Easy Curry Mayo Dip

This easy curry mayo dip is one of those little recipes that quietly does everything. It starts with a simple base of mayonnaise, then layers in warm curry powder, a bit of grated onion, dry mustard, and a splash of lemon juice. The result is creamy, tangy, and gently spiced—with just enough depth to feel special, but mild enough to pair with all kinds of appetizers.

You can whisk it together in minutes, then let it chill so the flavors blend. Use it as a dip for fries, shrimp, or veggies, a spread for sandwiches and wraps, or even as a quick dressing thinned with a little extra lemon juice. It’s an easy way to add a global twist to everyday snacks and simple meals.

What You’ll Like About This Recipe

• Quick to make. Everything stirs together in one bowl in about 10 minutes, with no cooking required.
• Creamy and flavorful. Rich mayonnaise paired with curry powder, onion, and lemon gives you a smooth dip with warm, savory notes and a subtle tang.
• Versatile to use. It works as a dip, sandwich spread, or salad dressing, so one batch can cover several different dishes.
• Easy to customize. You can adjust the curry, lemon, salt, and hot sauce to make it milder or punchier depending on who you’re serving.
• Great for making ahead. Chilling actually improves the flavor, making this ideal for parties or meal prep.

Ingredient Notes

• Mayonnaise – The creamy base of the dip, giving it body and richness. Use a mayonnaise you enjoy, since its flavor comes through clearly here. Full-fat mayo gives the best texture, but you can use light mayo if you prefer.
• Grated onion – Grating instead of chopping gives you tiny pieces and a bit of onion juice, which blends more smoothly into the mayo and adds gentle sharpness without big chunks.
• Curry powder – Brings warm, aromatic flavor that can range from mild to moderately spicy depending on the blend. A standard mild curry powder works well; you can add a little more for a stronger curry note.
• Lemon juice – Brightens the dip and cuts through the richness of the mayo. Fresh lemon juice gives the cleanest flavor and doubles as a balancing note if you adjust seasoning later.
• Dry mustard – Adds subtle heat and tang, supporting the curry flavor and keeping the dip from tasting flat.
• Hot sauce (optional) – A dash or two gives a little extra zip. Choose a style you like—milder for just a hint of heat, or spicier if you want a bolder dip.

How to Make Curry Mayo Dip

1. Add the mayonnaise to a medium mixing bowl.
2. Stir in the grated onion, curry powder, lemon juice, and dry mustard until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
3. Season with salt, black pepper, and a few drops of hot sauce to taste, adjusting until the flavor suits you.
4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dip so the flavors can meld and the texture can firm slightly before serving.
5. Stir again just before serving and taste once more, adding a bit more lemon juice, curry powder, or hot sauce if needed.

Pro Tips

• Grate the onion on the fine side of a box grater or use a microplane so it melts into the dip instead of leaving big pieces. If it releases a lot of juice, you can include some for extra flavor.
• Start with a smaller amount of curry and hot sauce, then taste and increase gradually. It’s easier to add more spice than to tone it down.
• Chill the dip for at least 2 hours before serving. The curry and onion need time to bloom in the mayo, and the flavor improves noticeably as it rests.
• Whisk or stir again just before serving, especially if the dip has chilled overnight—this helps smooth it out and recombines any separated liquid.
• Thin with a little extra lemon juice, milk, or water if you want to use it as a pourable salad dressing rather than a thick dip.

Recipe Variations

• Curry yogurt mayo dip. Replace part of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dip that still stays creamy.
• Garlic curry dip. Add a small clove of finely minced or grated garlic for extra savory depth alongside the onion and curry.
• Sweet curry dip. Stir in a teaspoon or two of honey or mango chutney if you enjoy a sweet-and-savory profile with your curry.
• Smoky curry dip. Add a pinch of smoked paprika along with the curry powder for a subtle smoky note that pairs well with grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
• Herbed curry mayo. Fold in chopped fresh cilantro, parsley, or chives just before serving for color and fresh herbal flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with sweet potato fries, chicken tenders, sausage balls, or vegetable fritters.
• Pair with grilled meats, such as chicken skewers, lamb chops, or shrimp.
• Spread on sandwiches, wraps, or burgers for an extra flavor boost.

How to Store

• Refrigerate – Transfer the dip to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 to 5 days. Because it’s mayonnaise-based, it should stay chilled whenever you’re not serving it.
• Stir before using again, as some separation or slight thinning at the surface is normal after chilling.