This post and recipe is By Diana Weil, Matcha.com's Integrative Nutritionist and Food Relationship Specialist.

Wondering how to make an easy and healthy aioli? This matcha aioli sauce recipe is strikingly bright green, with fresh basil and high-quality powdered matcha.

Used as a sauce topping or dip, matcha aioli pairs perfectly with a colorful mix of crunchy vegetables or crisp lettuce if you aim to keep it vegetarian. Matcha aioli also pairs marvelously with chicken, poached shrimp, canned tuna, and when slathered on burger buns. 

The healthy benefits of cooking with garlic and matcha

This matcha aioli packs both a flavor and added health punch due to two main ingredients.

Garlic is a well-known powerhouse when it comes to wellness. The health benefits of garlic come from a compound called allicin.

Allicin is a powerful antibiotic and can lower blood pressure and cholesterol. It can also help prevent chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Allicin is formed when you crush or chop garlic.

However, it can be easily destroyed by heat or acid. Since we use lemon juice in this recipe, it's important first to crush your garlic and then let it sit for about 10 minutes. Allowing the garlic to rest this way helps preserve the allicin and keeps your garlic's incredible health benefits intact.

Garlic isn't the only rockstar of this recipe, however. Enter from stage left -- matcha!

Matcha is a type of green tea with incredible health benefits. It contains a high amount of antioxidants, neutralizing harmful free radicals that damage cells and cause chronic diseases. It also contains L-theanine, which boosts brain function and may give you a sense of calmness. So go ahead and add that matcha in! 

Ingredients for making matcha aioli:

Matcha: Not all matcha is created equal, and it's crucial to use high-quality matcha when cooking. Good matcha will have a vibrant green color. Because we're mixing this with other ingredients, it's ok to use culinary-grade matcha. And if you can -- we recommend opting for an organic. 

Mayonnaise: As with matcha, high-quality mayo makes a difference. If you opt for store-bought, look for mayonnaise with minimal ingredients and no added sugar. You can also make your own or swap it for Greek yogurt. 

Lemon Juice: Fresh squeezed is always best but feel free to use what you have on hand. Don't have fresh lemon juice? You can substitute lemon extract or citrus juice instead. Plan on using 1/2 a teaspoon of lemon extract.

Garlic: Garlic has incredible health benefits that are preserved if the garlic is allowed to "rest" for at least 10 minutes. If you have the time, press the garlic and let it sit for about 10 minutes before using it.  

Basil: Fresh is best and will allow the flavors to shine. No need to chop. Let your food processor or blender do its job.

Salt & Pepper- To Taste. 

Ingredients you will need:

• ½ cup mayo
• Two garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 ½ teaspoons matcha
• ~ around eight basil leaves

Directions to making your aioli matcha spread

Puree the garlic, basil, matcha, lemon juice, and mayo with a blender or food processor. 

Season to taste with salt and pepper. Once you transfer it to a safe dish (we don't recommend serving it straight from a food processor), your matcha aioli is ready to enjoy!

Your aioli is ready to be slathered or dipped in. You can also transfer to a small Tupperware to store.

Homemade or store-bought mayo works: If you're feeling up for it, you can undoubtedly make your base mayo. Or use store-bought for a quicker option. Either way, it'll be full of flavor and still pack a health punch.

Prepare today, save your aioli for tomorrow: The flavors will continue marinating in the aioli, so feel free to make the aioli a day ahead to let the ingredients marinate. Keep it covered in the fridge until ready to use. The matcha may separate, so give it a quick stir before using. 

What should I use this aioli matcha recipe for?

Our matcha basil aioli sauce is a quick recipe that's easy for anyone and perfect for a stress-free weeknight dinner or a celebratory get-together. 

There's nothing this matcha aioli doesn't enhance. Add this sauce to anything from your morning eggs to your favorite grilled vegetables.

 It can also be easily modified to fit any lifestyle plans or meal plans, such as swapping the mayo for a plant-based alternative.

Your leftover aioli makes for an incredible sandwich spread and a versatile dressing for pasta or potato salad. 

Wondering how long this aioli sauce lasts? If stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge– it will stay fresh for up to 10 days.

The bottom line - try pairing our aioli with other matcha recipes

Aioli is a classic recipe, but the combo of fresh garlic, matcha, and basil takes a simple dish to another level. Be sure to make enough to have leftovers- you'll want it on everything!   

Want to really impress your friends and family at your next BBQ? Our aioli recipe also perfectly pairs with our summer matcharita cocktail or melon-vodka matcha cocktail.