If you’re looking for a delightfully creamy and tangy condiment that fits perfectly into a plant-based lifestyle, this Healthy Vegan Mayonnaise Recipe is about to become your new kitchen essential. Crafted with just seven simple ingredients, this mayo delivers that luscious texture and rich flavor without any eggs or dairy. Whether you’re spreading it on sandwiches, whipping up a quick salad dressing, or simply craving a guilt-free dip, this homemade vegan mayo will brighten your meals and make you forget store-bought versions ever existed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem modest on their own, but together they create a beautifully balanced mayo with the perfect blend of creaminess, tang, and subtle sweetness. Each plays a key role—cashews provide richness, aquafaba offers the magic of fluffiness, and bright lemon juice brings that classic zesty pop.
- ½ cup aquafaba: The liquid from canned chickpeas acts as a fantastic vegan egg white substitute, lending airy structure to the mayo.
- ¾ cup cashews, soaked overnight: Soaking softens cashews to create a smooth, creamy base without any graininess.
- 1 lemon, juiced: Lemon juice injects a fresh, citrusy brightness that balances the creamy elements perfectly.
- 1 tsp maple syrup: A hint of natural sweetness elevates the flavor without overpowering the tang.
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Adds a gentle, tangy kick that deepens the mayo’s overall complexity.
- 1 tsp mustard (preferably Dijon): Mustard brings its subtle sharpness and helps emulsify the ingredients for a luscious texture.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors seamlessly, tying the mayo together.
How to Make Healthy Vegan Mayonnaise Recipe
Step 1: Soak the Cashews
Begin by soaking the cashews overnight or for at least 8 hours in water to soften them thoroughly. This step is crucial because it guarantees your mayo will be creamy and free of any gritty texture.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a high-speed blender, add your soaked cashews, aquafaba, lemon juice, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, mustard, and salt. Blend everything together until the mixture is completely smooth and silky. Feel free to pause and scrape down the sides to ensure an even texture.
Step 3: Adjust the Consistency
If the mayo feels too thick or stiff, add warm water one tablespoon at a time while blending until you achieve your desired consistency. This versatility lets you customize between a spreadable mayo or a looser, dressings style.
Step 4: Chill to Perfect
Transfer your vegan mayo into a container and refrigerate it for at least two hours. The chilling time allows the mayo to thicken up beautifully and the flavors to meld together, making it taste even better.
How to Serve Healthy Vegan Mayonnaise Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like dill, parsley, or chives on top can enhance the visual appeal and add a hint of herbal freshness to every bite. A pinch of smoked paprika or a drizzle of olive oil can also bring subtle layers of flavor that excite your palate.
Side Dishes
This mayo pairs wonderfully with crispy fries, roasted vegetables, or colorful veggie sticks for a healthy snack. It also works perfectly spread on sandwiches, wraps, or burgers that need a creamy boost without weighing them down.
Creative Ways to Present
For a vibrant twist, try folding in some finely grated garlic or a bit of wasabi to spice up your Healthy Vegan Mayonnaise Recipe, turning it into a versatile dip or sauce. Alternatively, swirl it into your favorite pasta salad or use it as a base for vegan tartar sauce to impress friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any remaining Healthy Vegan Mayonnaise Recipe in an airtight container in your refrigerator. It keeps well for up to one week, giving you plenty of time to enjoy it on sandwiches or in recipes without worry.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t recommended for this mayo because its texture may change and separate upon thawing, if you do choose to freeze small portions, allow it to thaw in the fridge and whisk again before use to help revive the creamy consistency.
Reheating
This mayo is best served cold or at room temperature and does not require reheating. If you need to use it in a cooked dish, add it at the end to maintain its creamy flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use raw cashews instead of soaked cashews?
Soaking cashews softens them, allowing for that ultra-smooth texture in your vegan mayonnaise. Using raw, unsoaked cashews will result in a gritty, uneven consistency, so soaking is highly recommended.
What exactly is aquafaba, and can I substitute it?
Aquafaba is the liquid leftover from cooking chickpeas or found in canned chickpeas. It acts as a vegan binder and adds fluffiness, mimicking egg whites. While other liquids won’t provide the same emulsifying effect, you could experiment with soy milk or other plant milks, but the texture may differ.
Is this Healthy Vegan Mayonnaise Recipe suitable for nut allergies?
This recipe relies on cashews for creaminess, so it is not suitable for people with nut allergies. However, you might try blending silken tofu or avocado as alternatives, but they will change the flavor and texture.
Can I adjust the tanginess or sweetness?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to boost tanginess or increase maple syrup slightly for extra sweetness. The balance can be tailored to your personal taste preferences.
How is this Healthy Vegan Mayonnaise Recipe different from store-bought vegan mayo?
This homemade version uses all-natural ingredients without preservatives or additives, resulting in a fresher taste and healthier profile. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable and free from oils or processed ingredients often found in commercial products.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the satisfaction of crafting your own creamy, flavorful mayo from scratch, especially when it’s as clean and nourishing as this Healthy Vegan Mayonnaise Recipe. It’s so easy, so versatile, and bursting with flavor that you’ll want to make it again and again. I truly hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do—it’s a simple little change that can brighten so many meals in the best way.
Print
Healthy Vegan Mayonnaise Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A quick and easy healthy vegan mayonnaise recipe made from simple plant-based ingredients. This creamy mayo is ready in just five minutes using only seven ingredients, featuring soaked cashews, aquafaba, lemon juice, and flavorful seasonings. Perfect as a dairy-free, egg-free alternative for sandwiches, dressings, and dips.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas), adjust quantity as needed
- ¾ cup cashews, soaked overnight or for at least 8 hours
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Soak the cashews in water overnight or for at least 8 hours to soften them, then drain.
- Blend Ingredients: In a high-speed blender, add the soaked cashews, aquafaba, lemon juice, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and salt. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy.
- Adjust Consistency: If the mixture is too thick for your liking, add warm water 1 tablespoon at a time, blending after each addition until you reach your desired consistency.
- Chill and Thicken: Transfer the mayonnaise to a container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow it to thicken and the flavors to meld.
- Storage: Store the vegan mayonnaise in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir before use if separation occurs.
Notes
- Make sure to soak the cashews thoroughly to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
- Aquafaba quantity may vary depending on the amount drained from your canned chickpeas; adjust as needed for desired thickness.
- Use a high-speed blender to ensure the mixture is well emulsified and creamy.
- Feel free to experiment with spices or herbs to customize the flavor.
- If vegan mayonnaise thickening is slow, extend chilling time for optimal texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes (plus 8 hours soaking time)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Vegan
