If you’re looking for a simple and zesty dip, this Harissa Mayo is exactly what you need. With just two ingredients, it’s quick and easy to whip up. Trust me, once you try this tasty blend, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen!

This recipe fixes bland sauces by delivering a quick, spicy mayo with heat, thick texture, and a ready-to-use dip or spread for burgers and wraps.

Sometimes, I find it tough to come up with new ideas for dips that pack a punch but don’t take all day to prepare. With this recipe, you can skip the complicated processes and still serve something special. Plus, it’s a welcome break from the usual boring sauces.

This Harissa mayonnaise recipe comes together in under five minutes, yes, really! The unexpected mix of spice and creaminess will surprise your taste buds, and it’s a fantastic way to dress up anything from fries to sandwiches. All you need is a little mayonnaise and some harissa, and you’re all set!

If you love trying out different sauces to spice up your meals, this is the one for you. If you want another exciting recipe to go with it, check out my Bacon Fried Corn for a side that pairs well!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Convenience You only need two ingredients, and it’s ready in under five minutes. No complicated steps, just quick and easy flavor.
Flavor The spicy, creamy, and smoky notes create a deliciously complex taste. It’s a fun twist on traditional dips that keeps things interesting.
Texture The smooth creaminess of mayo paired with the bold harissa gives a delightful dip that’s both satisfying and flavorful. It’s great for adding to sandwiches or fries.
Storage You can keep this harissa mayo in the fridge for up to a week. It’s easy to make ahead, so you’ll always have it on hand.

Spicy Harissa Mayo Recipe

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Author: Charlene
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cool Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 2/3 cup 1x
Method: Mixing
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A creamy and spicy harissa mayonnaise perfect for dipping and enhancing your favorite snacks.

Ingredients

Scale

2/3 cup (160 ml) mayonnaise, regular
3 tablespoons (45 g) harissa paste

Cook Mode

Instructions

Mix Mayo & Harissa: Start by adding mayonnaise and harissa paste to a bowl. Mix until it is smooth and all the sauce is fully blended. The vibrant color will indicate you are on the right track. Avoid leaving patches of mayo, or the flavors will not blend well together.
Taste & Adjust Seasoning: Take a little taste to see how the flavors work for you. If it feels a bit spicy, adding more mayo will mellow it out. You should feel a pleasant warmth without being overwhelming. Just remember, adding too much harissa at once can lead to a fiery sauce that is hard to balance.
Chill for Best Flavor: Let your harissa mayo sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes to deepen the flavors. When you pull it out, you will notice the aromas have developed nicely. Do not skip this step, or it might taste a bit too fresh and not as cohesive.
Serve with Your Favorites: Once chilled, you are ready to serve it with snacks like veggies or fries. It should be thick enough to hold up but still creamy. Avoid letting it sit out too long at room temperature, or it may lose some of that delightful consistency.

Notes

Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Expert Tips: If the mayo separates after mixing, blend the harissa paste thoroughly into the mayo until completely smooth.
When the sauce turns out too spicy, adding more mayo in equal proportions can help mellow out the heat.
For a creamier texture, if the harissa paste seems too thick, add a small amount of water or more mayo to thin it down.
If you are looking for less heat, start with 2 tablespoons of harissa for a milder flavor.
When serving this sauce, mix thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors for the best taste experience.
Reheating Instructions: This recipe does not require reheating as it is served cold.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with sweet potato fries, pair with grilled chicken, or use as a dipping sauce for tater tots.
Recipe Variations: Substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter version. Use roasted garlic mayo for added flavor. Mix in lemon juice for tanginess.
Ingredient Notes: Ensure you use regular mayo for the best flavor and texture. For a vegan option, substitute with vegan mayo. Check the quality of harissa paste for best results as it adds the key flavor to the sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 350
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Recipe Tips

If the mayo separates after mixing, blending the harissa paste thoroughly into the mayo until completely smooth can help fix this issue.
When the sauce turns out too spicy, adding more mayo in equal proportions can help mellow out the heat.
For a creamier texture, if the harissa paste seems too thick, adding a small amount of water or more mayo can help thin it down.
If you’re looking for less heat, starting with 2 tablespoons of harissa can give you a more mild flavor.
When serving this sauce, mixing thoroughly will ensure an even distribution of flavors for the best taste experience.

Serving Suggestions

Serve harissa mayo with sweet potato fries or as a creamy dip alongside grilled chicken. This mayo also complements tater tots well for a satisfying snack.

Try using harissa mayo as a spread on sandwiches or wraps for added flavor. It can also enhance roasted vegetables, providing a smoky kick.

Recipe variations

You can use 2/3 cup Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter option that still delivers creaminess.
Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the mix for a zesty tang that brightens the overall flavor.
Either opt for roasted garlic mayo or sriracha mayo if you’re looking to spice things up differently.
If preparing a larger batch, increase mayo to 1 1/3 cups and harissa paste to 6 tablespoons for double the flavor.

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How to Store?

To keep your harissa mayo fresh, follow these storage tips:

Refrigeration: Store harissa mayo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Freezing: Place harissa mayo in a freezer bag, expelling excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Serving Suggestions: Serve directly from the refrigerator; ensure any remaining mayo returns to the airtight container promptly.

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