Aioli vs. Mayo: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Aioli is a Mediterranean sauce made of garlic and olive oil; mayonnaise is a thick, creamy dressing made from egg yolks, oil, and vinegar or lemon juice.
Key Differences
Aioli, originating from Mediterranean cuisine, is traditionally made with garlic and olive oil. Mayo, short for mayonnaise, is a Western sauce made primarily from egg yolks, oil, and either vinegar or lemon juice.
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Dec 04, 2023
Aioli has a strong garlic flavor and a slightly coarser texture due to its olive oil base. Mayo is known for its creamy, smooth texture and a more neutral, slightly tangy flavor.
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Dec 04, 2023
Aioli is often used as a condiment in Mediterranean dishes, enhancing the flavor of seafood, vegetables, and meats. Mayo is a versatile ingredient in Western cuisine, used in sandwiches, salads, and as a base for various sauces and dressings.
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Dec 04, 2023
Traditional aioli is made by emulsifying garlic with olive oil, often using a mortar and pestle. Mayo is prepared by emulsifying egg yolks with oil and either vinegar or lemon juice, typically using a whisk or blender.
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Dec 04, 2023
Aioli is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, particularly in regions like Provence and Catalonia. Mayo, having broader global popularity, is a fundamental element in many American and European dishes.
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Dec 04, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Main Ingredients
Garlic and olive oil.
Egg yolks, oil, vinegar or lemon juice.
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Preparation
Emulsified manually with mortar.
Emulsified with whisk or blender.
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Dec 04, 2023
Culinary Use
Condiment for seafood, vegetables.
Sandwiches, salads, sauce base.
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Dec 04, 2023
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Aioli and Mayo Definitions
Aioli
Aioli is a garlic-flavored Mediterranean sauce.
The grilled vegetables were served with a side of aioli.
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Nov 25, 2023
Mayo
Mayo is a versatile condiment used in Western cuisine.
Mayo is a key ingredient in many sandwich spreads.
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Nov 25, 2023
Aioli
Aioli is a Mediterranean spread used in various dishes.
The sandwich was enhanced with a layer of homemade aioli.
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Nov 25, 2023
Mayo
Mayo is an emulsified mixture of oil, egg yolk, and acid.
For the aioli, she started with a basic mayo base.
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Nov 25, 2023
Aioli
Aioli is a traditional Provencal sauce.
For the seafood dish, the chef prepared a fresh aioli.
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Nov 25, 2023
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Mayo
Mayo is a thick, creamy sauce made from egg yolks and oil.
She made a tuna salad with homemade mayo.
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Nov 25, 2023
Aioli
Aioli is an emulsion of garlic and olive oil.
Aioli is often used as a dip for bread in Spanish cuisine.
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Nov 25, 2023
Mayo
Mayo is a base for many salad dressings and sauces.
The recipe called for mayo to make the creamy dressing.
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Nov 25, 2023
Aioli
Aioli is a garlic-based condiment.
The aioli added a flavorful touch to the potato salad.
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Nov 25, 2023
Mayo
Mayo, short for mayonnaise, is a staple in American kitchens.
Mayo is often used as a spread on burgers and sandwiches.
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Nov 25, 2023
Aioli
A rich sauce of crushed garlic, egg yolks, lemon juice, and olive oil.
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Oct 19, 2023
Aioli
A type of sauce, similar to mayonnaise, made from garlic, egg, lemon juice and olive oil.
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Oct 19, 2023
Aioli
A French garlic-flavored mayonnaise. It is often served with fish and other seafood, and sometimes with vegetables.
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is aioli?
Aioli is a Mediterranean sauce made primarily of garlic and olive oil.
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Dec 04, 2023
Is aioli the same as garlic mayo?
Not exactly. While both contain garlic, traditional aioli is made without eggs, while garlic mayo is essentially mayo with added garlic.
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Dec 04, 2023
Can mayo be made without eggs?
Yes, there are egg-free versions of mayo, often labeled as vegan mayonnaise.
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Dec 04, 2023
What dishes is aioli commonly used with?
Aioli is commonly used with seafood, vegetables, and as a spread in sandwiches.
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Dec 04, 2023
How is aioli traditionally made?
Traditionally, aioli is made by emulsifying garlic with olive oil, often using a mortar and pestle.
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Dec 04, 2023
Is mayo used in cooking or just as a condiment?
Mayo is versatile and used both as a condiment and in cooking, such as in dressings, sauces, and even in baking.
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Dec 04, 2023
What are the basic ingredients of mayo?
The basic ingredients of mayo are egg yolks, oil (like vegetable or canola), and an acid such as vinegar or lemon juice.
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Dec 04, 2023
Is aioli always made with olive oil?
Traditional aioli is made with olive oil, but modern variations might use other types of oil.
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Dec 04, 2023
Is aioli healthier than mayo?
It depends on the specific ingredients and dietary needs, but aioli usually has a simpler ingredient list.
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Dec 04, 2023
What is mayo?
Mayo, short for mayonnaise, is a creamy sauce made from egg yolks, oil, and an acid like vinegar or lemon juice.
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Dec 04, 2023
How long does homemade mayo last?
Homemade mayo typically lasts about 1 week when refrigerated.
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Dec 04, 2023
Can you make aioli without garlic?
While garlic is a key ingredient in traditional aioli, some modern variations might omit it.
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Can you use aioli in place of mayo?
Yes, aioli can often be used in place of mayo, but it will add a distinct garlic flavor to the dish.
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Dec 04, 2023
What makes mayo thick and creamy?
The emulsification of egg yolks and oil creates mayo’s thick and creamy texture.
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Dec 04, 2023
Does mayo contain dairy?
No, traditional mayonnaise does not contain dairy.
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Dec 04, 2023
Is there a difference in flavor between aioli and mayo?
Yes, aioli typically has a strong garlic flavor, while mayo has a more neutral, slightly tangy taste.
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Dec 04, 2023
Can aioli be made with a blender or food processor?
Yes, modern methods often use a blender or food processor for convenience.
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Dec 04, 2023
How is mayo used in baking?
Mayo can be used in baking to add moisture and richness to cakes and other baked goods.
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Dec 04, 2023
Can aioli be store-bought?
Yes, aioli is available pre-made in many grocery stores.
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Dec 04, 2023
Are there different types of aioli?
Yes, there are various flavored aiolis, incorporating ingredients like saffron, lemon, or herbs.
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Dec 04, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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