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Homemade Vegan Garlic Aioli (Oil-Free!) photo

Vegan Garlic Aioli (Oil-Free!)

Creamy oil-free vegan garlic aioli made from soaked cashews, lemon, garlic, Dijon mustard, kala namak, and fresh herbs.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time7 minutes
Total Time22 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 1 cupraw cashews
  • 1/2 cupwater
  • 3 Tbsp.fresh lemon juice
  • 2-3 clovesgarlic
  • 1 tsp.Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp.salt
  • 1/8 kala namak black salt
  • 1/4 cupfresh basil cilantro, parsley, dill, chives

Instructions

Instructions

  • Place 1 cup raw cashews in a heat‑safe bowl. Pour hot water over the cashews until they are submerged. Let soak for 10 minutes, then drain and rinse the cashews.
  • Add the drained cashews to a small high‑speed blender. Add 1/2 cup water, 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2–3 cloves garlic (peeled), 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp kala namak (black salt).
  • Blend until very smooth, stopping once or twice to scrape down the sides with a spatula so everything is evenly processed. Blend time will vary by blender (about 30–60 seconds for many high‑speed blenders).
  • Add 1/4 cup fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, parsley, dill, chives — use one or a mix as listed). Pulse a few times to incorporate the herbs evenly; blend longer if you prefer a completely smooth, uniformly green aioli.
  • If you want a thinner consistency, add additional water 1 tablespoon at a time and blend after each addition until you reach the desired thickness.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings as needed (more lemon, garlic, or salt). Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.

Equipment

  • heat-safe bowl
  • small high-speed blender
  • Spatula

Notes

Notes
Yield:
Recipe makes about 1 heaping cup sauce.
Storing:
Store aioli in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. (It will thicken as it chills.) I find it keeps for about 1 week but use your best judgement.
Garlic:
Add even more if you love the flavor. Roasted garlic would be tasty as well.