The 3-Ingredient Sauce You’ll Use on EVERYTHING!

This one simple 3-ingredient Pesto Mayo is about to change the way you make your sandwiches and burgers forever.

What started as an addition to my beloved Caprese Sandwich soon transformed into our go-to sauce, spread, and even dip for anything that needs a creamy sauce!

The ingredients are simple, but the proportions are key. (I did a LOT of testing and tweaking to get it just right.) So make sure you don’t miss the recipe card at the bottom with all the deets.

An easy pesto mayo recipe is served in a small white bowl with fresh pesto and basil on top.
A ramekin of homemade pesto mayo sits next to pine nuts and a lemon.

Ingredients and Substitutions

For the exact measurements and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card below.

Mayo, pesto, lemon, and salt are the ingredients for this pesto mayo recipe.
  • Pesto. A freshly made pesto makes all the difference here. You can either make your own homemade pesto sauce, or buy a fresh one at the store—Central Market (if you’re in Texas!) and Whole Foods both have great options. Jarred pesto sauces will work, but they often don’t have that same fresh flavor.
  • Mayo. This is the bulk of the sauce, so you want to pick one you really like the taste of. For me that’s either Duke’s or Hellmann’s. Avoid Miracle Whip since it has too much added sugar. Vegan mayos and avocado-oil based mayos can work, but may slightly change the flavor.
  • Lemon juice. Just a splash adds the perfect hit of brightness and really wakes up the sauce.
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Step-by-step Instructions

Please see the recipe card below for the full instructions, ingredient amounts, and a printable recipe.

Mix the sauce.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayo, pesto, and lemon juice until smooth and fully combined.

Pro Tip: Taste and adjust! If your pesto is strong or salty, start with a little less and add more to your liking.

The pesto mayo ingredients are whisked together.
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Serve it up, or store for later.

I love using this sauce as a spread on sandwiches and burgers or even a dip for fries!

If you don’t want to use it immediately you can store it in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before using, as it may separate slightly over time.

A spoon picks up some pesto mayo from a bowl.

FAQs

Do I have to include the lemon juice?

Nope, it’s optional—but it does more than just add a little brightness. Lemon juice helps extend the freshness of the mayo by slowing oxidation, so it’s a great addition if you’re planning to store it for a few days.

Can I use homemade pesto?

Yes! Homemade pesto will give you the freshest, brightest flavor, but store-bought works great too.

Can I make it dairy-free?

If your pesto contains cheese, you can swap it for a dairy-free version or make your own without Parmesan. Just double-check the label if you’re buying it pre-made.

What to serve with Pesto Mayo

This quick condiment tastes amazing on so many sandwiches and burgers or even used as a dip! Here are some of my favorite ways to use it up:

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5 from 1 vote

Pesto Mayo Recipe

By: London Brazil
This easy Pesto Mayo comes together in minutes and adds a fresh, herby twist to sandwiches, burgers, and wraps! With just mayo, pesto, and a splash of lemon juice, it's the kind of simple sauce that makes everything taste better.
A spoon scoops up a bit of pesto mayo from a serving bowl.
Yield 12 servings
Prep 5 minutes
Total 5 minutes
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Ingredients 

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons prepared pesto sauce
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice from 1 lemon, optional

Instructions 

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, pesto sauce, and lemon juice, if using, until well combined.
    ½ cup mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons prepared pesto sauce, 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!

Tap stars to rate!

5 from 1 vote

Notes

  • Yield: This recipe yields roughly ¾ cup of sauce, or 12 tablespoons.
  • Pesto Sauce: For the freshest flavor, use homemade pesto or a freshly made store-bought version from the deli section. Jarred pesto works too, but tends to be more oily and less vibrant in flavor.
  • Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of lemon zest to brighten up the sauce even more and complement the fresh basil.
  • Lemon Juice Tip: While optional, lemon juice helps extend the freshness of the mayo by slowing oxidation, making it a great addition if you plan to store it for a few days.

Nutrition

Calories: 78kcal, Carbohydrates: 0.4g, Protein: 0.3g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.02g, Cholesterol: 4mg, Sodium: 94mg, Potassium: 3mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 0.2g, Vitamin A: 82IU, Vitamin C: 0.3mg, Calcium: 7mg, Iron: 0.04mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Made this recipe?Leave a comment below!

More Mayo-Based Sauce Recipes

Whether spicy, herby, or loaded with garlic, mayo unlocks next-level status on everything from burgers to sandwiches.

5 from 1 vote

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I made this with some leftover pesto. Hadn’t really thought about pesto Mayo before – great idea! It is a great addition to sandwiches.

    Reply

    1. Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Mary! I love it on sandwiches! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!

      Reply