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5-Minute Creamy Pesto Mayonnaise Recipe (Quick & Easy)

5-Minute Creamy Pesto Mayonnaise

A rich, tangy, basil-packed spread and dipping sauce made with mayonnaise, prepared pesto, lemon juice, and simple seasonings. It takes only 5 minutes and makes about 2/3 cup.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise, preferably full-fat
  • 2 tablespoons Prepared basil pesto
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh lemon juice
Seasoning
  • 1/8 teaspoon, or to taste Fine salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon, or to taste Freshly ground black pepper
Optional
  • 1 clove Small garlic clove, finely grated or minced

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Add the mayonnaise, prepared pesto, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to a small bowl. Add the grated or minced garlic if using.
  2. Stir thoroughly until the sauce is completely smooth and evenly combined, with no pale streaks of mayonnaise remaining.
  3. Taste the pesto mayonnaise and adjust with more pesto, lemon juice, salt, or pepper as needed. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 10–15 minutes so the flavors can blend.

Notes

Use thick, good-quality mayonnaise and pesto with a vivid basil flavor. For a thinner sauce, whisk in 1–2 teaspoons of water, lemon juice, or olive oil. For stronger pesto flavor, increase the pesto to 3 tablespoons while keeping the mayonnaise at 1/2 cup. Keep covered and refrigerated, and use homemade mixtures within 3–5 days.