Harissa Aioli

Try this spicy North African twist and make Harissa Aioli to pair with your meals. You'll NEVER go back! This simple, bold creamy sauce is your new secret weapon for burgers, fries, grilled veggies, seafood, or sandwiches. With just a few pantry staples and a spoonful of harissa paste, you’ll have an irresistible, restaurant-style aioli in minutes.

Course dip, dressing, sauce, side

Cuisine Mediterranean, Moroccan, North African

Keyword Aioli recipe, Easy aioli, Easy harissa, harissa, Harissa aioli, Harissa aioli recipe, harissa recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes

Servings 8

Calories 103 kcal

Author Mahy

Ingredients

1/2 cup Mayonnaise
2 cloves garlic Minced
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
3 tablespoons Harissa Paste
1 1/2 Tablespoons Cilantro minced
1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper
1/2 teaspoon Paprika
1/2 teaspoon chilli powder optional

Instructions

Combine Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, harissa paste, minced garlic, and fresh cilantro and lemon juice.
Season and taste.
Add more harissa for extra spice or more mayo for a milder flavor.
Serve or Store:
Use immediately or cover and chill. The flavor deepens as it sits!

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Tips for Harissa Aioli Recipe

Use quality ingredients. Start with quality Mayo. You can use homemade mayo, or use an avocado oil based mayo. It's our favorite!
Use Good Harissa: You can find a few brands at the international food isle, but our favorite is Mina. We have tried all of them :) Some are mild, some extra spicy, some super smokey, others bland, etc. We found this brand to be well rounded and almost addictive.
You can substitute garlic powder for fresh garlic if you need. However, we certainly recommend fresh.
Lime can be used instead of lemon.
Also season with just salt and pepper if you need to, and avoid paprika and other seasonings.
Let the aioli sit for at least 30 minutes before serving so flavors meld.

How to Use Harissa Aioli

This bold, creamy Harissa Aioli is incredibly versatile — once you make it, you’ll want to put it on everything! Here are some tasty ways to use it:

Slather it on burgers, sandwiches, or wraps for a spicy kick.
Perfect dipping sauce for fries, sweet potato fries, or potato wedges.
Serve as a dip for raw or roasted veggies — carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, or zucchini fries.
Dunk crispy calamari, shrimp, or fish fingers.
Use it as a spicy topping for tacos or quesadillas.
Spoon over roasted chicken or lamb for extra flavor.
Serve alongside kebabs, lamb chops, or grilled halloumi.

What is Harissa Aioli made of?

It’s a creamy sauce made with mayonnaise, harissa paste, garlic, and lemon juice.

Is Harissa Aioli spicy?

Yes! It’s mildly to moderately spicy depending on your harissa paste. Add less or more to suit your taste.

What does Harissa Aioli taste like?

It’s creamy, smoky, garlicky, slightly tangy, and has a pleasant heat.

How long does Harissa Aioli last?

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Can I make it vegan?

Absolutely! Use vegan mayo and you’re good to go.

Nutrition Facts

Harissa Aioli

Amount Per Serving

Calories 103 Calories from Fat 99

% Daily Value*

Fat 11g17%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Trans Fat 0.03g

Polyunsaturated Fat 6g

Monounsaturated Fat 2g

Cholesterol 6mg2%

Sodium 239mg10%

Potassium 34mg1%

Carbohydrates 2g1%

Fiber 0.2g1%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 0.4g1%

Vitamin A 151IU3%

Vitamin C 2mg2%

Calcium 5mg1%

Iron 0.1mg1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.