Vegan Cashew Mayonnaise Recipe Easy and Creamy Guide

Updated On: September 30, 2025

If you’ve been searching for a creamy, tangy, and utterly delicious vegan mayonnaise that rivals the traditional version, look no further! This Vegan Cashew Mayonnaise Recipe is a game-changer for plant-based cooks and anyone looking to avoid eggs or dairy.

Made from soaked cashews, a splash of lemon juice, and a few simple pantry staples, this mayo is silky smooth and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for sandwiches, dips, dressings, and even as a base for creamy sauces.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and free from preservatives or artificial ingredients.

Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply want to add more wholesome foods to your diet, this homemade cashew mayo offers a fresh and healthy alternative. Plus, it’s customizable to your taste preferences, so you can adjust the tanginess, garlic intensity, or add herbs for your favorite flavor twist.

Get ready to elevate your meals with this luscious, plant-based mayonnaise!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a fantastic addition to your vegan cooking repertoire for several reasons:

  • Rich and Creamy Texture: The soaked cashews blend into a beautiful, smooth base that mimics the luxurious creaminess of traditional mayo.
  • Simple Ingredients: No complicated or hard-to-find ingredients here – just basics like cashews, lemon juice, vinegar, and a touch of mustard.
  • Versatile Flavor: Mildly tangy with a subtle hint of garlic, this mayo can be customized with herbs, spices, or even a bit of heat.
  • Healthy and Nutritious: Cashews provide healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals, making this mayo a nourishing choice.
  • Allergy-Friendly: Free from eggs, dairy, soy, and gluten, fitting many dietary requirements easily.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for at least 2 hours or overnight)
  • 1/4 cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 small clove fresh garlic)
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (such as avocado oil or light olive oil; optional for extra creaminess)

Equipment

  • High-speed blender or food processor – essential for achieving the smooth texture
  • Bowl for soaking cashews
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula for scraping down the sides
  • Glass jar or airtight container for storage

Instructions

  1. Soak the cashews: Place the raw cashews in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for at least 2 hours or overnight. This softens the nuts and makes blending easier.
  2. Drain and rinse: After soaking, drain the cashews and rinse them under cold water.
  3. Combine ingredients: Add the soaked cashews, water, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and salt to your blender or food processor.
  4. Blend until smooth: Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary. The mixture should become creamy and smooth.
  5. Add oil (optional): For an extra rich and silky texture, slowly drizzle in the oil while the blender is running until fully incorporated.
  6. Taste and adjust: Sample your mayo and adjust salt, lemon juice, or garlic according to your preference. Blend again briefly if needed.
  7. Store properly: Transfer the cashew mayo to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and thicken.
  8. Use and enjoy: Your vegan cashew mayonnaise is ready to elevate sandwiches, salads, and dips!

Tips & Variations

“For the creamiest mayo, make sure your cashews are soaked long enough and use a powerful blender to get that perfect smoothness.”

  • Make it garlic aioli style: Add a small clove of fresh garlic and a pinch of smoked paprika for a bold aioli flavor.
  • Herb-infused mayo: Blend in fresh herbs like dill, basil, or parsley to create a flavorful spread perfect for sandwiches and wraps.
  • Spicy kick: Mix in a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy mayo variation.
  • Lemon zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright, fresh twist.
  • Thicker consistency: Reduce water slightly or add a teaspoon of ground flaxseed for a thicker spreadable mayo.
  • Storage tip: Keep your mayo refrigerated and use within 4-5 days for best freshness.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per 2 Tbsp % Daily Value*
Calories 90 5%
Total Fat 7g 9%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 150mg 7%
Total Carbohydrates 3g 1%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Protein 2g 4%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile vegan cashew mayonnaise is perfect for enhancing a wide variety of dishes. Here are some tasty ideas to get you started:

  • Classic sandwich spread: Use it instead of traditional mayo on veggie or vegan deli sandwiches.
  • Creamy salad dressing: Thin with a little water or plant milk and toss with your favorite greens for a luscious dressing.
  • Dip for fries and veggies: Serve as a dip for crispy fries, raw veggies, or even your favorite vegan nuggets.
  • Base for sauces: Mix with herbs and spices to create dips like ranch, chipotle mayo, or tartar sauce.
  • Boost burgers and wraps: Add a dollop to vegan burgers, wraps, or grain bowls for richness and flavor.

If you love exploring plant-based sauces, be sure to check out my Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes and Lipton Vegetable Dip Recipe: Easy Party Favorite for more delicious ideas.

Conclusion

Making your own vegan cashew mayonnaise at home is not only satisfying but also allows you to control the flavors and ingredients fully. This recipe delivers a creamy, tangy, and nutritious mayo that can easily replace store-bought versions packed with additives.

Plus, it opens up a world of creative possibilities for sandwiches, dips, dressings, and sauces. Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned plant-based foodie, this cashew mayo is a must-have in your kitchen.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with the flavors and use it as a base to create unique spreads that suit your palate perfectly. For more plant-based inspiration, explore other recipes like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to complement your homemade mayo creations.

📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Cashew Mayonnaise

Description: A creamy, dairy-free mayonnaise made from soaked cashews, perfect as a spread or dip. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients for a healthy alternative.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT10M

Servings: 1 cup

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw cashews, soaked for 2 hours
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (e.g., sunflower or grapeseed)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse soaked cashews.
  2. Add cashews, lemon juice, water, apple cider vinegar, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to a blender.
  3. Blend until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. With blender running, slowly add oil to emulsify.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Transfer to a jar and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 5g | Fat: 16g | Carbs: 6g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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