Dairy Free Classic Aioli
Rich, garlicky, and impossibly silky, this classic aioli is the kind of condiment that makes everything it touches taste better — from roasted vegetables to crusty bread to grilled proteins. The ingredient list is refreshingly short: garlic, egg yolks, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. That's it, and that's exactly why it works so well for anyone avoiding dairy. No cream, no butter, no hidden milk derivatives — just a clean, bold emulsion built entirely on pantry staples. The technique is the real star here. Pounding the garlic into a paste with salt before whisking it into the yolks gives the finished sauce a depth and smoothness that pre-minced garlic simply can't match. Adding the olive oil drop by drop at first is the non-negotiable step that locks in that luscious, thick texture — rush it and the emulsion breaks, take your time and you get something that looks and tastes like it came from a serious kitchen. Bright lemon juice keeps the richness in check and lifts the whole thing beautifully.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 3 cloves garlic
- ¼ tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 2 pasteurized egg yolks
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp cold water
- ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- 1
Using a mortar and pestle (or the flat of a knife on a cutting board), pound or mince the garlic with the 1/4 tsp kosher salt until it forms a smooth, sticky paste with no visible chunks remaining.
- 2
Transfer the garlic paste to a medium bowl. Add the pasteurized egg yolks, lemon juice, and cold water, and whisk together until the mixture is uniform and slightly pale, about 30 seconds.
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