Bold, minimalist, and wildly adaptable — this spicy sauce from Mark Sisson proves you don’t need a long ingredient list to pack serious flavor. In this video recipe, Sisson starts with his signature avocado-oil mayonnaise and transforms it into a high-impact condiment by adding just three more components: chipotle powder, lime juice, and garlic. The result is a smoky, tangy, garlic-forward sauce that finishes everything from fish tacos to steamed vegetables with a kick.
What makes this sauce especially appealing is how it straddles simplicity and versatility. By using just four ingredients, it preserves the texture and richness of the mayonnaise base while introducing spice and brightness. It’s perfect for those who want to make a flavorful impact without spending time on complex sauces or relying on shelf-brands loaded with additives. Because all four ingredients (avocado-oil mayo, chipotle powder, lime juice, garlic) contain no wheat or gluten by nature, it stands as a naturally gluten-free choice (just ensure your mayo and spices are certified if needed).
Whether you spread it on burgers, drizzle over grilled veggies, mix into dips or use as a dressing base, this sauce becomes the kind of backyard-table secret that elevates ordinary dishes into memorable bites. And the best part: you can whip it up in under a minute and customize the heat to your taste.
Spicy Mayo Sauce
Recipe Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Primal Kitchen Mayo
- Chipotle powder, to taste
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- Garlic powder, to taste, or 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
How to Make Spicy Mayo Sauce
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Use immediately as a spicy condiment for tacos, burgers, or steamed vegetables.
Spicy Mayo Sauce Nutrition Facts
*Estimated per serving (recipe yields approximately 4 servings of 2 tbsp sauce). Based strictly on Thrive Market’s ingredient amounts.
| Serving Size | 2 tbsp |
|---|---|
| Calories | ≈ 200 kcal |
| Protein | ≈ 0 g |
| Carbs | ≈ 1 g |
| Sugar | ≈ 0 g |
| Fiber | ≈ 0 g |
| Fat | ≈ 22 g |
Spicy Mayo Sauce Variations & Tips
- Lower heat: Start with ½ teaspoon chipotle powder and add more gradually so you control the spice level.
- Garlic fresh vs. powder: Swap garlic powder for one clove of finely minced fresh garlic to add pungency and texture.
- Herb twist: Stir in chopped cilantro or parsley after blending for fresh herbal notes.
- Dairy-free creaminess: Already dairy-free via the avocado-oil mayo base; you can lighten it further by swapping half the mayo for plain coconut yogurt.
- Use as dressing: Thin the sauce with a tablespoon of water or broth to make it a pourable salad dressing instead of a thick spread.
- Batch & store: Make a double-batch in a jar, keep refrigerated for up to one week, and use as a finishing sauce, dip base or spread.
Best Spicy Mayo Sauce Pairings
- Fish tacos or grilled fish fillets: Drizzle the spicy sauce on white fish to match the smoky-lime profile and enhance flavor.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables: Use the sauce as a finishing drizzle for broccoli, cauliflower or Brussels sprouts for a flavor boost.
- Gluten-free burger or sliders: Spread on a bun (or lettuce wrap) to replace standard ketchup or mayo with something more exciting.
- Sweet potato fries or roasted root vegetables: The smokiness and tang from the sauce pair vividly with sweet and caramelized veggies.
- Grilled shrimp skewers: Use as a dipping sauce alongside charred shrimp, lime wedges and fresh herbs.
When to Make Spicy Mayo Sauce
- Backyard cook-outs: Offer the sauce as a customizable topping alongside burgers, tacos and grilled vegetables.
- Game day or casual gatherings: Use as part of a dips and spreads table for guests to personalize their plates.
- Weeknight dinners: When you want to elevate a simple protein or vegetable in under 10 minutes without special equipment.
- Meal-prep & batch cooking: Make the sauce ahead of time and use it through the week to refresh lunches and dinners quickly.
- Gluten-free gatherings: A safe and flavorful condiment option that brings punch without compromising dietary needs.
Video credits
Produced and Directed by: Liza Glucoft
Director of Photography: Naeem Munaf
Editor: Stephanie Provence
This article is related to:
BBQ Ideas, Celebrity Videos, Healthy Condiments, Kitchen Ideas, Menu Ideas, Paleo Recipes, Recipe Videos, Sauce RecipesShare this article
Dana Poblete
Dana's love for all creatures under the sun (bugs, too) drives her in her advocacy for ethical eating, environmental sustainability, and cruelty-free living. A natural born islander, she surfs when she can, and writes, always.