How To Make Vegan Mayonnaise

Making your own vegan mayonnaise is easier than you might think — and it tastes so much better than shop-bought versions. With just a few simple ingredients and a blender, you can whip up a rich, creamy spread that’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, and dressings.

Silky, rich, and endlessly versatile, few condiments are as popular as mayonnaise. It works as spread, dressing, dip, topping in countless dishes such as potato salads, sandwiches, tacos , chips etc.. and has a way of making everything taste just a little more indulgent.

Traditionally mayonnaise is made by whisking together egg yolks, oil, mustard, and either lemon juice or vinegar until they emulsify into the rich, creamy consistency.

But what if you’re after an egg-free alternative, whether it is due to an allergy, a plant-based diet, or simply because you simply don’t have any eggs? Enter vegan mayonnaise.

Quick and easy to make vegan mayonnaise tastes remarkably similar to traditional mayonnaise. You can whip up a batch in just 5 minutes, and it is also a cost-effective alternative to store-bought options.

Gochujang Mayo

Vegan Mayonnaise Recipes To Try

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Vegan Mayo

Creating vegan mayonnaise requires just a few simple ingredients:

Soy Milk, Aquafaba, Avocado or Cashews: The base that provides creaminess
Neutral-Flavoured Oil: Gives the mayo its rich texture
Acid Base: Either white vinegar, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Adds tanginess and helps preserve the mayo
Salt: Enhances overall flavour
Dijon Mustard: Adds depth and helps the emulsification

Optional ingredients for extra flavour: lemon juice, maple syrup, spices, herbs, garlic powder, or black pepper.

Simple Vegan Mayo

How to Make Vegan Mayonnaise: Tools and Techniques

You can create the perfect vegan mayo using either an immersion blender or a food processor. Here’s how:

Using an Immersion Blender (Recommended Method)

Combine all ingredients except the oil in a tall, narrow container.
Place the immersion blender at the bottom of the container and start blending.
Slowly drizzle in the oil while blending, moving the blender up and down to incorporate air.
Continue until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy (about 1-2 minutes).

Using a Food Processor

Add all ingredients except oil to the food processor.
Process for about 30 seconds to combine.
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the oil through the feed tube.
Continue processing until the mixture is thick and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).

Tips for Flawless Vegan Mayonnaise

Follow these tips to ensure your vegan mayo turns out perfect every time:

Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures proper emulsification and a smooth texture.
Add the oil gradually: Pour the oil in a very thin stream while blending to create a thick and stable emulsion.
Choose the right plant milk: Unsweetened soy milk works best due to its protein content. If you are allergic to soy, opt for aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as it is a better substitute than other dairy-free milks.
Incorporate air: Move your blender up and down to introduce air, which helps in achieving the right consistency.
Be patient: If the mayo seems thin at first, continue blending. It will thicken as the emulsification completes.

Troubleshooting: If your mayo is too thin, try adding a bit more oil. If it’s too thick, a splash of dairy-free plant milk can help adjust the consistency.

Watercress Mayo

Storing Your Homemade Vegan Mayonnaise

Proper storage is key to enjoying your vegan mayo for as long as possible:

Container: Store in an airtight glass jar or container.
Temperature: Keep refrigerated at all times.
Shelf Life: When stored correctly, your vegan mayo should last up to 2 weeks.
Usage: Always use clean utensils to prevent contamination.

Nutritional Profile and Health Benefits of Vegan Mayo

Vegan mayonnaise can be a healthier alternative to traditional mayo, especially when made at home:

Cholesterol-Free: Contains no animal products, making it suitable for heart-healthy diets.
Customizable Fat Content: You control the amount and type of oil used, allowing for lower-fat versions.
Rich in Healthy Fats: When made with oils like avocado or olive oil, it can provide beneficial monounsaturated fats.
Potential Allergen-Free: Easy to adapt for various allergies or dietary restrictions.

While vegan mayo can be part of a healthy diet, it’s still calorie-dense. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced eating plan.

Vegan Chipotle Mayo

Delicious Ways to Use Your Homemade Vegan Mayo

Vegan mayonnaise is versatile and perfect for many dishes:

Classic Uses:

Spread on sandwiches and wraps
Base for potato salad or coleslaw
Dip for fresh vegetables or fries

Creative Applications:

Vegan “Tuna” Salad: Mix with mashed chickpeas, celery, and herbs
Creamy Pasta Sauce: Thin with plant milk for a luscious pasta coating
Vegan Aioli: Perfect for roasted vegetables or as a burger topping
Base for Vegan Ranch Dressing: Add herbs and plant milk for a tangy dressing

Make sure to experiment with your vegan mayo in any recipe that calls for traditional mayonnaise. It’s an excellent 1:1 substitute in most cases!

Avocado Mayo

Exciting Flavour Variations for Your Vegan Mayo

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these delicious variations to customise your vegan mayonnaise. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favourite spices or herbs:

Garlic Aioli: Mediterranean condiment, characteristic of the Provence region in France. If you like plenty of garlic, this is a must-try!
Spicy Chipotle Mayo: Rich and smoky, it goes with pretty much everything
Herby Mayonnaise: Blend a handful of fresh herbs like dill, basil, or chives

Vegan Aioli

Recipes To Make with Vegan Mayonnaise

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