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    Eat Fresh Glow » Recipes » Sauces and Dressings

    Easy Vegan Cashew Mayo with Lemon

    Published: Feb 19, 2022 · Modified: Feb 6, 2023 by Jacqui Wilson · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe
    vegan mayo in small white dish with pink napkin.
    vegan mayo in small white dish with pink napkin.

    Creamy, thick, rich and wholesome vegan cashew mayo that's super easy to make and a healthier alternative to traditional mayonnaise. Tangy and smooth this oil-free, egg-free, dairy-free mayo goes on everything!

    vegan cashew mayo in white dish

    Why you'll love this raw vegan mayonnaise with cashews

    • Egg-free, dairy-free, oil free healthy plant-based homemade vegan mayo.
    • Once the cashews are soaked it takes only 5 minutes to make!
    • This cashew mayonnaise is lower in calories and saturated fats than many classic mayonnaise or store-bought vegan mayo.
    • Cashews have a neutral flavor and can be whipped up to a creamy texture that makes this plant-based mayo completely versitile.
    • The cashew mayo can be blended with a magic bullet blender, high-speed blender or hand-held immersion blender.
    • It will thicken while refrigerated and may need to be thinned further when ready to use.

    Serve as a topping on some vegan chickpea veggie burgers or these white fish tacos.

    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love this raw vegan mayonnaise with cashews
    • Noteworthy ingredients and substitutions
    • How to make raw plant-based mayonnaise
    • Tips, tricks and variations
    • FAQs
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Recipe

    Noteworthy ingredients and substitutions

    vegan cashew mayo ingredients
    • Raw cashews: make the perfect base for this vegan mayonnaise. They have a neutral flavor which makes them suitable for adding a variation of flavors. They also blend very creamy after being soaked and plumped.
    • Fresh lemon juice: adds a bit of tang and brightness. Adding the zest of the lemon will make the mayo more lemony.
    • Garlic: gives the vegan mayonnaise a peppery, savory depth of flavor. You can substitute a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar if you prefer a more tart flavor. Reduce the water by one tablespoon when blending and adjust to thin if needed.

    see recipe card for all ingredients and quantities

    How to make raw plant-based mayonnaise

    Soak: Raw cashews should be soaked in a heat-proof bowl for a minimum of 20 minutes in boiling water for the quickest outcome. 2-4 hours in room temperature water may produce a creamier effect when blended. The longer the better but if soaking for up to 12 hours I recommend refrigerating the soaking cashews. Drain before using.

    Clean eating tip: If the soaking water becomes gel-like or slimy, the cashews have been soaking for too long and should be discarded.

    Blend: Add cashews, lemon juice, filtered water, garlic and salt to a blender or in a large bowl with an immersion blender. Blend until completely smooth. Add extra water as need to reach desired consistency. 

    vegan cashew mayo with lemon process shots unblended and blended

    Optional add-in ideas: lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, chipotle powder, cayenne pepper, dijon mustard, or apple cider vinegar for a tangy vegan mayo.

    Tips, tricks and variations

    • If you prefer a thicker mayo, add your liquids slowly, a little at a time, until the homemade mayo has reached your desired consistency.
    • Make sure to soak the cashews for a minimum of 20 minutes and up to 12 hours. The longer they soak, the smoother and creamier they will blend.
    • The longer you blend, the more airy and whipped the cashew mayo will become.
    • This vegan cashew mayo recipe is super versitle. Change up the flavors by adding your favorite herbs or spices. Bring up the heat with some cayenne pepper or a little garlic power to make it more savory. A dollup of dijon mustard will add a little extra tang.
    • Serve as a creamy dip or dressing with crunchy vegetables, in a sandwich or gluten-free wrap or added to a salad or bowl as a creamy topping. The perfect vegan condiment.
    • If you prefer a spicy cashew mayo, add a ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper and a grind or two of black pepper.

    FAQs

    How long to soak cashews?

    Cashews can be soaked for 20 minutes and up to 12 hours. For a 20 minute soak I recommend adding boiling water to fully cover the cashews and accelerate the softening process. 2-4 hours with room temperature water will also do the trick. If you plan to soak over night, I suggest refrigerating the soaking cashews to maintain freshness.

    How to thicken vegan cashew mayonnaise?

    If you've added too much liquid and the mayo is too thin, add nutritional yeast one teaspoon at a time until desired thickness. It will add a little cheesy flavor but will not overpower the vegetarian mayonnaise. Alternatively, you could soak more cashews and blend them into the mayo to thicken.

    vegan cashew mayo in dish

    Equipment

    Magic bullet blender (this is what I used), high-speed blender, regular blender, or immersion blender

    Storage

    Vegan cashew mayo can be refrigerated for up to a week. It may thicken as it sits and may need to be thinned slightly with additional filtered water or lemon juice.

    Recipe

    creamy vegan cashew may in a white dish.

    Vegan Lemon Mayo with Creamy Cahshews

    5 from 1 vote
    Creamy, thick, rich and wholesome vegan cashew mayo that's super easy to make and a healthier alternative to traditional mayonnaise. Tangy and smooth this egg-free, dairy-free mayo goes on everything! 
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    Prep Time10 mins
    Total Time10 mins
    Servings: 12 servings
    Calories: 61kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 high-speed blender

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup (140 grams) raw cashews, soaked and drained
    • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
    • 1 garlic clove, minced
    • ½ cup filtered water (more as needed)
    • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
    • Optional add-in ideas: lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, chipotle powder, cayenne pepper, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar.

    Instructions

    • Cashews should be soaked for a minimum of 20 minutes in boiling water or 2-4 hours in room temperature water. They can be soaked for up to 12 hours but I recommend refrigerating the soaking cashews. Drain before using.
    • Add cashews, lemon juice, filtered water, garlic and salt to a blender or in a large bowl if using an immersion blender. Blend until completely smooth. Add extra water as need to reach desired consistency. 
    • Use immediately or refrigerate until needed.

    Notes

    Serve as a creamy dip or dressing with crunchy vegetables, in a sandwich or gluten-free wrap or added to a salad or bowl as a creamy topping.
    Store in fridge for up to a week. It may thicken as it sits and may need to be thinned slightly with additional filtered water or lemon juice.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1dollop | Calories: 61kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 98mg | Potassium: 75mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 1mg
    nutritional values are estimates only
    Author: Jacqui Wilson
    Course: sauce
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Vegan
    Keyword: cashew mayo, dairy-free mayo, homemade mayo, vegan mayo

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    WELCOME !

    I'm so happy you're here! My name is Jacqui - I'm a recipe developer, registered holistic nutritionist and culinary nutrition expert. I love all things healthy, and my goal is to inspire you to lead a healthy life through wholesome food that leaves you nourished, satisfied and energized! You'll find simple, easy-to-make naturally gluten-free, refined sugar-free and mostly dairy-free recipes your family will love!

    Learn more about me →

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