Sometimes life needs mayonnaise…

…at least that’s what I like to think.

On sandwiches, salads, burgers, and so many other dishes, mayo is the perfect (often underrated) condiment.

In my quest for the ideal plant-based mayonnaise, I’ve perfected this recipe over the years. It does a good job tasting like the original—even my meat-loving father-in-law agrees. And that’s saying something.

And the best part: it’s just 5 ingredients (plus water) and easy to make. What’s not to love?!

This mayo recipe harnesses the nutritional power of tofu (think: protein), delivering a rich, creamy texture without compromising health.

Elevating the nutritional profile further, this creamy mayo includes flax seed oil—a powerhouse of omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to heart health, improved metabolism, balanced hormonal health, and overall wellbeing.

Ingredients

• 360 g (12 oz) natural firm or silken tofu
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 6 tablespoons cold-pressed flax seed oil (or olive oil)
• 2 tsp. kala namak (black salt)
• 1 tsp. mustard
• ¼ – 1 cup water (enough to achieve the desired consistency)
• optional: pinch of turmeric powder
• optional: 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast (or to taste)

Instructions

1. Place all the ingredients, except water, in a blender and blend.
2. Add enough water, if needed, to achieve the desired consistency.

NOTES

• The type of tofu you use doesn’t really matter, as long as it’s a natural and not flavored type, but it will affect the amount of water you add.
• Apple cider vinegar adds a taste that is similar to the original, but if you can’t use it, you can replace it with lemon juice.
• I find flax seed oil adds a nice creamy texture and the appropriate flavor, but olive oil will work as well.
• Black salt (kala namak) gives it an “eggy” taste. Regular salt can be used, but it will affect the flavor.
• Adding turmeric powder will add a golden hue.
• The optional nutritional yeast can add a nice cheesy flavor and added protein, but is definitely optional. Vegans love “nooch” as we lovingly call nutritional yeast.