Vegan Oil-Free Mayo

If you’ve been on the hunt for a vegan, oil-free mayo that’s just as creamy and satisfying as the classic, then this Vegan Oil-Free Mayo made with silken tofu is about to become your new best friend.

Not only is it ridiculously easy to whip up, but it’s also healthy, budget-friendly, and absolutely perfect for slathering on sandwiches, drizzling on salads, or using as a dip. Yes, please!

🤔 Why You'll Love This Recipe

You know how traditional mayonnaise is loaded with oil and eggs, right? Well, this creamy, dreamy version skips both.

Instead, it’s made with silken tofu, which makes it a high protein mayo! It is rich and velvety smooth without the need for any heavy oils. Plus, it’s totally nut-free, so it’s great for those with nut allergies. And don’t even get me started on the calories—this mayo is way lower in fat and much lighter on calories. Win-win!

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, and you can have it ready in just 15 minutes with just 7 ingredients. Whether you’re using it as a simple sandwich spread, tossing it into a creamy taco pasta salad, or mixing it into a dressing - this oil-free mayo will elevate your meals in the most delicious way!

📋 Ingredients

• Silken tofu – The base of this creamy goodness.
• Fresh lemon juice – For a little zesty kick.
• Apple cider vinegar – It adds that tangy depth we all love in mayo.
• Nutritional yeast – For that savory, umami flavor.
• Dijon mustard – A touch of mustard for extra flavor.
• Sea salt (optional) – To taste.
• Cane sugar (optional) – A hint of sweetness to balance everything out.

🔄 Substitutions

• Silken Tofu: If you don't have silken tofu or have a soy allergy, you can swap it out for cashews. Soak about 1 cup of raw cashews in water for a few hours (or overnight), then blend them with the other ingredients. This will give you a creamy, rich mayo with a slightly different texture but still delicious. Another option is avocado for a creamy, slightly buttery flavor, though it will change the color and taste. However avocado won't keep fresh as long as tofu or cashews.
• Lemon Juice: If you're out of fresh lemons, you can use lime juice or apple cider vinegar as a substitute. Both options will provide a tangy kick.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: You can substitute white wine vinegar, rice vinegar, or even a little extra lemon juice if you don’t have apple cider vinegar. Each will provide a mild acidity that works perfectly in this mayo.
• Nutritional Yeast: If you don’t have nutritional yeast, you can use store-bought vegan parmesan cheese for a similar cheesy, savory flavor. Alternatively, a little bit of miso paste can also work, but it will alter the flavor slightly.
• Dijon Mustard: You can swap Dijon mustard with yellow mustard for a more classic flavor, or use a bit of whole grain mustard for a more textured version.
• Cane Sugar: If you prefer a different sweetener, try maple syrup, agave syrup, or even monk fruit or stevia. Just be sure to adjust the amount to taste, as liquid sweeteners might change the texture a bit.

These substitutions allow you to customize your mayo depending on what you have in your pantry or your personal flavor preferences!

💡 Flavor Variations

• Garlic Aioli: For a simple, yet flavorful twist, add 2-4 cloves of garlic (pressed or minced) to your mayo blend. The more garlic you add, the stronger the garlic taste will be. This variation is perfect for spreading on sandwiches or using as a dip for fries!
• Tomatillo Cilantro Dressing: Add 1-2 tomatillos (peeled and chopped), half a bunch of fresh cilantro, and 1 tablespoon of lime juice to your mayo mixture. Blend until smooth. You can also add a pinch of cumin or chili powder for an extra kick! This variation makes a tangy and herby dressing perfect for tacos, burritos, or as a salad topper.
• Chipotle Mayo: To add a smoky and spicy depth to your mayo, blend in 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (adjust to your heat preference), lime juice and taco seasoning. Follow our vegan chipotle mayo recipe here.
• Lemon Dill Mayo: For a fresh, bright flavor, add 1 tablespoon of fresh dill and an extra teaspoon of lemon juice to the mayo. This combo works wonderfully as a dressing for potato salad or a spread for veggie sandwiches.
• Green Goddess: Blend in 1 tablespoon each of fresh parsley, chives, and tarragon, 1 teaspoon of basil, 1 clove of garlic, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of white miso paste or nutritional yeast for that signature umami boost. This bright, herb-packed mayo is divine as a dip for fresh veggies, a salad dressing, or a sandwich spread.
• Curry Mayo: For a unique flavor in your high protein mayo, blend in 1 tablespoon of curry powder (or more to taste). Alternatively you could also use curry paste to taste! Vegan curry mayo is delicious on sandwiches, wraps, or as a dipping sauce for roasted cauliflower.

These flavor variations are easy to customize to your taste, and they make this vegan oil-free mayo even more versatile in your kitchen! If you try a few different combos, we'd love to hear all about it in the comment section at the end of the blog post.

🍽 Equipment

Thankfully you don't need a lot, to make this easy high protein mayo that is oil-free:

• Immersion blender: If you prefer blending in a jar, an immersion blender works wonders and helps save on cleanup time.

If you don't have an immersion blender, a high-speed blender or food processor works just as great to make yourself some high protein mayo.

👩🏽‍🍳 How to Make Vegan Oil-Free Mayo

1. Prep the Tofu: Gently remove the tofu from its package and drain it. Try to remove as much excess water as you can. No need to be gentle here—it’s all going to get blended into perfection!
2. Blend: Transfer the tofu to an immersion blender, food processor, or use a high-speed blender. Blend for about 1 minute until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the Flavors: Next, toss in your seasonings: lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and cane sugar. Blend again until everything is perfectly smooth.
4. Taste Test: Give it a taste and adjust seasonings as necessary. Add more salt or sugar if you like it a little saltier or sweeter. Remember, this mayo will thicken up as it chills in the fridge.
5. Chill & Serve: Transfer your mayo to a clean, airtight container (I love using mason jars or squeeze bottles). Store it in the fridge, where it will keep fresh for about 1-2 weeks. Shake before serving!

✨ Sprinkle's Expert Tips

• This recipe is not freezer-friendly, so make sure to make just enough to last you through the week.
• If you prefer a smoother mayo, don’t rush the blending process. The longer you blend, the smoother it gets!

🍒 Serving Ideas:

Once you’ve got yourself a gorgeous batch of creamy mayo, let your creativity run wild! Use it as:

• Sandwich spread: Slather it on your sandwiches!
• Salads & Grain Bowls: Use your vegan oil-free mayo to make your favorite mayo based dressings! Or simply thin it out with a bit of water or lemon juice for a dressing consistency.
• Dip: Perfect for dipping your fresh veggies, crispy fries, or nuggets. We also love to dip our homemade crispy vegan chicken wings in them.
• Pasta salads: This makes your pasta salads extra creamy and satisfying, like our creamy taco pasta salad and German potato salad. I also love making the tomatillo variation for many of our salads!
• Other serving ideas: Add it to your wraps, burritos, slaw, tacos, baked potatoes, or wherever you'd use regular mayo usually!

💭 Recipe FAQ

🥣 Storage

Storage: Store your homemade high protein mayo to in a clean, airtight container (I love mason jars or squeeze bottles for this!). I would recommend to disinfect your choice of storage container beforehand.

It will stay fresh in the fridge for 1-2 weeks. Just give it a good stir if it separates.

More Recipes You'll Love

This Vegan Oil-Free Mayo is such a versatile and easy recipe to have in your kitchen arsenal. Not only is it healthier, budget-friendly, and nut-free, but it’s also a great way to satisfy your mayo cravings without any of the guilt. I promise you, once you try this mayo, you’ll never go back to store-bought again!

Enjoy! Let me know in the comments how you’re using it in your meals—I'm always excited to hear about new ways to enjoy this delicious spread.