My Lemon Garlic Aioli is the easiest way to instantly upgrade any meal with bold, zesty flavor! I crafted this recipe using mayo as the base and mixed in grated garlic and lemon juice to create a smooth, garlicky sauce that’s ready in just 1 minute. It’s the perfect dip for chicken, seafood, or fries—once you try it, you’ll want to put it on everything!
Why I Love This Recipe
I crafted this Lemon Garlic Aioli as an easy American-style sauce that’s perfect for pairing with seafood like some Grilled Shrimp or Crabcakes! Instead of the traditional method of emulsifying garlic and olive oil, I use the same foolproof shortcut from my Old Bay Aioli and Seafood Aioli recipes by starting with mayo, then mixing in garlic and lemon juice for a creamy, zesty, and garlicky flavor that’s ready in under a minute!
This is for anyone who wants a quick, delicious dipping sauce without needing a food processor—just mix it up and you’re done. Trust me, once you taste how good this is, you’ll want to make it for every seafood night!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1/4 Cup Mayonnaise – standard mayo used for the base of the American-style aioli sauce.
- 1 Clove Garlic – freshly grated.
- 1 tsp Lemon Juice – freshly squeezed

Directions
Step 1 Mix mayo, grated garlic, and lemon juice until well combined.

Recipe Variations
For a simple variation, try my Old Bay Aioli where the focus shifts from lemon zest to the bold, savory notes of Old Bay seasoning—perfect if you’re craving a more classic seafood-style dip. If you’re looking for something crafted specifically to pair with a wide range of seafood dishes, my Seafood Aioli is a great choice!
Pairing Recommendations
This aioli pairs perfectly with a variety of seafood dishes. Use it as a creamy, zesty dip alongside my shrimp cakes to turn them into a flavorful Lemon Aioli Shrimp Cake or pair them with my Crabcakes! It also works beautifully as a dipping sauce for grilled seafood like my Grilled Shrimp or Grilled Lobster, adding a fresh, garlicky finish that enhances every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
While you can use garlic powder in a pinch, I highly recommend sticking with fresh grated garlic for the best flavor and aroma.
What should I do if my aioli is too thick?
You can thin it out with a small splash of lemon juice, a squeeze at a time.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where they will keep for 7-10 days or potentially longer.
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Watch How To Make It
Lemon Garlic Aioli
Ingredients
- 1/4 Cup Mayo
- 1 Clove Garlic grated
- 1 tsp Lemon Juice
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Mix mayo, grated garlic, and lemon juice until well combined.
Nutrition
*Values Based Per Serving

