Easy Cashew Mayonnaise (Vegan, Oil-free) Recipe
Introduction
This easy cashew mayonnaise is a creamy, vegan, and oil-free alternative to traditional mayo. Made from soaked cashews and simple pantry ingredients, it offers a smooth, tangy flavor perfect for sandwiches, dips, and dressings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (4 oz / 112 g) raw cashews
- 1/3 cup (75 mL) cold water, plus more as needed
- 2 tablespoons (30 mL) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the cashews in a mason jar or glass bowl and cover with 2 cups (500 mL) boiling water. Let them soak for 15 to 20 minutes until very plump, then drain and rinse.
- Step 2: In a small food processor or handheld blender, combine the soaked cashews, 1/3 cup cold water, lemon juice, mustard, garlic powder, and salt.
- Step 3: Blend the mixture, stopping frequently to scrape the sides and bottom, until very smooth and creamy with the consistency of mayonnaise. Patience is key—it may take 3 to 4 minutes with several pauses.
- Step 4: If you prefer a thinner mayo, add more water a little at a time. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, mustard, garlic powder, or lemon juice as desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra tang, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Make sure to soak cashews thoroughly for the smoothest texture.
- If you don’t have a food processor, a powerful blender will also work well.
- Add fresh herbs like dill or basil to customize the flavor profile.
Storage
Store the cashew mayonnaise in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir well before using, and keep it chilled. If the mayo thickens too much after refrigeration, simply mix in a small amount of water to restore the desired consistency.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use roasted cashews for this recipe?
It’s best to use raw cashews as roasted ones can change the flavor and make the mayo gritty. Raw cashews give a creamy, neutral base that’s ideal.
Is this mayonnaise suitable for people with nut allergies?
No, this recipe contains cashews and is not safe for those with tree nut allergies. Consider alternative recipes using sunflower seeds or tofu instead.
PrintEasy Cashew Mayonnaise (Vegan, Oil-free) Recipe
This Easy Cashew Mayonnaise is a creamy, vegan, and oil-free alternative to traditional mayonnaise, made with soaked cashews and flavorful seasonings. It’s perfect for sandwiches, dressings, and dips, offering a healthy and delicious option for those seeking plant-based condiments.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (soaking time)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Cashew Mayonnaise Ingredients
- 1 cup (4 oz / 112 g) raw cashews
- 1/3 cup (75 mL) cold water, plus more as needed
- 2 tablespoons (30 mL) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt (more or less, to taste)
Instructions
- Soak Cashews: Place the raw cashews in a mason jar or glass bowl and cover them with 2 cups (500 mL) of boiling water. Let the cashews soak for 15 to 20 minutes until they become very plump. After soaking, drain and rinse the cashews thoroughly.
- Blend Ingredients: Combine the soaked cashews, 1/3 cup cold water, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and sea salt in a small food processor or handheld blender. Process to start breaking down the ingredients.
- Achieve Creamy Consistency: Stop the blender frequently to scrape down the sides and bottom of the container. Continue blending, stopping and scraping multiple times, for about 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture turns very smooth and creamy with a mayonnaise-like consistency.
- Adjust Texture and Flavor: For a thinner mayonnaise, add more water gradually while blending. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, mustard, garlic powder, or lemon juice to suit your preferences.
Notes
- Soaking the cashews properly is key to achieving a smooth and creamy texture.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- This mayonnaise can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning to match your taste preferences.
Keywords: cashew mayonnaise, vegan mayonnaise, oil-free mayonnaise, dairy-free condiments, plant-based mayo, easy vegan recipes
