This post is sponsored by Lifeway Kefir. All thoughts and ideas are my own.
This dijon aioli made with a delicious protein-rich secret ingredient is the perfect dip, sauce, or dressing for any meal or snack board!
Classic aioli sauce is very similar in texture to mayo and uses garlic and olive oil. But ,my dijon aioli recipe has a different twist to it with a higher protein star ingredient!
Mayo vs aioli
Many people get mayonnaise and aioli confused, and in fact many “aioli” sauces you’ll see are actually just flavored mayo. True, traditional aioli is an emulsion of garlic and olive oil, with other flavorings added as desired. Mayonnaise is an emulsion of raw egg yolks and oil. They have very similar textures but are actually quite different.
If you see something labeled as mustard aioli or dijon aioli, like the recipe here, it’s often an aioli sauce with mustard added, or a flavored mayonnaise being described as aioli.
Garlic aioli without mayo
This recipe does not have mayo in it, but it’s also not a traditional aioli sauce. Instead of emulsified oil, we’re using plain whole milk kefir! (More info on kefir below.) The kefir offers more protein and quite honestly is just easier since we don’t have to emulsify any oil.
Does aioli have gluten?
Traditional aioli sauce does not have gluten and is gluten free. The dijon aioli recipe below is also gluten free.
Does aioli have dairy?
If you’re wondering, “is aioli dairy free?”, that’s a great question. Traditional aioli is, but since we are using kefir in this version, it is not dairy free.
Is aioli vegan?
Traditional aioli is vegan. My garlic dijon aioli is not though.
How do you make aioli from scratch?
Depending on what ingredients you use, most aioli recipe can easily be made in a food processor or blender. You simply add all of your ingredients in whatever order the recipe creator specifies and blend away. Some aioli recipe will use raw eggs and some will not.
How to make aioli without egg
Now, what I really love about this recipe below is that we don’t have to get our blender or food processor out at all. Making an aioli recipe without egg is pretty easy, and using kefir in place of the oil makes it even easier!
All we have to do is add all of the ingredients:
- plain kefir
- minced garlic
- Dijon mustard
- lemon juice
- salt
- pepper
- fresh parsley
- green onions (scallions)
… to a bowl and whisk them together, OR simply add the ingredients to a jar (that you have a lid for), and shake it all together!
What is kefir?
Kefir is fermented cow or goat milk. To make kefir, you simply add a starter culture of yeast and lactic acid bacteria (called kefir grains) to milk and after about 24 hours the bacteria and yeast have fermented the sugar in the milk, and you have kefir!
But, if you’re like me and the thought of making your own is a little overwhelming (I’ve tried, I couldn’t keep up!)… Lifeway Kefir offers high quality kefir at most major grocery retailers.
Kefir health benefits
Kefir is a rich source of several nutrients and probiotics, including protein, calcium, and b vitamins! Research also shows regular consumption of kefir may play a role in promoting healthy bones, improving digestive health, cancer prevention, alleviating respiratory symptoms, and blood sugar management.
Kefir vs yogurt
Kefir and yogurt are similar in that they are both fermented milk, but kefir actually offers a wider variety of bacteria and gut-benefitting yeasts
Try these recipes with your herb aioli
- Crispy Air Fryer Salmon Patties
- Mediterranean Veggie Pasta Salad
- Low Carb Broccoli Ranch Salad with Bacon
- Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice Bowls with Norwegian Salmon
Garlic Dijon Aioli Without Mayo
Ingredients
- ½ cup Lifeway organic whole milk plain kefir
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions (scallions)
Instructions
- Gather all of your Ingredients. Add them to a medium-size bowl or jar and whisk/shake them together until well combined. Serve with your favorite snack board pairings, veggies or as a sauce with your favorite entree!
