Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise Recipe (Oil-Free) (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Shane Martin · This post may contain affiliate links.

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Easy Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise is easy to make, oil-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and much healthier than regular mayo. Perfect for salads, sandwiches, and wraps! Just 2 minutes and 5 ingredients are required.

Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise Recipe (Oil-Free) (1)

I have always loved mayonnaise and still do. But, trying to find a healthy one is a bit of task. So, I made my own out of cashews several years ago and quickly became one of the most popular recipes on my blog.

However, some people can’t do nuts and asked me to come up with another alternative. And, I’m happy to introduce you to my easy vegan tofu mayonnaise!

I have to say this is without a doubt my favorite vegan mayo. Silken tofu provides the base with just 4 other ingredients rounding out the recipe: lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder. Salt should be added per your taste.

You can use this mayo anywhere you would use regular mayo. And, you won’t feel like a big grease ball after indulging a bit. It’s fresh, clean, and ready in less than 5 minutes.

It’s time to make your own vegan mayonnaise at home and forget the store-bought brands! Yes, it is possible. Bonus? This vegan mayo recipe does not use oil, vegan egg replacements, or even cashews. You simply will not believe it.

Table of Contents

Why You Will Love This Vegan Mayonnaise Recipe

  • simple
  • savory
  • ready in 2 minutes
  • egg-free, nut-free, and oil-free
  • 5 ingredients
  • low-fat and healthy
  • gluten-free
  • tangy, thick, rich, and creamy
Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise Recipe (Oil-Free) (2)

Ingredients You Will Need

You only need a few simple ingredients to make this vegan tofu mayonnaise.

  • Tofu: Mori-Nu silken tofu is my favorite and works best for the is recipe. It blends up super easy to create a smooth and creamy consistency. Silken tofu is also high in protein and low in fat.
  • Acid: lemon juice and apple cider vinegar add that signature “tang” found in mayo.
  • Spice: garlic powder and dijon mustard round out the rest of the ingredients. And, make the flavor of mayo come alive. If you want a little extra flavor you could also add a small amount of onion powder.
  • Salt: I prefer to wait until everything is blended, taste, and then season with sea salt.
Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise Recipe (Oil-Free) (3)

How To Make Tofu Mayonnaise

This tofu mayonnaise recipe could not easier. You simply dump everything into a blender, store, and serve.

  1. Add all of the ingredients to a food processor, blender, or immersion blender. Process until smooth and creamy.
  2. After blending and the mixture is smooth, taste and adjust for flavor. If you want more tang add a little more lemon juice and apple cider vinegar. For more savoriness, add a little garlic powder or salt.
  3. Store in an airtight container or glass jar with a lid in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Use in sandwiches anywhere you would use mayo. It’s perfect for carrot dogs,burgers, potato salad, coleslaw, dressings, andmore!
Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise Recipe (Oil-Free) (4)

How Should I Use Tofu Mayonnaise

This easy vegan mayo is versatile and can be used just like you would use regular mayo.

  • Burger
  • Potato Salad
  • a spread for this Potato Chip Tomato Sandwich
  • create your favorite mayo-based salad dressings
  • Coleslaw
  • make vegan tartar sauce
  • a deliciou vegan BLT with tofu bacon or tempeh bacon
  • it makes a delicious dip for these Cajun fries
Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise Recipe (Oil-Free) (5)

Notes and Tips

  • This tofu mayonnaise will firm up as it sits in the fridge. If you want to thin it out add a little soy milk and other non-dairy milk and stir.
  • Vegan mayo can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge for up to one week. But, it is NOT freezer-friendly!
  • Try adding more “flavor” to your mayo by using your favorite fresh herbs.
  • This recipe is more on the subtle savory side. If you want a little sweetness simply add 1 teaspoon of maple syrup or agave.
Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise Recipe (Oil-Free) (6)

More Vegan Condiment Recipes

  • Cashew Mayo
  • Vegan Sriracha Mayo
  • Garlicky Lemon Tahini Dressing
  • Check out
Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise Recipe (Oil-Free) (7)

I hope you enjoy thiseasy Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise. Please leave a comment below with a star rating. And, be sure and share a picture onInstagramwith the hashtag#shaneandsimple. I want to see your work. Enjoy!

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Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise Recipe (Oil-Free)

Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise Recipe (Oil-Free) (8)

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5 from 10 reviews

Easy Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise is easy to make, gluten-free, and much healthier than regular mayo. Perfect for salads, sandwiches, and wraps! Just 2 minutes and 5 ingredients are required.

  • Author: Shane Martin
  • Prep Time: 2 mins.
  • Blend:
  • Total Time: 2 minutes
  • Yield: 24 servings 1x
  • Category: Dips & Sauces
  • Method: Blend
  • Cuisine: Vegan
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

Instructions

  1. Add all of the ingredients to a food processor, blender, or immersion blender. Process until smooth and creamy.
  2. After blending and mixture is smooth, taste and adjust flavor as desired. If you want more tang add a little more lemon juice and apple cider vinegar. For savoriness, add a little garlic powder or salt.
  3. Store in an airtight container or glass jar with a lid in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Use in sandwiches anywhere you would use mayo. It’s perfect for carrot dogs, burgers, potato salad, coleslaw, dressings, and more!

Notes

I prefer Mori-Nu Silken Tofu for this type of recipe. It’s super creamy and very smooth. You will not get the same results with regular tofu.

Nutrition info does not include the addition of salt.

This tofu mayonnaise will firm up as it sits in the fridge. If you want to thin it out add a little soy milk and other non-dairy milk and stir.

Vegan mayo can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge for up to one week. But, it is NOT freezer-friendly!

Try adding more “flavor” to your mayo by using your favorite fresh herbs.

This recipe is more on the subtle savory side. If you want a little sweetness simply add 1 teaspoon of maple syrup or agave.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Tbsp
  • Calories: 10
  • Sugar: 0.2 g
  • Sodium: 8 mg
  • Fat: 0.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 0.5 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise Recipe (Oil-Free) (15)

More Dressings & Sauces

  • Vegan Sour Cream
  • Oil Free Salad Dressing
  • Easy Homemade Ketchup Recipe (5 Minutes)

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Let Me Hear From You!

  1. Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise Recipe (Oil-Free) (20)Janet

    Wildly exceeded my expectations, this healthy mayo is fantastic! I needed something for my mayonnaise obsession that didn’t have all the fat or oil. Never thought I’d find such a delicious recipe. Thank you!!

    Reply

    • Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise Recipe (Oil-Free) (21)Shane Martin

      Thank you so much!!!

      Reply

  2. Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise Recipe (Oil-Free) (22)Margaret

    I ran out of mayonnaise today but wanted to stop buying oil-based mayo anyway. Not too happy with the homemade recipes I’ve made before, I was grateful to find that you had created an oil-free one. It is delicious and resembles store bought, but with a lighter and healthier essence. A new favorite. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise Recipe (Oil-Free) (23)Shane Martin

      Awesome!

      Reply

  3. Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise Recipe (Oil-Free) (24)Michelle

    Bonjour! Such an easy yet flavorful recipe…no maple syrup added but a tiny bit of salt.Ready for my next Tomato lettuce sandwich!Thank you Shane and I enjoy your recipes and creativity!

    Reply

  4. Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise Recipe (Oil-Free) (26)Twyla

    Super easy, delicious, and much less expensive than the commercial plant based mayos.
    I see you’re going to be in Omaha!
    My friends Ben and Esther will also be speakers at the conference.
    And Melissa is so nice.
    Thank you for all your great recipes.

    Reply

  5. Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise Recipe (Oil-Free) (27)Paula

    Just discovered “you” and your website/FB page, etc., about 2 weeks ago and have made a few of your recipes. All winners. Made this mayo today to go with our tuna fish salad recipe and it is awesome. I’ve just looked thru some of your other recipes that include “mayo”…and wondering if you think it would be okay to use this tofu mayo whenever you suggest the cashew mayo? We have to keep the fat down due to heart issues…. Newer to a committed plant based life… thought we were doing it before with the Mediterranean Meal Plan but that’s been a wake-up call. Thank you for so many wonderful recipes. I used to have a B&B and would create all the recipes… know it takes A LOT of time, effort and trial and error. Appreciate you and all your hard work bringing us delicious food.

    Reply

    • Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise Recipe (Oil-Free) (28)Shane Martin

      Hi, Paula! Thanks so much for being here and reaching out. Yes, you can totally use this mayo anywhere my other recipes use the cashew mayo.

      Reply

  6. Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise Recipe (Oil-Free) (29)Laurena

    I’m going to make this Vegan Mayo
    Thanks
    Sounds delicious

    Reply

  7. Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise Recipe (Oil-Free) (30)Nancy Nurse

    Hi Shane, love your recipes! Which mayo do YOU prefer? The ‘nut’ one or the tofu one? I can do either… and, which silken tofu do YOU prefer? The Firm or Extra Firm?

    Reply

    • Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise Recipe (Oil-Free) (31)Shane Martin

      Hi, Nancy! I go back and forth. When I want something more savory I like tofu one. If I like a little sweetness, which is good in potato salads or coleslaw, then I’ll use the cashew mayo.

      Reply

  8. Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise Recipe (Oil-Free) (32)Susan Johnson

    I’m new to tofu – I see that you use silken tofu for this but is it silken extra firm? I think there must be a thousand different tofu’s to lick from. Is there a good reference for what type to use in a specific type of dish????? I’m so confused.

    Reply

    • Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise Recipe (Oil-Free) (33)Shane Martin

      Hi, Susan! Yes, it is Silken Extra Firm or silken firm works as well. Silken tofu is good for making sauces, creams, smoothies, etc. and has the consistency of a boiled egg white. Regular firm or extra firm tofu is much more “rubbery” and meaty and used as a meat replacement in many dishes. Hope this helps. I have a link the recipe where you can order silken tofu.

      Peace,
      shane

      Reply

  9. Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise Recipe (Oil-Free) (34)Marie

    Do you use a full block of tofu (12 oz) in this? thanks.

    Reply

    • Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise Recipe (Oil-Free) (35)Shane Martin

      Hi, Marie! Sorry about that. It’s updated now. Yes, 1 12-ounce box.

      Reply

  10. Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise Recipe (Oil-Free) (36)Stella

    You didn’t specify how much tofu to use.

    Reply

    • Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise Recipe (Oil-Free) (37)Shane Martin

      Hi, Stella! Sorry about that. Yes, 1 12-ounce box. Enjoy!

      Reply

  11. Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise Recipe (Oil-Free) (38)Mike

    Finally, a nut-free vegan mayo with no oil and doesn’t taste like crap! I can’t believe how easy this was to make. I literally threw everything into a blender and done.

    Reply

  12. Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise Recipe (Oil-Free) (39)Canton

    I can’t believe how close this is to real mayo! Thank you!!!

    Reply

  13. Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise Recipe (Oil-Free) (40)Michael

    OMG! I can have mayo again…this stuff is addictive.

    Reply

  14. Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise Recipe (Oil-Free) (41)Shane Martin

    Easy Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise is easy to make, oil-free, gluten-free, and much healthier than regular mayo. Perfect for salads, sandwiches, and wraps! Just 2 minutes and 5 ingredients are required.

    Reply

Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise Recipe (Oil-Free) (2024)

FAQs

Does vegan mayo contain oil? ›

Oil is often the key ingredient in vegan mayo. Lots of different oils can be used, such as sunflower seed, rapeseed, or grapeseed. It needs to be emulsified with something plant-based to thicken it up, like aquafaba (chickpea water). Soy milk is also a popular option to emulsify the oil.

Why won t my vegan mayo emulsify? ›

Why isn't my vegan mayo emulsifying? If your mayo isn't thickening up as expected, try adding some more oil. Also, make sure to pour the oil a little slower next time. You could also try getting your soya milk to room temperature before making it.

What is the emulsifying agent in vegan mayonnaise? ›

Aquafaba from grains has outstanding results as emulsifying agents. Innovative mayonnaise analog products show nutritional and functional quality.

How do you thicken vegan mayonnaise? ›

We use unsweetened soy milk as the emulsifier for our vegan mayonnaise recipe. Like egg yolk, soy milk contains lecithin, which, when blended with lemon juice and oil, forms a thick, creamy, and stable mayonnaise.

What is oil free vegan? ›

It is a diet based on whole foods that limits/excludes animal products and processed foods. Whole food plant-based, no oil (WFPBNO) takes this a couple of steps further. It follows that initial food philosophy with the addition of excluding oils and eating other minimally processed and higher fat foods in moderation.

Does all mayonnaise contain soybean oil? ›

Mayonnaise: Almost all mayos are made from soy oil. You can find soy-free mayo in some grocery stores in the natural foods section and at most health food stores. However, most are made from canola or safflower oils and unfortunately these oils are also usually genetically modified.

Why is my homemade vegan mayo not thickening? ›

If you pour too fast, the mayo will not thicken. A good rule of thumb is to drizzle in the oil at the rate of about ¼ cup per minute. If you mess up, you can try again. Simply start over with the recipe up to the oil drizzling step, then drizzle ¾ cup of the "fail mayo" into the container instead of ¾ cup oil.

What is the best emulsifier for mayonnaise? ›

Mayonnaise is an oil-in-water emulsion typically containing more than 74% vegetable oil (minimum 65%). Egg yolk is used as an emulsifier at a level commonly between 4% and 8%.

Why is my homemade vegan mayo runny? ›

To sum up, if mayonnaise doesn't set or is too runny, there are two main reasons: the ingredients haven't been properly dosed or cold ingredients have been used. Either way, no need to worry: it's not too late to save your sauce.

What is a substitute for egg yolks in mayonnaise? ›

Egg yolks are used as an emulsifying agent in mayonnaise Most vegan mayos use either pea protein, soy protein or modified food starch to replace egg yolks. Of course without eggs, the product can't legally be called mayonnaise, so they are often sold as “dressing” or “sandwich spread”.

What ingredient acts as the emulsifier when making a mayonnaise? ›

In mayonnaise, the emulsifier is egg yolk, which contains lecithin, a fat emulsifier. Chemically, emulsions are colloids, heterogeneous mixtures composed of tiny particles suspended in another immiscible (unmixable) material.

What emulsifier is used in eggless mayonnaise? ›

One effective emulsifier for vegan mayo using only oil and water is lecithin, which can be derived from sources such as sunflower or soy. It helps to stabilize the mixture and create a creamy texture.

Is Hellmans vegan mayo really vegan? ›

Made with canola oil, Hellmann's® Vegan has an amazing wholesome taste. Hellmann's® Vegan is made without eggs and is certified Vegan by Vegan Action.

What is Hellmann's vegan mayo made of? ›

NUTRITION. Canola oil, Water, Vinegar, Modified potato starch, Sugar, Salt, Modified corn starch, Natural flavour, Concentrated lemon juice, Sorbic acid (maintains quality), Spice, Calcium disodium EDTA (maintains flavour).

What is a vegan thickening agent? ›

Xanthan Gum

A popular ingredient in both gluten-free and vegan baking, xanthan gum can also be used to thicken vegan sauces, stews, and soups. To thicken a gravy or sauce with xanthan gum, start by making a slurry with a small amount of xanthan gum and water. Slowly add the slurry to your dish and then mix well.

What does vegan mayo contain? ›

Vegan mayonnaise is made of two main ingredients: soy milk (or aquafaba) and oil. Therefore, vegan mayo is different from regular mayonnaise, which combines egg and oil. Even though the ingredients are different, it is an excellent substitute for regular mayonnaise.

Does mayonnaise have oil? ›

Mayonnaise usually contains the following ingredients: oil, emulsifier (egg yolk prescribed in some countries), vinegar (as pH regulator and as flavor), spices, flavors (sugar, salt, mustard…) and stabilizers (thickeners for mayonnaise with <70% oil only).

Does mayo have a lot of oil? ›

A typical formulation for commercially made mayonnaise (not low fat) can contain as much as 80% vegetable oil, typically soybean, rapeseed, sunflower, or corn oil, depending on region of production, but, in specialty products, sometimes olive or avocado oil. Water makes up about 7% to 8% and egg yolks about 6%.

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