the mild heat and subtle tangy notes make guests wonder what that special something is. My nephew once ate this with plain potato chips and declared it was better than any store-bought dip he'd ever tried!
Make It Your Own
The beauty of this aioli lies in its adaptability. For a spicier version, swap the banana pepper for jalapeño or add a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Cilantro lovers can replace basil with fresh cilantro leaves for a completely different flavor direction. Experiment with additions like roasted red peppers, capers, or even a small amount of honey for unique variations.
Serving Suggestions
This verdant spread shines brightest on sandwiches, particularly with grilled chicken, turkey, or veggie burgers. It also makes a luxurious dipping sauce for sweet potato fries, roasted artichokes, or fresh vegetable platters. For an elegant appetizer, serve with chilled poached shrimp. The aioli can even be thinned slightly with extra lemon juice and olive oil to create a magnificent salad dressing for hearty greens.
Storage Tips
To maximize freshness, store your aioli in an airtight container with minimal headspace. The key to preventing discoloration is placing plastic wrap directly on the surface of the aioli before securing the lid. This technique creates a barrier against oxidation. While the spread maintains peak flavor for about three days, the texture remains pleasant for up to five days. Freezing is not recommended as it can cause separation and texture changes upon thawing.
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This creamy, versatile aioli is a game-changer for both casual snacks and fancy occasions. Make it once, and you'll always want a batch on hand!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long does this avocado garlic aioli keep in the refrigerator?
The avocado garlic aioli will keep for 2-3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The lemon juice helps prevent browning, but for best flavor and appearance, consume it within this timeframe.
- → Can I make this aioli without mayonnaise?
Yes, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, though the consistency and flavor will be slightly different. You may need to adjust the seasonings to compensate for yogurt's tanginess.
- → What can I serve with avocado garlic aioli?
This versatile aioli works beautifully as a sandwich spread, burger topping, dip for vegetables or chips, sauce for grilled chicken or fish, or even as a dressing for salads or grain bowls.
- → How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
The lemon juice in the recipe helps prevent browning. For additional protection, place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the aioli when storing to minimize air exposure, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- → Can I make this aioli spicier?
Absolutely! Add a jalapeño or serrano pepper (seeds removed for moderate heat or included for more intensity), a dash of hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the spice level to your preference.
- → Is there a substitute for banana pepper?
Yes, you can substitute the banana pepper with pepperoncini, mild green chiles, or even a small amount of pickled jalapeño for a similar tangy-spicy element. Alternatively, you could use more lemon juice and a pinch of red pepper flakes.