Kitchen Divas

  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Work With Us
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Work With Us
  • Subscribe
    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Contact
    • Work With Us
    • Subscribe
    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Appetizer Recipes

    Pesto Mayo

    Published: Feb 25, 2023 · Modified: Jul 10, 2025 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

    Share
    Pin
    Post
    Email
    Share
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This pesto mayo recipe will have you looking at mayonnaise so differently. Zesty pesto and mayo come together to create a delicious flavor combo that works with almost anything.

    Closeup photo of Pesto Mayo served in a bowl.

    I love pesto, and I love mayo. So like any good cook, I decided to smush them together and see what happened. The result was a delicious condiment that's full of flavor and so good with so many different foods.

    Pesto Mayo Recipe

    This was inspired by my basil aioli recipe and my avocado aioli recipe on this site and makes a great topping for my smoked hamburgers or crab cakes.

    Why You Will Love this Recipe

    • It's easy to make and works well with a variety of dishes.
    • It's ready in just 5 minutes and makes enough for you to use it to your heart's content.
    • It's a versatile dish that can be used on sandwiches, burgers, pasta, or even used as a dip.

    Top Tip:

    For the best flavor, let the mayo chill overnight to allow the flavors to meld fully.

    Ingredients

    It only takes a handful of ingredients to make this mayo, and it's all readily available at your local grocery store. Be sure to check the recipe card at the end of the post for exact amounts.

    Overhead photo of Pesto Mayo ingredients.
    • Basil pesto
    • Mayonnaise
    • Chopped fresh basil
    • Fresh lemon juice

    Substitutions and Variations

    • Basil Pesto - use sun dried tomato, roasted red pepper, your favorite pesto or tapenade instead.
    • Mayonnaise - Use flavored mayo like garlic, chipotle or your favorite variety, sour cream, greek yogurt, fresh, mashed avocado instead.
    • Chopped Fresh Basil - use fresh parsley, oregano, cilantro, dill, thyme, or rosemary instead.
    • Fresh Lemon Juice - add balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar instead.
    • Add Flavor - Add a teaspoon of minced garlic or garlic powder, onion powder or onion flakes or lemon zest for some more fresh lemon flavor.
    • Add More Flavor- add a few tablespoons of your favorite mustard, like Dijon, some hummus or mashed, ripe avocado to mixture for some added flavor and creaminess.
    • Cheese Please - Add grated parmesan or pecorino romano cheese to add another layer of flavor.
    • Spicy - Add a teaspoon of chili pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, jalapeno powder, smoked jalapeno powder, or chipotle powder to the mixture to imbue heat into the dish. I will also occasionally add a teaspoon of our homemade hot pepper sauce, or use your favorite hot sauce, to the mixture.

    How to Make Pesto Mayo

    Normally, this is where we'd list the highlights of how to make the recipe. The thing is, though, there's only one step to this one!

    All Pesto Mayo ingredients inside a glass bowl
    Hand squeezing a lemon half into the bowl of Pesto Mayo ingredients

    Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly until well combined.

    Pesto Mayo mixed and served inside a bowl.
    Closeup photo of Pesto Mayo served inside a bowl

    Refrigerate covered ina an airtight container for at least an hour or until needed.

    Closeup photo of a spoonful of Pesto Mayo held above a bowl of Pesto Mayo

    Storage

    Refrigerator: Store in an air-tight container for up to 5 days.

    Freezer: Do not freeze this recipe. They mayonnaise will break and make a runny disgusting mess.

    Make Ahead: This mayo is better the next day, so making it ahead is a great idea.

    What to Serve with Pesto Mayonnaise

    This delicious mayonnaise variation is perfect for sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, and more. It also makes a great substitute for regular mayo in sauces and dressings.

    Tips

    • For a thinner pesto mayo that's more like a dip, add a little olive oil.
    • Use this as a marinade for chicken or fish before baking.
    • Toast some sliced bread as an accompaniment when serving this delicious condiment, sprinkled with chopped walnuts or pine nuts for extra crunch and texture
    • Use fresh basil for the best flavor and most vibrant color.
    • Spruce up your macaroni and cheese recipe by stirring in pesto mayonnaise.

    FAQ

    Do you have questions about pesto mayo? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about this pesto mayo recipe.

    How much does this recipe make?

    This recipe will make 36 servings.

    How long does it take to make this mayo?

    It only takes bout 5 minutes to make.

    Can I add other ingredients to this pesto may?

    Absolutely. You can add things like garlic, red pepper flakes, or grated parmesan cheese.

    Overhead closeup photo of Pesto Mayo served inside a bowl

    More Mayo Dip Recipes

    If you like pesto try our Salsa Pesto. Do you like mayo dips? Here some recipes you may also like to try.

    • Chipotle Mayonnaise served with a tortilla chip the side.
      Chipotle Mayonnaise
    • A hot dog being dipped into honey mustard mayo..
      Honey Mustard Mayo
    • A bowl of garlic mayo with a onion ring being dipped into it.
      Garlic Mayo
    • Best Dip Recipes for Any Occasion

    Pesto Mayo

    Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.

    Pesto Mayo

    Karin and Ken
    This pesto mayo recipe is ready in a flash and adds a blast of flavor to everything from sandwiches to hot dogs. Give it a try!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 5 minutes mins
    Course Condiment
    Cuisine American
    Servings 36
    Calories 67 kcal

    Equipment

    • Measuring cups and spoons
    • mixing bowl
    • whisk
    • spatula
    • mason jar

    Ingredients
      

    • 8 oz basil pesto
    • 1 cup mayonnaise
    • ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
    • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Place all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl and mix until well-combined.
    • Transfer mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate.
    • Pesto mayo will last about 4-5 days before it begins to discolor.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 67kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 0.4gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 98mgPotassium: 2mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 140IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 11mgIron: 0.1mg
    Keyword pesto mayo
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Closeup photo of Pesto Mayo served inside a bowl
    Share
    Pin
    Post
    Email
    Share

    More Appetizer Recipes

    • A wooden spoon holding some peanut butter Chex mix.
      Peanut Butter Chex Mix
    • Cheddar Chex Mix in a wooden bowl.
      Cheddar Chex Mix
    • Lemon Chex Mix
    • A bite of buffalo snake mix held in the air.
      Buffalo Snack Mix

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating





    Welcome!

    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life, Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

    More about us

    Most Popular Summer Salads!

    • Cucumber and onion salad in vinegar in a bowl.
      Old-Fashioned Cucumbers and Onions in Vinegar
    • Cold asparagus salad on a plate with spoonful held above it.
      Easy Cold Asparagus Salad
    • Mediterranean Tortellini Caprese Salad (Costco Copycat)
    • A bowl of creamy cucumber salad.
      Creamy Cucumber Salad

    More Red, White and Blue Desserts ➡️

    Summer Favorites

    • Grandma's Old Fashioned Fruit Salad
    • A bowl of cheesecake fruit salad with a wooden spoon.
      Cheesecake Fruit Salad
    • Orange fluff salad in a teal colored bowl on a table with marshmallows and mandarin oranges around the bowl.
      Orange Fluff Salad
    • A slice of cherry cream cheese pie on a plate.
      Cherry Cream Cheese Pie (No Bake)

    More Sweet Treats ➡️

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign up for emails and what's new!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Us

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Kitchen Divas All Rights Reserved