Aioli sauce dressing elevates any salad from basic to gourmet in a matter of minutes. This garlicky, tangy, and creamy dressing originated from the sunny Mediterranean and is a staple in my kitchen. Trust me, once you taste the rich flavors of homemade aioli dressing, you’ll never go back to store-bought again!
The Magic of Aioli Sauce Dressing
What I love most about aioli is its versatility. Its vibrant flavor profile pairs beautifully with a variety of salad ingredients, from crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes to grilled chicken and succulent shrimp.
Ingredients for Your Aioli Adventure:
For the Aioli:
- 2 large egg yolks (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best)
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as romaine, arugula, spinach)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cup cucumber (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- Optional additions: Grilled chicken or shrimp, avocado, olives, feta cheese
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:
- Mixing bowls (one large, one small)
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
Let’s Make Aioli Magic!
Making the Aioli:
- Combine the base: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. This creates a stable base for the emulsion.
- Slowly drizzle in the oil: While continuously whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil, a few drops at a time, into the egg yolk mixture. It’s crucial to add the oil gradually to allow the emulsion to form properly and prevent separation.
- Emulsify: Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and becomes pale yellow and creamy. This is the magic of emulsion at work!
- Add lemon juice and adjust seasoning: Stir in the lemon juice and taste for seasoning. Add more salt and pepper if needed.
Assembling Your Salad:
- Wash and dry your greens: No one likes soggy salad! Make sure your greens are thoroughly dried before assembling your salad.
- Prepare your toppings: Slice your tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. If you’re adding any other toppings like grilled chicken or avocado, prepare those as well.
- Toss and serve: In a large bowl, combine your mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Drizzle with the desired amount of aioli dressing and toss gently to coat.
Tips for Aioli Perfection:
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your egg yolks are at room temperature before starting. This helps them emulsify better with the oil.
- Patience with the oil: Adding the oil too quickly can cause the aioli to break (separate). Take your time and drizzle slowly!
- Taste as you go: Seasoning is key! Taste your aioli as you go and adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon juice to your liking.
