Pesto Mayo

We’ve whipped up a truly delicious sauce in our kitchen - creamy pesto mayo. It’s easy, straightforward to make, and elevates dishes - the perfect condiment for sandwiches, burgers, side dishes, and salads.

Pesto

We’ve always been fans of pesto. Its versatility is what makes it a staple in our kitchen. Whether it’s the classic basil pesto or something more adventurous, we use it in everything! From sauces to dressings, pesto adds a fresh, herby kick that we can’t get enough of.

We usually prefer making our pesto at home. It’s surprisingly simple, and the freshness beats any store-bought variety. The rich flavors are unbeatable. If you have a food processor it’s even easier, so we highly recommend giving homemade pesto a try. However, we get it – life gets busy. If you’re short on time, grab some store-bought pesto. It works just fine.

• Garlic: Adds a robust, slightly spicy touch that complements the other ingredients in pesto. Its flavor is distinct, but not overpowering, lending just the right amount of zest.
• Basil: The main ingredient, basil, offers a fresh and herby flavor, essential for that classic pesto taste. It’s the basil that gives pesto its signature aroma and green color.
• Parmesan: The cheese adds a touch of nuttiness and a hint of saltiness, subtly enhancing the pesto’s overall flavor without dominating it.
• Pine nuts: They provide a mild, buttery texture and a slight sweetness, balancing out the more robust flavors of garlic and parmesan. They’re a small but essential part of the pesto’s unique taste.
• Olive oil: Olive oil helps to blend all the ingredients, creating a smooth, cohesive sauce. It also adds a gentle fruity note, complementing the other flavors in the pesto.

Once your pesto is ready, be it homemade or store-bought, gently fold it into the mayo - our rule of thumb is to mix a cup of mayo with each cup of pesto for that perfect blend.

This sauce adds a touch of elegance and a whole lot of yum to any dish. It’s our little secret to making everyday meals something special!

Mayo

For this recipe, we’re using our homemade mayonnaise because the taste is so much deeper and richer than store-bought mayo, but of course, store-bought mayo still works well in this recipe.

Extras

We absolutely adore trying different versions of a dish, and pesto mayo has been fun to play with. Here are our favorite spins on pesto mayo;

• Sun-dried tomato: A tangy twist, blending sun-dried tomatoes into the pesto for a richer, slightly sweet, and tart flavor.
• Vegan: Made with vegan parmesan and plant-based mayo, catering to those following a vegan diet without compromising on taste.
• Spicy: For those who like heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the pesto mayo.
• Lemon basil: Incorporating lemon zest and a bit of lemon juice for a citrusy, refreshing variant.
• Roasted red pepper: Blending roasted red peppers into the pesto for a smoky, sweet dimension.
• Walnut arugula: Use arugula instead of basil and walnuts instead of pine nuts for a peppery, earthy flavor.
• Cilantro lime: Substituting cilantro for basil and adding lime is ideal for a Mexican-inspired twist.
• Truffle: Adding a bit of truffle oil or finely chopped truffles for a luxurious, gourmet version.

Top it with pesto mayo

We’ve been playing around in our kitchen with this sauce and discovered some fantastic ways to incorporate pesto mayo into our meals - here are our top picks;

• Sandwiches and wraps: A flavorful spread that elevates the taste of turkey, chicken, or veggie sandwiches and wraps.
• Burgers: A delightful topping for beef, chicken, or plant-based burgers, adding a unique herby twist; try it out with our egg burger recipe.
• Pasta salads: Mix into pasta salads for a creamy, herby flavor boost.
• Grilled vegetables: Drizzle over or toss with grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant.
• Roast potatoes: Use as a dip or a topping for roast potatoes, giving them an extra zing.
• Fish dishes: Perfect as a sauce on grilled or baked fish, like salmon or tilapia.
• Chicken salad: Stir into chicken salad for an extra layer of flavor.
• Bruschetta and crostini: Spread on top for a tasty appetizer option.
• Vegetables: A great addition to plain steamed or boiled vegetables, transforming them into a more exciting side dish.
• Eggs: Excellent with boiled, poached, or scrambled eggs, bringing a fresh dimension to your breakfast.

If you’re as excited about pesto as we are, check out another recipe we adore – Pesto Aioli. It’s another fantastic way to incorporate pesto into your meals.