Spicy Chili Aioli with Lime

This Spicy chili Aioli recipe makes a flavorful dip, sauce, or spread that elevates anything from chicken and tacos to simple fries.

This versatile chili aioli is a creamy, bold sauce that can liven up any meal. You can make a tasty dip or spread quickly with just a few ingredients.

I used fresh chili for spice and roasted garlic for flavor, replacing most of the mayonnaise with yogurt to make it lighter and easier to digest.

What is chili aioli?

Traditionally, aioli is a creamy sauce originating from Mediterranean cuisine, made by emulsifying olive oil and garlic as the main ingredients. However, variations of aioli have evolved, replacing olive oil with mayo or yogurt. This variation incorporates garlic, lime juice, and chili peppers to create a flavorful blend. 

Why you will love this recipe?

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this condiment in no time.
• Versatile: Whether you are looking for a perfect dip, spread, or sauce, don’t need to ook further. This chili garlic has it all.
• Adjustable Spice Level: Customize the heat by choosing your preferred chili and adjusting the amount.
• Healthy Twist: Replacing half the mayo with Greek yogurt makes it lighter and adds probiotics. In addition, it’s vegan and gluen-free.

Ingredients to make chili aioli dip

Roasted Garlic

I used roasted garlic for a milder flavor and better digestion. For a spicier taste, use fresh garlic. For a milder garlicky flavor, try garlic powder.

Chili Pepper

I used both fresh chili peppers and sweet chili powder in this recipe.

Choose your chili based on your spice preference. Jalapeños and chili flakes are moderately spicy, while serranos are hotter. Remove seeds for less heat and adjust the amount to taste. Similarly, for the chili powder, you can use a sweet or spicy version as per your preferences.

Coriander

Cilantro adds a strong, citrusy, and slightly spicy flavor with hints of lemon and sweetness. If you don’t like its specific taste, you can omit it or replace it with other herbs like mint.

Olive Oil

Used for roasting the garlic. You can also use chili oil or herb infused oil.

Mayonnaise

It adds richness and makes a smooth emulsion. You can use jarred or homemade mayo.

Greek Yogurt

Replaces half the mayonnaise for added probiotics and protein. Sour cream can also be used.

I used the same trick when making this horseradish aioli.

Lime

Fresh lime juice adds zesty brightness, but bottled juice works too. You can also use lemon juice instead.

How to make chili aioli sauce or dressing

First step: Roast the garlic

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice off the top of a garlic head, drizzle one teaspoon of olive oil over it, and place it cut side down in a small baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and roast for 30-40 minutes until the garlic is tender and golden brown. Allow it to cool, then squeeze the bottom of each clove to release the softened garlic.

Second step: Finely Cut the chili peppers and coriander

Cut the peppers in half and finely chop them after removing the seeds. Remove the stems from the cilantro and finely chop it with a sharp knife or mandoline.

Third step: Combine all ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the roasted garlic with the chopped cilantro and lime juice until well mixed. Add the mayonnaise and yogurt, then stir in the finely chopped chili peppers. Mix everything well and serve. This sauce tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time.

FAQs

How do you store this creamy chili aioli sauce?

This chili aioli cream can last up to a week if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Is chili aioli gluten free?

Chili aioli is indeed gluten-free, provided that the ingredients used, such as mayonnaise, are free from gluten. Mayonnaise, often referred to as “mayo,” is typically made from naturally gluten-free elements like egg yolk, oil, vinegar, lemon, and occasionally mustard or other spices.

Variations to spicy aioli mayo spread

• You can enhance your Spicy Aioli Mayo Spread by adding hot sauce or sriracha for a spicy kick.
• Experiment with additional spices and seasoning like paprika, curry powder or cayenne pepper to customize your Spicy Aioli Mayo Spread.
• For a smoky twist, consider mixing in roasted red peppers.
• Add a refreshing touch by incorporating herbs such as parsley or mint.

How to use this chili aioli

Chili aioli is incredibly versatile and can be used in many savory dishes. 

It’s delicious as a dipping sauce for fried potatoes, carrot fries or sweet potato fries. Some people enjoy it in potato salad.

Like this saffron sauce, Chili Aioli makes a flavorful combination with chicken tenders or nuggets.

It’s great with all of the fresh-cut raw vegetable. 

Add it to fish tacos with a squeeze of lime juice.

You can also spread it on sandwiches, burgers, or wraps for added flavor. Additionally, it makes a flavorful topping for grilled meats, shrimp, tacos, or salads. 

It Makes a great dressing for tacos or add to a corn, black bean, tomato and avocado salad