Aioli is a classic Mediterranean sauce known for its creamy texture and punchy garlic flavor. Traditionally, it’s an emulsion of garlic, olive oil, and egg yolks, which makes it a challenge for those following a vegan lifestyle.
But fear not! This vegan aioli sauce recipe reinvents the beloved condiment with plant-based ingredients that deliver the same rich, tangy taste without any animal products.
Whether you’re dipping crispy fries, spreading it on a sandwich, or swirling it into roasted vegetables, this aioli adds a burst of flavor to elevate your meals.
In this post, I’ll guide you through a simple, foolproof method to whip up a luscious vegan aioli at home. It’s quick to make, uses pantry staples, and can be customized to suit your taste buds.
Plus, it’s a fantastic gateway to explore more vegan sauces like our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes. Ready to dive in?
Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan aioli sauce is incredibly versatile and packed with flavor. Its creamy texture mimics traditional aioli without eggs or dairy, thanks to the magic of aquafaba and silken tofu.
It’s a healthy alternative that’s lower in fat but still indulgent enough to satisfy your cravings.
Aside from being vegan-friendly, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and soy-free if you choose the right tofu, making it accessible for many dietary needs. It’s also customizable—you can make it mild or garlicky, smoky or herby, depending on your mood and meal pairing.
Best of all, it comes together in under 10 minutes! If you enjoy quick plant-based sauces, you might also like our Lipton Vegetable Dip Recipe: Easy Party Favorite or the Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Silken tofu (soft) | 1/2 cup (120g) |
Aquafaba (chickpea liquid) | 2 tbsp |
Garlic cloves, minced | 2 large |
Lemon juice, freshly squeezed | 2 tbsp |
Dijon mustard | 1 tsp |
Olive oil, extra virgin | 1/3 cup (80ml) |
Salt | 1/2 tsp (or to taste) |
Black pepper, freshly ground | 1/4 tsp |
Optional: smoked paprika or fresh herbs (parsley, chives) | To taste |
Equipment
- Food processor or high-speed blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Small bowl for aquafaba
- Spatula
- Storage container with lid
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients. Start by draining the silken tofu to remove excess water. Mince your garlic cloves finely or crush them using a garlic press for maximum flavor release.
- Add tofu, aquafaba, garlic, lemon juice, and mustard into your food processor or blender. These ingredients form the base of your aioli, providing creaminess, tang, and that signature tangy kick.
- Blend on medium speed until smooth. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides with a spatula, ensuring an even mixture without any lumps.
- With the blender running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. This gradual emulsification step is crucial to create that silky texture that makes aioli so irresistible.
- Season with salt and pepper. Blend briefly to incorporate. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If you want a smoky hint, add a pinch of smoked paprika now.
- Transfer the aioli to a storage container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your homemade vegan aioli as a dip, spread, or sauce.
Tips & Variations
Pro tip: If you prefer less garlic intensity, start with one clove and add more after blending if desired.
For a nutty twist, try substituting half the olive oil with toasted walnut or avocado oil. This variation adds depth and richness to your aioli, perfect for drizzling over roasted veggies.
Want to add herbs? Fresh basil, dill, or tarragon tossed in right before blending can brighten the aioli and complement Mediterranean dishes beautifully.
If aquafaba isn’t on hand, you can replace it with a tablespoon of unsweetened plant-based milk (like oat or almond) plus a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to help with emulsification.
To explore more vegan-friendly condiments, check out our Garden Vegetable Cream Cheese Recipe for Fresh Spreads or the Soy Free Vegan Recipes for Delicious Plant-Based Meals.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per 2 tbsp serving |
---|---|
Calories | 90 kcal |
Fat | 8 g |
Saturated Fat | 1 g |
Carbohydrates | 2 g |
Fiber | 0.5 g |
Protein | 1.5 g |
Sodium | 180 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan aioli is a fantastic addition to a variety of dishes. Use it as a dipping sauce for crispy fries, roasted sweet potatoes, or crunchy vegetable sticks.
It also makes for a delicious sandwich spread, adding moisture and flavor to wraps, burgers, and paninis.
Drizzle it over grilled or roasted vegetables like asparagus, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts for an extra layer of creaminess and zest. It pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean-inspired bowls or as a sauce on grain bowls featuring quinoa, chickpeas, and fresh greens.
For a creative appetizer, serve your aioli alongside Vegetable Crackers Recipe for Healthy Homemade Snacking or blend it into a dip alongside our Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating.
Conclusion
Making vegan aioli at home is both simple and rewarding. This recipe brings together wholesome ingredients to create a creamy, garlicky sauce that rivals traditional aioli.
It’s perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the bold flavors of aioli while adhering to a plant-based diet.
With its quick preparation time, adaptable flavors, and nutritional benefits, this vegan aioli will soon become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based options, it’s a versatile sauce that can elevate almost any dish.
Don’t forget to explore other delicious vegan recipes like our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to complement your meals beautifully!
📖 Recipe Card: Aioli Sauce Recipe Vegan
Description: A creamy and flavorful vegan aioli perfect for dipping or spreading. Made with simple plant-based ingredients for a healthy twist.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT10M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked for 2 hours)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Drain and rinse soaked cashews.
- Combine cashews, water, lemon juice, garlic, and mustard in a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Slowly add olive oil while blending to emulsify.
- Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Blend again until fully combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Carbs: 4g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Aioli Sauce Recipe Vegan”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A creamy and flavorful vegan aioli perfect for dipping or spreading. Made with simple plant-based ingredients for a healthy twist.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT0M”, “totalTime”: “PT10M”, “recipeYield”: “8 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked for 2 hours)”, “1/4 cup water”, “2 tablespoons lemon juice”, “2 garlic cloves”, “1 teaspoon Dijon mustard”, “1/4 cup olive oil”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”, “1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drain and rinse soaked cashews.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine cashews, water, lemon juice, garlic, and mustard in a blender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Blend until smooth and creamy.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Slowly add olive oil while blending to emulsify.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Blend again until fully combined.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve immediately or refrigerate.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “120”, “proteinContent”: “3g”, “fatContent”: “10g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “4g”}}