The 9 Best Mayo Substitutes For Vegans

These vegan mayo substitutes go perfectly with a variety of dishes, whether you're looking for a vegan alternative or simply don't like the taste of regular mayonnaise.

Mayonnaise is typically made by combining oil, eggs, vinegar or lemon juice. Although it is one of the top condiments in the US, it may seem hard to find a vegan, organic and fair trade alternative. But don’t worry, there is a variety of completely plant-based delicious mayo substitutes that each offer their unique taste and benefits! Check out the following eight mayo substitutes to find your personal favorite. Remember to use organic and fair trade products when choosing your ingredients.

1. Hummus as a Mayo Substitute

Homemade hummus is highly rich in protein and nutrients and has a unique texture and a creamy, savory taste. There are several variations, but the most simple one is mixing the desired amount of chickpeas, water, fresh lemon juice and salt together. You can use a food processor for this, but it is also possible to just smash the chickpeas with a fork if you don’t mind a more grainy texture.

Hummus is the most nourishing mayo substitute with high levels of plant-based protein. It can be served with pita bread, vegetables, vegan sandwiches, vegan buddha bowls and more.

2. Guacamole

Using guacamole as a mayo substitute is a great way of using up your overripe avocados. Simply smash your avocados and add some lemon juice, salt and pepper. Optionally, you can also add some cut-up onion, cilantro or fresh tomatoes. Guacamole can be eaten on toast or bread, with tortilla chips, potato wedges, burritos, tacos and many more dishes.

Did you know that you can even freeze your guacamole? This makes it a great mayo substitute regarding durability.

3. Homemade Vegan Spread

Making vegan mayo is surprisingly easy, and surprisingly delicious. You’ll need two main ingredients: un-sweetened soy milk or aquafaba and oil, and the method is precisely the same as the non-vegan version. 

To make it, simply slowly stir in oil to the soy milk or aquafaba and mix until it emulsifies. This means it becomes thick and creamy, and there is no pools of oil in the mixture. Red wine, white wine or apple cider vinegar will add a dilectable tanginess, as will a sprinkle of good quality salt, mustard or lemon juice. 

4. Vegan Sriracha Mayo

In order to make this spicy and creamy mayo substitute, you simply need to whisk together a few ingredients. Mix vegan mayo, three tablespoons of Sriracha, two tablespoons of lemon juice, one minced garlic glove, and salt to taste. You can find the whole recipe here. Vegan Sriracha Mayo works well in wraps, sandwiches, or veggie burgers as a mayo substitute. It is the best substitute if you are looking for some extra spice but enjoy the texture of regular mayo.

5. Cashew Cream as a Mayo Substitute

Cashew cream is the right mayo substitute for that perfect balance of sweet and savory. It can be made with just five ingredients. Mix one cup of raw cashews, half a cup of water, two tablespoons of lemon juice and half a teaspoon of sea salt in a blender until smooth and creamy. You can use cashew cream as a mayo substitute in a good old coleslaw, or process it further to cashew cream cheese to put on top of your morning bagel, bread or English muffin.

6. Tahini

Tahini has a lot of healthy fats, vitamins and antioxidants. It is a paste made from toasted, ground sesame seeds. While you will find it in any bigger grocery store, you can easily make it yourself too. Toast one cup of sesame seeds in a pan, add three tablespoons of vegetable oil and salt and blend until you get a smooth and pourable consistency. You can even use black sesame seeds, which have many hidden benefits. Tahini goes well with homemade falafel, soup or raw veggies. 

7. Wasabi Mayo

Another spicy favorite mayo substitute is this homemade wasabi mayo recipe. To make it, you can use wasabi powder, wasabi paste or grated horseradish. Besides that, you will need half a cup of unsweetened soy milk, two teaspoons of white vinegar, one cup of olive oil, half a teaspoon of salt, one minced garlic glove and lastly, half a teaspoon of maple syrup. 

This mayo substitute is similar to regular mayonnaise but gives the simple flavor a nice, tangy twist. wasabi mayo is great for vegan poke bowls, vegan sushi, veggies or salads.

8. Pesto

Pesto is well known as a famous Italian pasta sauce, but have you ever thought about using it as a mayo substitute? You can easily make your own vegan basil pesto at home.

Blend two cups of basil leaves, two tablespoons of pine nuts, two large cloves of garlic and half a cup of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. The great thing about pesto as a mayo substitute is that it is one of the most versatile sauces. Besides pasta, you can use pesto on top of baked potatoes, in sandwiches, burgers, as pizza sauce, in dips, salad dressings, bruschetta, soup… you name it.

9. Mustard as a Mayo Substitute

Mustard is a popular condiment, but it is also considered a superfood. That is because of its numerous health benefits. One of these is that it can help relieve muscle pain or cure body aches. In addition, mustard is great for your metabolism, as it contains high magnesium levels.

Besides health benefits, mustard has a special taste, being somewhat strong and pungent, yet sweet at the same time. How about trying mustard as a mayo substitute with some veggie sausage? It also goes well with mashed potatoes, fries, in salad dressing or on bread.

Read on:

• Vegan BBQ Sauce: 5 Step Recipe
• What is the Best Plant-Based Milk?
• Cauliflower Leaves are Edible! 3 Healthy Vegan Recipes

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Tags: Alternatives Cooking Guide Vegan