• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Kathy's Vegan Kitchen
  • Recipes
  • Categories
    • Vegan Entrees
    • Breakfast
    • Sandwiches
    • Small Bites
    • Vegan Desserts
    • Sauces, Dips & Dressings
    • Vegan Sides
    • Soups
    • Salads
    • How-To
    • Our Vegan Life
  • Vegan Reviews
    • Best Vegan Meal Delivery Service
    • Purple Carrot Review
    • Veestro Review
    • Fresh N’ Lean Review
  • About
  • TOP 50 EBOOK
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
  • ABOUT
  • RECIPES
  • SUBSCRIBE!
  • COOKBOOK
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • ABOUT
    • RECIPES
    • SUBSCRIBE!
    • COOKBOOK
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home / Recipes / Sauces, Dips & Dressings

    Cashew Mayo

    Published: Sep 6, 2019 · Modified: Apr 2, 2023 by Kathy Carmichael · This post may contain affiliate links.

    411 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Vegan Cashew Mayo Recipe

    To eat healthier, making your own condiments at home is not only simple, but it's also beneficial to your overall health. For example, this homemade vegan cashew mayo recipe takes 5 minutes to make and only has a few ingredients.  

    Although store-bought vegan condiments are readily available, store-bought condiments are processed. For instance, Vegenaise is a very popular plant-based mayonnaise, which I often used when I first transitioned to plant-based eating.

    When I first started eating plant-based, I embraced anything with a vegan label but later realized vegan processed food is not much different than other processed foods. Similarly, all processed food is created equal regardless if it's vegan or not.

    TO EAT NUTS OR NOT TO EAT NUTS; THAT IS THE QUESTION

    The debate about nuts in the plant-based world is intense, to say the very least.

    One side, for example, debates the dangers of eating nuts, as they are too high in fat and cause obesity. On the other hand, the counter argues small amounts of nuts have health benefits and are necessary for healthy fats. 

    Obviously, for those with nut allergies, nuts pose a dangerous threat. But do raw nuts really pose a danger to the average plant-based eater?

    Honestly, I don't think so. But I also wouldn't suggest someone sit down and eat a whole bag of nuts or eat a whole batch of cashew mayo. Dr. Furhman, for example, suggests 1-ounce a day. 

    In fact, a lot of research points to the benefits of raw cashews, for example, as providing:

    • Protein
    • Antioxidants
    • Boost to the immune system
    • No cholesterol
    • Vitamins E, K, and B6
    • Minerals
    • Healthy fatty acids

    So, if you consume 1 ounce of nuts a day, eating cashew mayo in a salad or on a sandwich, for example, is certainly within the realm of healthy versus harmful. 

    THE BENEFITS OF HOMEMADE CASHEW VEGAN MAYO

    When searching for a good vegan mayo, most people look for a sandwich spread or a dressing to add to a salad. Before becoming vegan, I was never a mayo fan.

    In fact, I thought it tasted like sour milk. No one east real mayo with a spoon; at least I don't know anyone who does. Instead, mayo is used with other ingredients to make dressings or give a creamy texture. Vegan cashew mayo, for example, does not "taste" like mayo, but it has the innate ability to provide the creaminess and a base for other dressings. 

    First, remember homemade dressings only last one week refrigerated. Second, unlike processed foods, you are not using preservatives. So, make sure to use the vegan cashew mayo within 7-days.

    MAKE A BATCH OF VEGAN CASHEW MAYO AND USE IT FOR RECIPES ALL WEEK LONG!

    Then, consider all the recipes you can use your vegan cashew mayo for, such as Chickpea Tuna Salad,  Cobb “Eggless” Tofu Salad, a dip for grilled artichokes (above), or  Not So Crabby Tofu Patties with Lemon Caper Sauce.

    chickpea chicken salad in a bowl

    (Vegan Chicken Salad)

    VEGAN TUNA PIC 2

    (Chickpea Tuna Salad)

    Vegan Macaroni Salad Recipe

    (Vegan Macaroni Salad)

    vegan egg salad mixed

    (Vegan Egg Salad)

    FAQs

    How long does homemade vegan cashew mayo last in the fridge?
     
    Vegan cashew mayo can last around 5 days in the fridge. It doesn't have a long shelf life like most store-bought alternatives, but you can be sure that it's definitely vegan-friendly. 
     
    How do you know if your vegan cashew mayo has gone bad?
     
    To know if your vegan cashew mayo has gone bad, check for mold or spores; acidic smell; strange change of color; and noticeably off taste.
     

    VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE

    As you can see, vegan cashew mayo can enhance many recipes, but it can also with a little creativity.

    • Add 2 cloves of roasted garlic and 1 extra Tablespoon of lemon juice, and you have garlic aioli for dipping roasted vegetables like the artichokes above.
    • Add 1 Tablespoon of soy (Tamari) sauce and 2 teaspoons of Sriracha for spicy Asian mayo.
    • Try adding a bunch of fresh dill and a clove of garlic for a dill and garlic mayo.
    • Add 2 teaspoons of curry powder to make Vegan Curry Chickpea Sandwich Spread.
    • Or, add 1 Tablespoon of maple syrup to make a delicious dressing for Vegan Chicken Salad or Skinny Vegan Waldorf Salad.
    • Leave out the lemon, add an adobe pepper for a spicy aioli, or add dijon mustard for a tangy flavor. The varieties are endless.

    So, make a whole batch and use it during the week for various recipes but simply adding small amounts of spice for a variety of dishes. 

    📖 Recipe

    Vegan Cashew Mayo

    Kathy Carmichael
    Skip the jarred, processed plant-based mayonnaise; make your own vegan cashew mayo with a few simple ingredients.
    4.67 from 27 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 1 minute min
    Total Time 11 minutes mins
    Course Sauces, Dips & Dressings
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 servings
    Calories 64 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup raw cashews
    • juice of 1 lemon
    • 1 clove garlic minced
    • 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon pepper
    • 2 teaspoon dijon mustard
    • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
    • 2 teaspoons onion powder
    • ½ cup water

    GARNISH:

    • lemon, cayenne pepper, dill, rosemary, or parsley

    Instructions
     

    • Place all ingredients except garnish in a high-speed blender.
    • Blend until smooth
    • refrigerate until serving

    Notes

    FAQs

    How long does homemade vegan cashew mayo last in the fridge?
     
    Vegan cashew mayo can last around 5 days in the fridge. It doesn't have a long shelf life like most store-bought alternatives, but you can be sure that it's definitely vegan-friendly. 
     
    How do you know if your vegan cashew mayo has gone bad?
     
    To know if your vegan cashew mayo has gone bad, check for mold or spores; acidic smell; strange change of color; and noticeably off taste.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 64kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 2gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 205mgPotassium: 87mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 1mg
    Tried our recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Kathy Carmichael

    Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂

    www.kathysvegankitchen.com/about-me/

    Get FREE Recipes In Your Inbox :)

    I'll Send You New Recipes When I Post!

    Invalid email address
    We promise not to spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.
    Free Recipes On The Way! :)- Kathy

    More Sauces, Dips & Dressings

    • superfood salad recipe
      Superfood Salad
    • hummus salad dressing
      Quick & Easy Hummus Dressing
    • citrus dressing recipe
      Citrus Dressing for Salads
    • creamy green chili sauce recipe
      Creamy Green Chili Sauce

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      4.67 from 27 votes (24 ratings without comment)

      Did you make this recipe? Leave a reply below! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Kristen

      February 23, 2025 at 3:21 pm

      5 stars
      I have tried a lot of cashew mayos and this is my favorite. I make it every week. You can also use it for a salad dressing base and add in your favorite spices. I also use it as a sour cream. It’s very versatile.

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        February 24, 2025 at 8:01 am

        Hi Kristen, I'm so glad you like it. Thank you for taking the time to comment and rate the recipe. I appreciate it.

        Reply
    2. Lia Stewart

      August 31, 2024 at 10:56 am

      5 stars
      Best vegan mayo I have ever made. So much flavor!!!!

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        September 01, 2024 at 7:46 am

        Yay! That's a HUGE compliment. So glad you enjoyed it.

        Reply
    3. Elizabeth

      October 26, 2022 at 4:14 am

      Do I need to soak the cashews first?

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        October 26, 2022 at 6:35 am

        Hi Elizabeth, you only have to soak the cashews if you don't have a high-quality high-speed blender. If you don't, you can speed up the process by boiling the cashews for 10 minutes, draining, and then blending them.

        Reply
    4. Jinny

      July 02, 2022 at 5:42 pm

      This is a very good mayo recipe…after I poured it into a gar, I put a little unsweetened almond milk and some sriracha in the Vitamix to rinse it out and made some salad dressing. WOW, it was really good ! I don’t like waisting anything.

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        July 03, 2022 at 7:05 am

        Hi Jinny, I'm so glad you liked it. I also like to make flavored mayo, and I agree...never waste a drop. Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate it.

        Reply
    5. Arlene

      April 11, 2022 at 5:59 pm

      This was deeeeelicious!! I love mayo and missed it since going plant based in July. I must say this tastes even better than mayo!

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        April 12, 2022 at 6:41 am

        Hi Arlene, well that is a compliment! I'm so glad you liked the cashew mayo. Thank you so much for your feedback. I appreciate it.

        Reply
    6. Liz

      July 26, 2021 at 7:28 am

      In the receipt you say servings 12, Is that tablespoons or what?
      Thanks
      Liz

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        July 26, 2021 at 10:14 am

        Hi Liz, the recipe makes a little over 1 1/2 cups of mayo. So, that is equivalent to about 24 Tablespoons, so 1 serving is 2 Tablespoons.

        Reply
    7. REBECCA RUTLAND

      May 18, 2021 at 12:36 am

      5 stars
      I was so impressed with this recipe. It's good on bread as sandwich and it improved the taste of my macaroni salad.

      Reply
    8. Carla

      April 15, 2021 at 7:08 am

      I'm one of those who can't do nuts, Cardiovascular diseas. Plus, when they're in the house, I can't control myself! That being said, can I substitute hemp hearts or sofu (firm or silken?) for the cashews and, if so, how much would you recommend?

      Reply
      • Kathy Carmichael

        April 15, 2021 at 10:57 am

        Carla, yes, you can also use white beans or raw sunflower seeds that have been soaked overnight. I hope this helps.

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Kathy! I love creating delicious whole foods plant-based recipes. I believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet!

    More about me →

    Light and Delicious Vegan Spring Food Recipes

    • Spicy Peanut Noodles Recipe
      Spicy Peanut Noodles
    • Pineapple fried rice Recipe
      Pineapple Fried Rice
    • Quick and Easy Southwest Coleslaw
    • White Bean Avocado Sandwich Recipe
    • creamy mushroom pasta
      Creamy Mushroom Pasta
    • Vegan Minestrone Recipe
      Vegan Minestrone Soup Recipe

    Top 50 Recipes Cookbook

    Popular Vegan Dishes

    • vegans tir fry recipe
      The Best Vegan Stir Fry
    • mango salad
      Simple Mango Kale Salad
    • lentil meatloaf
      The Best Vegan Meatloaf
    • vegan chicken salad
      Best Vegan Chicken Salad
    • easy bean salad recipe
      Bean Salad With Oil Free Dressing
    • vegan drunken noodles recipe
      Easy Vegan Drunken Noodles

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Affiliate Policy

    Cookbook

    • My Top 50 Recipe Cookbook!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • About Me
    • Work With Me

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Made with ♥️ in Arizona.

    Copyright © Kathy's Vegan Kitchen :)

    411 shares

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.