How to Make Vegan Mayonnaise at Home

The Benefits of Vegan Mayonnaise over Traditional Mayo

Traditional mayonnaise is typically made with eggs and oil, which makes it high in calories and fat. On the other hand, vegan mayonnaise is typically made with plant-based ingredients such as soy milk, tofu, or aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas), which can result in a lower calorie and lower fat alternative.

Vegan mayo is also suitable for people who follow a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, or those who have an egg allergy or sensitivity. Additionally, some people find that vegan mayo has a lighter, fresher taste compared to traditional mayo.

Making your own vegan mayo at home also allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring that you know exactly what is going into your food. This can be particularly helpful for people with specific dietary restrictions or who are looking to cut down on their intake of certain ingredients.

Ingredients Needed for Homemade Vegan Mayo

To make vegan mayo at home, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of unsweetened plant-based milk (such as soy, almond, or oat milk)
• 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 3/4 cup of neutral-flavored oil (such as sunflower, grapeseed, or canola oil)

It’s important to note that the type of plant-based milk you use can affect the taste and consistency of your mayo. Soy milk is a popular choice as it has a neutral flavor and can result in a thicker mayo, but you can experiment with different types of milk to find your preferred taste and texture.

You will also need a blender or food processor to make the mayo. It’s recommended to use a high-speed blender, as this will result in a smoother and creamier mayo.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Vegan Mayo

1. In a blender or food processor, combine the plant-based milk, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and garlic powder. Blend on low speed until the ingredients are well combined.

2. With the blender still running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the oil in a steady stream. This step is important as it allows the oil to emulsify with the other ingredients, creating a creamy texture.

3. Continue blending on low speed until the mixture has thickened and become creamy, which should take around 2-3 minutes.

4. Taste the mayo and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, mustard, or lemon juice depending on your preferences.

5. Transfer the mayo to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Note: If the mayo is too thick, you can add a teaspoon of water or more plant-based milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, you can blend in a small amount of additional oil until you reach your desired consistency.

Tips for Customizing Your Vegan Mayo Recipe

Making your own vegan mayo allows you to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Here are some tips for tweaking the recipe:

• Add spices: You can add different spices to your mayo for additional flavor. For example, smoked paprika, cumin, or curry powder can give your mayo a smoky or spicy kick.

• Use different oils: While neutral-flavored oils like sunflower, grapeseed, or canola oil are commonly used, you can experiment with different oils to change the flavor profile. Olive oil or avocado oil can add a rich and nutty flavor to your mayo.

• Try different acids: Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice are used in the base recipe, but you can use other acidic ingredients like white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar to add different flavors.

• Sweeten it up: If you prefer a sweeter mayo, you can add a small amount of maple syrup or agave nectar.

• Add fresh herbs: Finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill can add a burst of fresh flavor to your mayo.

Remember to taste the mayo as you make adjustments to ensure that you’re achieving your desired flavor.

Creative Ways to Use Vegan Mayo in Your Cooking

Vegan mayo can be a versatile ingredient in your cooking, here are some creative ways to use it:

• Sandwiches and wraps: Use vegan mayo as a spread on your sandwiches and wraps instead of traditional mayo. It can also be used as a base for making vegan egg salad, chicken salad, or tuna salad.

• Dressings and dips: You can use vegan mayo as a base for making dressings and dips like ranch dressing, Caesar dressing, or aioli.

• Potato salad: Use vegan mayo to make a creamy and tangy dressing for your potato salad.

• Baked goods: Vegan mayo can be used as a substitute for eggs and oil in some baked goods, like cakes and cookies, to make them moist and tender.

• Grilled vegetables: Brush grilled vegetables with a mixture of vegan mayo and herbs to add flavor and moisture.

• Vegan mac and cheese: Use vegan mayo to make a creamy cheese sauce for vegan mac and cheese.

• Coleslaw: Use vegan mayo to make a tangy dressing for coleslaw, or use it as a base for making a vegan version of KFC-style coleslaw.

With its creamy texture and tangy flavor, vegan mayo can be a delicious and versatile addition to your cooking.