The Best Homemade Mayonnaise Variations and Cooking Tips

There’s something special about homemade mayonnaise. Its rich, creamy texture. Its fresh flavor. And the ability to customize the recipe to suit your dietary preferences. Do you want it more acidic? More delicate? Or a rich flavor? Believe me, once you try to make mayonnaise at home, there will be no turning back and you will no longer buy mayonnaise in the store.

And the best part is that it’s simple to make. Just a few basic ingredients and in just a few minutes you have fresh, natural mayonnaise on your table. In this article, we’ll break down the best variations of homemade mayonnaise, share tips on oil selection and mixing techniques, and tell you how to use it in your favorite dishes.

Let’s get started!

Keto, Vegan, and Whole30 Mayonnaise Recipes

Homemade mayonnaise is good because it’s pure fats and minimal carbs, so it’s perfect for a keto diet. But what about if you’re vegan or following Whole30? No need to worry, I have solutions for everyone.

Keto Mayonnaise

The main focus of this recipe is on healthy fats and no sugar. Here’s my favorite recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup avocado oil (or mild olive oil)
• 1 egg yolk (room temperature)
• 1 tsp. dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
• ½ tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. lemon juice

Preparation:

1. In a bowl, mix together the egg yolk, mustard, vinegar and salt.
2. Gradually pour in the oil in a thin stream, beating constantly with a whisk or blender.
3. When the mixture thickens, add the lemon juice and stir.
4. Pour into a glass jar and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Tip. If you want to increase the usefulness of this mayonnaise, then add a couple of spoons of MCT oil (if you do not have individual intolerance contraindications)

Vegan mayonnaise (without eggs)

Yes, don’t be surprised, but you can make mayonnaise without eggs. This recipe is completely plant-based, but that doesn’t stop it from being airy and delicious.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsweetened soy milk (or aquafaba – the liquid from chickpeas)
• 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 cup of vegetable oil (sunflower or avocado oil is best)
• ½ tsp. salt

Preparation:

1. Blend the soy milk, vinegar, and mustard in a blender.
2. Slowly add the oil, beating on low speed.
3. Whisk until the mayonnaise thickens.
4. Pour into a jar and store for up to a week.

Tip. Try substituting soy milk for cashew cream, especially if you have a good nut paste blender. You’ll get a richer texture that way.

Whole30 Mayonnaise

You know Whole30 is all about pure products, no additives or sugar.

Ingredients:

• 1 egg yolk (room temperature)
• 1 cup avocado oil
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice

Preparation:

1. Whisk the egg yolk, mustard and salt in a bowl.
2. Gradually add the oil, beating constantly.
3. At the end, add the lemon juice and stir.

Tip.  If you are wary of using raw eggs, try pasteurized eggs. They’re easy to find in convenient homemade mayonnaise kits.

Mayonnaise Recipes with Avocado, Olive Oil

The choice of oil is the key to perfect mayonnaise. It affects the flavor, texture and healthfulness of the finished product.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil gives mayonnaise a delicate texture with no extra flavor and is rich in healthy fats. But you should choose quality cold-pressed oil to avoid bitter flavor.

• Pros: neutral flavor, heart healthy fats, great with meats and salads

Olive oil 

First cold-pressed olive oil has a rich, slightly peppery flavor. But to avoid bitter mayonnaise, it’s best to mix it with a neutral oil, such as avocado oil.

• Pros: antioxidants and polyphenols, good for Mediterranean cuisine, adds spice to dishes

When you use avocado oil along with olive oil when making mayonnaise, it not only gives it the right texture and rich flavor, but also makes it healthier. The avocado oil adds creaminess and the olive oil brings a slight spiciness. With this recipe, you’ll have a great mayonnaise that’s perfect for salads, sandwiches, or as a base for sauces.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cold-pressed avocado oil 
• 1/2 cup virgin cold-pressed olive oil
• 1 egg yolk (room temperature)
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. lemon juice

Preparation:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, mustard, apple cider vinegar and salt.
2. Gradually add first the avocado oil and then the olive oil while continuing to whisk the mixture. Do this slowly so that the mayonnaise does not separate.
3. When the mixture becomes thick and homogeneous, add the lemon juice and mix again thoroughly.
4. Pour the ready mayonnaise into a clean glass jar and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Tip. If you want to make your mayonnaise even richer, try adding some garlic powder or fresh herbs to it for flavor.

Mayonnaise recipes using a hand mixer, Ninja and stationary mixer

The technique you use to make mayonnaise makes all the difference. A hand mixer allows you to control the process, a Ninja blender does everything for you in seconds, and a stationary mixer helps you make large portions effortlessly. But there are nuances, as each appliance requires a slightly different approach.

Mayonnaise prepared with a hand mixer

This method strikes the perfect balance between control and convenience. You yourself determine when to stop, but at the same time you do not spend a lot of effort.

Ingredients:

• 1 egg (room temperature)
• 1 cup refined oil (avocado or sunflower)
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• ½ tsp. salt

Preparation:

1. In a deep bowl, mix the egg, mustard, lemon juice and salt.
2. Turn the hand mixer on low speed and slowly pour in the oil without stopping to whisk.
3. Once the mayonnaise thickens, it’s ready!

Tip. Use a deep container to avoid splashing. It is also better to choose a hand mixer with whisk attachments, such as this option.

Mayonnaise in a Ninja blender

If you’re the lucky owner of a powerful Ninja blender, you don’t even need to slowly pour in the oil, it will do the job perfectly fine on its own in seconds. This method is especially good if you want a uniform, velvety consistency.

Ingredients:

• 1 egg (room temperature)
• 1 cup avocado oil
• 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. lemon juice

Preparation:

1. In the bowl of a blender, add the egg, mustard, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice and salt.
2. Pour in the avocado oil at once, you don’t need to pour it in slowly as in the classic method.
3. Close the lid and turn the blender on high power for about 30 seconds.
4. As soon as the mayonnaise thickens, pour it into a glass jar and put it away in the refrigerator.

Tip. If the mayonnaise turns out too runny, try adding another egg and whisking again. For a super-airy texture, you can use the “emulsifier” attachment available on some Ninja blenders.

Mayonnaise in a stationary mixer (KitchenAid and analogs)

If you need to prepare a lot of mayonnaise at once, then a stationary mixer (for example, KitchenAid) will be the best assistant in your kitchen. With it, you can easily make a double batch without too much effort.

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 2 cups of oil (1 cup olive oil + 1 cup sunflower oil)
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp. salt

Preparation:

1. In the bowl of a stationary mixer, add the eggs, mustard, lemon juice and salt.
2. Attach the whisk attachment and turn the mixer on to medium speed.
3. Without turning off the mixer, slowly pour in the oil in a thin stream – this is the key to emulsification.
4. After 2-3 minutes, the mayonnaise will become thick and silky.

Tip. If you are making a double batch at once, use a wide bowl and remember to scrape the mayonnaise off the walls of the bowl while whipping. One of the best mixers for such tasks is the KitchenAid with a metal bowl.

Choose which mixer is right for you

• A hand mixer is ideal if you want a small batch and more control over texture.
• A Ninja blender is the fastest way to go. 
• A stationary mixer is a good choice for larger quantities (for example, if you’re cooking for the whole family at once).

Easy Mayonnaise Recipes with Apple Cider Vinegar and Farmhouse Charms

Homemade mayonnaise with apple cider vinegar is not just a sauce, but a true farmhouse classic. Light, airy, and with a pleasant sourness, it’s perfect for potato salad, spreading on rustic bread, or as a sauce for roasted meats.

And apple cider vinegar also makes this mayonnaise healthier, as it contains enzymes that aid digestion and enhance flavor. So let’s get cooking!

Spicy Rustic Mayonnaise with Garlic and Dill

This mayonnaise is perfect for potatoes, roasted vegetables, and rustic sandwiches. It smells like fresh herbs and garlic, and the apple cider vinegar makes the flavor very distinctive.

Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 1 cup of olive oil (it is better to mix with neutral oil so that there is no bitterness)
• 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 clove of garlic (grated)
• 1 tsp. fresh dill (finely chopped)
• ½ tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. black pepper

Preparation:

1. In a bowl, mix the egg, mustard, vinegar, salt, pepper and garlic.
2. Gradually pour in the olive oil, beating with a mixer or whisk.
3. At the end, add the dill and mix again.

Tip. If you want a smooth consistency, use an immersion blender. If you like a slightly grainy texture, just whisk with a fork or whisk for an even more homemade feel.

Honey mustard mayonnaise in the style of the farmer’s market

This is a good addition to meat dishes, potatoes, or even crispy crackers. The light sweetness of the honey, the tanginess of the mustard, and the apple cider vinegar make it extremely flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 1 cup of sunflower oil
• 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp. honey
• ½ tsp. paprika
• ½ tsp. salt

Preparation:

1. Pour the egg, vinegar, mustard, honey, paprika and salt into the bowl of a mixer.
2. Turn the mixer on and add the oil in a thin stream – this is important so the mayonnaise doesn’t separate.
3. Beat until thickened – it usually takes about a minute.

Tip. For a rustic look, serve this mayonnaise in a clay or enameled bowl.

How to Use Homemade Mayonnaise with Biscuits, Salads, and More

Homemade mayonnaise isn’t just a sandwich sauce. If you already have it in your fridge (and if you don’t – run to make it!), let’s figure out how to use it to its full potential. Villages used to have no time for “long cooking”, so mayonnaise often became a necessary ingredient in many dishes, from baked goods to various dressings.

Let’s figure out where it can be added, besides the usual sandwiches and salads.

1. Recipe for puffy rustic cookies with mayonnaise

Have you ever tried adding mayonnaise to your dough? Yes, yes, that’s right mayonnaise! It sounds weird, but it makes baked goods softer, airier, and juicier. All because it already has fat, acid, and emulsifiers – the three key components of a perfect dough.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tbsp. baking powder
• ½ tsp. baking soda
• ½ tsp. salt
• ½ cup homemade mayonnaise
• ½ cup milk

Preparation:

1. In a deep bowl, mix the dry ingredients.
2. Add mayonnaise and milk and knead into a soft dough.
3. Roll out about 2 cm thick and cut out circles.
4. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes until golden.

Tip. If you want real “grandma’s” cookies, roll out the dough not too thin, then they will be puffy and soft.

2. Recipe for fresh mayonnaise-based salad dressing

Mayonnaise is not just a fatty dressing. It can be light, savory and even fresh if you use it right.

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp. of homemade mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp. honey
• ½ tsp. mustard
• A pinch of black pepper

Preparation:

1. Simply mix all the ingredients together.
2. Dress the salad with fresh vegetables, herbs and seeds.
3. Serve immediately – the freshness will turn any vegetable salad into a restaurant dish.

Tip. Try adding some garlic or fresh herbs to the dressing. You’ll see that it will turn out even tastier.

3. Recipe for mayonnaise marinade for chicken 

Yes, mayonnaise can be used as a marinade. It softens the meat, makes it juicy and gives a delicate creamy flavor.

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp. of homemade mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp. mustard
• 2 cloves of garlic (grated)
• ½ tsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. lemon juice
• ½ tsp. salt and pepper

How to prepare:

1. Rub the chicken with this marinade.
2. Leave for 2-3 hours (or overnight).
3. Roast or bake until browned.

Tip. This marinade is great not only for chicken, but also for fish or vegetables.

Why you should make mayonnaise at home

If you’ve never made mayonnaise, it’s time to give it a try. It can be easily adapted to any diet, is healthier than store-bought mayonnaise and is ready in 5 minutes. Homemade mayonnaise can be an important ingredient for many dishes. It will make any dish a little softer, a little juicier, a little more flavorful.

Do you have a favorite mayonnaise recipe?

Share in the comments, I’m interested to know.