If you have ever craved a rich, tangy, and luscious condiment that brings brightness and depth to any dish, then this Creamy Homemade Mayonnaise with Lemon and Garlic Recipe is your new best friend. It’s incredibly fresh and vibrant thanks to the zesty lemon and punchy garlic, all whipped into a perfectly smooth mayonnaise that elevates everything from sandwiches to salads. Making it yourself means no preservatives, no mystery ingredients—just wholesome goodness you can taste and feel proud of.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There is a group of seven small dishes and a glass measuring cup on a white marbled surface. In the top left, a white round dish holds a single brown egg. Next to it on the right is a small speckled white dish with a dollop of yellow mustard. Below the mustard dish is a small brown wooden plate with a pile of white salt. To the left of the salt is a small white dish holding minced garlic. Above that garlic dish is a small brown bowl filled with bright yellow lemon zest. In the center is a white bowl holding clear liquid, possibly vinegar or oil. On the far right is a clear glass measuring cup filled with a greenish-yellow liquid. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that are easy to find yet absolutely essential. Each brings something unique: the egg provides creaminess and structure, garlic delivers a savory kick, and the lemon adds that crisp citrus note to lighten the rich texture. The oil creates the silky body of the mayonnaise, while the Dijon mustard helps with emulsification and adds subtle tang.

1 large egg, room temperature: Ensures smooth emulsification and a creamy base.
1 garlic clove, grated: Adds a punch of savory, aromatic flavor without overpowering.
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard: Helps the sauce emulsify perfectly and adds a mild tang.
¼ teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste: Enhances all the flavors naturally.
1 teaspoon lemon zest, optional: Intensifies the lemony brightness in the mayo.
2 teaspoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon): Provides fresh acidity and brightness.
¾ cup neutral oil: Such as extra light olive oil, safflower, or grapeseed oil for a clean taste and silky texture.

How to Make Creamy Homemade Mayonnaise with Lemon and Garlic Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you start, make sure your egg is at room temperature for an easier emulsification process. Grate the garlic finely so it blends smoothly into the mayo without gritty bits. If you’re using lemon zest, zest the lemon first, then juice it to have everything ready to go.

Step 2: Combine Egg, Garlic, Mustard, and Seasoning

In a tall container or bowl, add the egg, grated garlic, Dijon mustard, sea salt, lemon zest if using, and lemon juice. Whisk or blend these ingredients until they are well combined and slightly frothy, setting a flavorful foundation for your mayonnaise.

Step 3: Slowly Add the Oil While Emulsifying

This is the magic moment. Begin adding the oil drop by drop while whisking vigorously, or if using a blender or food processor, pour it in a slow, steady stream. This controlled addition allows the oil to emulsify with the egg mixture, turning it from liquid to a thick, creamy texture.

Step 4: Adjust Seasoning and Consistency

Once all the oil is incorporated, taste your mayonnaise and add extra salt or lemon juice as you prefer. If the mayo feels too thick, whisk in a teaspoon of warm water to reach your ideal consistency. The result is a perfectly smooth and creamy spread that bursts with fresh lemon and garlic flavor.

How to Serve Creamy Homemade Mayonnaise with Lemon and Garlic Recipe

A clear glass jar sits on a white marbled surface filled with two layers of food ingredients: a thick pale yellow creamy layer at the bottom, topped with a lighter golden liquid layer with bubbles forming along the edges. A silver immersion blender is inserted into the jar, partly blending the contents, creating a visible swirling texture where the two layers mix near the blender head. The background is plain and white, keeping the focus on the jar and blender. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, chives, or even a pinch of smoked paprika on top adds a pop of color and an enticing aroma to your homemade mayonnaise. These simple touches can elevate your presentation and hint at the flavors inside.

Side Dishes

This mayo pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or crispy fries. Its bright lemony zing and garlicky depth provide a refreshing contrast to savory, spicy, or crunchy dishes, making it a versatile companion for many meals.

Creative Ways to Present

Use it as a base for salad dressings by thinning it with a little extra lemon juice or vinegar. Dollop it generously onto open-faced sandwiches or burgers for a gourmet touch. You can even mix it with fresh herbs or finely chopped pickles for a flavorful aioli twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Homemade Mayonnaise with Lemon and Garlic Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to one week, allowing you to enjoy this bright and creamy treat any time you want.

Freezing

Freezing homemade mayonnaise is not recommended as the texture usually separates and becomes watery upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term use.

Reheating

This mayonnaise is designed to be served cold or at room temperature. Reheating will break down the emulsion and ruin the creamy texture, so avoid warming it up and instead prepare just enough for your immediate needs.

FAQs

Can I use pasteurized eggs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Pasteurized eggs are a safe and suitable alternative, especially if you’re concerned about raw eggs. They emulsify just as well and keep your creamy mayonnaise safe to enjoy.

What oil works best for the best flavor?

Neutral oils like extra light olive oil, grapeseed, or safflower oil are ideal because they don’t overpower the delicate lemon and garlic flavors in this recipe. Avoid strong-flavored oils unless you want to add a unique twist.

How can I make the mayonnaise thicker?

If your mayonnaise is thinner than you like, try adding the oil more slowly during emulsification or whisking in a little more mustard which helps thicken the mixture naturally.

Can I add other herbs or spices to this recipe?

Definitely! This recipe is a great base for experimentation. Fresh herbs like dill, basil, or tarragon, or spices like smoked paprika or cayenne, can be mixed in to create exciting variations of the classic.

Is this mayonnaise suitable for vegan diets?

This recipe contains egg, so it is not vegan. However, you can explore vegan mayonnaise alternatives made with aquafaba or plant-based ingredients if you need to avoid eggs.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Homemade Mayonnaise with Lemon and Garlic Recipe isn’t just a condiment—it’s a celebration of fresh flavors and homemade goodness. I encourage you to try it out and discover how easy it is to transform everyday ingredients into something truly special. Once you taste that tangy, garlicky creaminess, store-bought mayo will feel like a thing of the past!