Vegan mayonnaise is one of those game-changing condiments that can elevate your plant-based meals to a whole new level. Traditional mayo relies heavily on eggs and dairy, which can be limiting for vegans or those with allergies.
But what if you could whip up a creamy, tangy, and perfectly smooth mayo using just tofu and a few pantry staples? Yes, it’s not only possible, it’s incredibly easy!
This vegan mayo recipe with tofu is a fantastic way to add richness to sandwiches, salads, dips, and more without compromising on taste or texture.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to cut down on animal products, this tofu mayo is a versatile staple that you can customize to suit your flavor preferences. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and requires minimal effort.
Let’s dive into this simple yet delicious recipe that will soon become your go-to plant-based mayo!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan tofu mayo recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy and quick to prepare—no fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients needed.
Just a block of silken tofu and a handful of basic pantry staples.
Second, it’s impressively creamy and smooth, thanks to the silken tofu base that mimics the texture of traditional mayonnaise. The flavor is tangy, slightly sweet, and adaptable; you can easily tweak it to suit your tastes by adding herbs, garlic, or spices.
Lastly, this mayo is free from eggs, dairy, and oils, making it a healthier alternative packed with protein and lower in fat. It’s also perfect for allergy-friendly cooking, catering to many dietary restrictions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup silken tofu (soft and smooth texture works best)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (for tanginess)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (adds depth and a slight kick)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (or agave for subtle sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for savory flavor)
- Salt to taste (start with 1/4 teaspoon)
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional, to taste)
Equipment
- Blender or food processor (to blend the tofu into creamy mayo)
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Spatula (to scrape down the sides)
- Bowl (to transfer and store the mayo)
- Jar or airtight container (for storing the finished mayo)
Instructions
- Prepare the tofu: Drain the silken tofu and gently pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps in achieving a thicker mayo consistency.
- Add to blender: Place the tofu in your blender or food processor. Add the apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, maple syrup, and garlic powder.
- Blend until smooth: Blend the mixture on high speed until completely smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides with a spatula to ensure even blending.
- Season to taste: Add salt and black pepper a little at a time, blending briefly after each addition. Taste and adjust the acidity or sweetness as needed by adding more lemon juice or maple syrup if desired.
- Transfer and chill: Transfer the vegan mayo into a clean jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the mayo to firm up slightly.
- Serve and enjoy: Use your homemade tofu mayo as a spread, dip, or dressing. Give it a good stir before serving since it may thicken as it chills.
Tips & Variations
Pro tip: For an oilier texture closer to traditional mayo, add 1-2 tablespoons of neutral oil such as grapeseed or sunflower oil during blending.
Feel free to experiment with different flavors. Adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley can create a delightful herbed mayo.
For a smoky twist, a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder works wonders.
Want a spicier kick? Blend in some sriracha or a dash of cayenne pepper.
For a garlic lover’s version, swap garlic powder for freshly minced garlic.
If you prefer a soy-free option, check out our soy-free vegan recipes for alternative mayo bases like aquafaba or cashews.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per 2 tbsp serving |
---|---|
Calories | 45 |
Protein | 3 grams |
Fat | 1.5 grams |
Carbohydrates | 4 grams |
Fiber | 0.3 grams |
Sugar | 1.5 grams |
Sodium | 120 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan tofu mayo is incredibly versatile and works well in many dishes. Use it as a sandwich spread to add creaminess without the heaviness of traditional mayo.
It’s perfect for vegan potato salad or coleslaw, lending a luscious texture and tang.
Try it as a dip for fresh veggies or crispy fries. You can also mix it with fresh herbs and lemon juice for a quick salad dressing.
It pairs beautifully with tofu scrambles or tempeh sandwiches for an extra burst of flavor.
For more delicious vegan condiments and sauce ideas, check out our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or our Lipton Vegetable Dip Recipe: Easy Party Favorite.
Conclusion
Making your own vegan mayo with tofu is a simple, satisfying way to enjoy a creamy, tangy condiment free from eggs and dairy. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also customizable to suit your flavor cravings, whether you prefer it plain, herbed, or spicy.
The smooth texture and balanced taste make it a fantastic addition to countless vegan meals, from sandwiches to salads and dips.
By choosing tofu as the base, you’re also adding a boost of protein and keeping the recipe light and nutritious. Plus, homemade mayo means no preservatives or unwanted additives—just wholesome ingredients you trust.
Be sure to give this recipe a try and explore other plant-based dishes like our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to complete your vegan cooking adventure!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Mayo Recipe Tofu
Description: A creamy and delicious vegan mayonnaise made with silken tofu as a base. Perfect for sandwiches, dressings, and dips.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT10M
Servings: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup silken tofu
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup neutral oil (e.g. sunflower or canola)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave (optional)
Instructions
- Add silken tofu, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper; blend briefly to combine.
- Slowly drizzle in the oil while blending to emulsify.
- Add maple syrup if using and blend again.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Transfer to a jar and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 14g | Carbs: 3g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Mayo Recipe Tofu”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A creamy and delicious vegan mayonnaise made with silken tofu as a base. Perfect for sandwiches, dressings, and dips.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT0M”, “totalTime”: “PT10M”, “recipeYield”: “1 cup”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1/2 cup silken tofu”, “2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar”, “1 tablespoon lemon juice”, “1 teaspoon Dijon mustard”, “1/2 teaspoon garlic powder”, “1/2 teaspoon onion powder”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper”, “1/4 cup neutral oil (e.g. sunflower or canola)”, “1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add silken tofu, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard to a blender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Blend until smooth and creamy.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper; blend briefly to combine.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Slowly drizzle in the oil while blending to emulsify.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add maple syrup if using and blend again.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Transfer to a jar and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “150”, “proteinContent”: “4g”, “fatContent”: “14g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “3g”}}