Aioli vs. Mayo — What's the Difference?

Aioli and mayo are both popular condiments, but they have distinctive compositions and origins. Aioli, traditional to Mediterranean cuisine, is known for its robust flavor, primarily made from garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and often egg yolks. It is used to enhance the flavor of various dishes, offering a garlicky and vibrant taste. Mayo, on the other hand, is a mild-flavored, creamy condiment composed of oil, egg yolks, and either vinegar or lemon juice, often used as a spread or a base for dressings and sauces.

Mayo, with its subtle and versatile flavor, serves as a crucial ingredient in numerous culinary creations, acting as a binding agent for salads and providing a creamy texture to sandwiches and burgers. It is universally known and extensively used in various cuisines. In contrast, aioli, with its pronounced garlic flavor and thicker texture, is generally used as a dip or a spread, complementing dishes like seafood, grilled vegetables, and meats, and is especially popular in Mediterranean cuisine.

Aioli’s defining characteristic is its predominant garlic flavor, distinguishing it from mayo. While both can have a creamy texture, aioli often has a more robust and richer flavor profile, owing to the presence of garlic and olive oil. Mayo, with its neutral taste, provides a smooth and creamy consistency to dishes, serving as a backdrop that allows other ingredients to shine, making it a versatile addition to diverse recipes.

While mayo is often used as a base to create various flavored mayonnaises by adding different ingredients like herbs, spices, or other flavorings, aioli, with its bold flavor, is usually enjoyed in its original form, highlighting the garlic and olive oil. Both condiments, with their distinct tastes and textures, offer unique enhancements to the culinary world, enriching a wide range of dishes with their respective flavors.

The differentiation between aioli and mayo is substantial, considering their individual flavor profiles and usages. Aioli’s garlic and olive oil components bring a zesty and flavorful impact to dishes, while mayo’s mild and creamy nature makes it a versatile culinary element, providing balance and richness to a variety of recipes.