This 4-ingredient mayo is quick, easy, and ready in just 3 minutes using an immersion blender—it doesn’t get much simpler than that!
Made with simple ingredients, this homemade condiment is perfect for sandwiches, salads, dips, and dressings. If you’re looking for more easy sauces, try this oil-free high-protein mayo or this zesty Chimichurri sauce.
This 4-ingredient mayo can be used in a variety of delicious recipes. You can make a classic egg mayonnaise for sandwiches or whip up a quick and easy homemade potato salad. You need this mayo for my Olivier salad (salata de boeuf) a traditional Romanian dish, usually made for Easter or Christmas or my chicken and bacon Caesar salad, for your everyday dinner.
It’s also perfect as a dipping sauce for low-calorie baked cornflake chicken nuggets or crunchy cauliflower bites. Pair it with cheesy leek and potato patties for a comforting snack. If you have potatoes and canned tuna at home, whip up these fish cakes and add a bit of sriracha for a spicy mayo twist. This versatile mayo will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!
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❣️ Why this recipe works
This 4-ingredient mayo takes 3 minutes to make and tastes way better than store-bought, with no preservatives. You can easily customise it with herbs, garlic or spices. It’s perfect for sandwiches, salad dressings, dips, and even as a sauce base—quick, fresh, and a versatile kitchen staple!
🥘 Ingredients
*See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities
- Sunflower Oil: Choose a mild, good-quality sunflower oil. Avoid strong oils like olive or coconut—they’ll change how it tastes.
- Egg: Use a fresh, room-temperature egg (organic is great!). If you’re unsure about raw eggs, pasteurised eggs are a safe choice.
- Mustard: Dijon mustard works best. Skip grainy or very spicy mustards—they don’t work as well.
📋 Variations
- Herbed mayo: Mix in fresh or dried herbs like dill, basil, or parsley for a fresh, aromatic twist that pairs well with roasted cauliflower steaks.
- Spicy mayo: Stir in sriracha, hot sauce, or chilli powder for a fiery kick, ideal for baked sticky chicken wings.
- Smoky mayo: Add smoked paprika for a rich, smoky flavour that’s perfect for homemade baked beef burgers.
- Citrus mayo: Use lime juice or zest for a zesty, refreshing twist to serve with crunchy cauliflower bites.
- Chipotle mayo: Blend in canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy kick, best for easy Japanese spicy tuna onigiri.
- Avocado mayo: Blend in ripe avocado for a creamy, nutrient-packed spread to enjoy with cheesy leek and potato patties.
🔪 How do you make 4-ingredient mayo
Learn how to make 4-ingredient mayo in just minutes with this easy immersion blender method. Perfect for busy days as a quick condiment for sandwiches,or as a dressing to make a low-carb chicken bacon Caesar salad or a simple homemade potato salad. Watch as simple ingredients transform into a velvety spread that’s ideal for meal prep or snacking!
Step 1: Add Ingredients: In a tall container or a jar, add the egg, sunflower oil, mustard, salt and lemon juice.
Step 2: Blend: Use an immersion blender at the bottom of the container for 10-15 seconds to emulsify.
Step 3: Lift the Blender: Slowly lift the blender while blending until thickened.
Step 4: Store in an airtight container or simply put the lid on the jar and refrigerate for up to a week.
How to fix broken mayonnaise
The biggest problem you might face when making mayonnaise is the mixture separating and looking curdled. But don’t worry, it can be fixed! My recipe helps prevent this by using a whole egg and adding the oil slowly, which keeps everything nice and smooth.
Surely one of these tricks will help you regain that creamy texture:
- Add a spoonful of water or vinegar: Whisk in a teaspoon of water or vinegar slowly to help re-emulsify the ingredients. This can help bind the mixture back together.
- Use another egg yolk: In a separate bowl, whisk a fresh egg yolk and then slowly add the broken mayo, whisking constantly, until it comes together.
- Cold water trick: Add a teaspoon of cold water to the broken mayo and whisk vigorously. This can help it come back together.
- Start over with a new base: Start with a small amount of oil and egg yolk in a clean bowl, then slowly whisk in the broken mayo bit by bit.
💭 Expert Tip
There’s one key trick to making perfectly creamy, thick homemade mayonnaise—the egg must be at room temperature! A cold egg can lead to runny mayo. For the best results, make sure the egg is between 60-70°F. If you’re short on time, simply submerge the egg in warm water for about 15 minutes before starting. This ensures a smooth, thick mixture without separation.
❓ FAQs
Yes! You can use any neutral oil, like canola or avocado oil. Just keep in mind that olive oil will give a stronger flavour.
If your mayonnaise doesn’t thicken, it might be due to using a cold egg. Make sure the egg is at room temperature for the best results.
Transfer your homemade mayonnaise to an airtight container or put the lid on the jar you made it in, and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Because homemade mayo is made with a raw egg, it's essential to keep it refrigerated. As a general rule, homemade mayo will last as long as the eggs would, typically 5-7 days. Make sure it’s tightly covered to keep it fresh and safe to eat!
Yes, it is, but if you're concerned about using raw eggs, you can look for pasteurized eggs as a safer option. Alternatively, try my 3-ingredient high-protein mayo, a lighter alternative that skips the oil entirely. This creamy, tangy condiment is perfect for those looking to reduce fat or boost their protein intake. It’s a fantastic substitute for traditional mayonnaise in wraps, burgers, dressings and dips, making it a versatile choice for weight-loss plans, high-protein meal prep, and clean-eating diets. Plus, it’s ready in minutes!
Yes, this is an oil-free alternative for this 4-ingredient mayo. Try my 3-ingredient high-protein mayo, a lighter alternative that skips the oil entirely. This creamy, tangy condiment is perfect for those looking to cut back on oil or add more protein to their diet. It's a choice for low-calorie, high-protein, and oil-free diets. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make!
Try More Recipes That Use Mayonnaise
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Easy 4-Ingredient Homemade Mayonnaise
Equipment
- immersion blender
Ingredients
- 150 ml sunflower oil about ⅔ cup
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: In a tall, narrow container (like a mason jar), crack 1 egg, then add 150 ml (⅔ cup) sunflower oil, ½ teaspoon mustard, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Blend the ingredients: Place the immersion blender at the bottom of the container, covering the egg yolk. Turn the blender on and keep it stationary for about 10-15 seconds, allowing the mixture to emulsify and thicken at the bottom.
- Slowly lift the blender: Once the mayo starts to form, slowly lift the blender upwards to incorporate the rest of the oil and ingredients. This should take another 10-15 seconds until all the ingredients are combined and the mayo is thick.
- Store or serve: Your 4-ingredient mayo is ready to use! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Video
Notes
- Use room-temperature ingredients for smooth emulsification.
- A tall, narrow container (like a mason jar) works best for blending.
- Store in the fridge for up to a week.
- Fix broken mayo by blending in a teaspoon of cold water or vinegar.
- Customize with garlic, herbs, or spices for flavour variations.
Mede says
My family loved this!
Swathi says
Homemade mayo is so yummy I have tried this as my bottle of mayo is over. Now my kids are asking to make this again.
Marie-Pierre says
This mayo was so unctuous and delicious! I'm always going to use this fresh mayo for now on!
Matt says
Homemade always tastes better, and this comes together so easily. Such a great way to control the ingredients too!
Elizabeth says
One of the most satisfying things to make! We all loved it and would make again.
Elizabeth says
Marvelous!!! Kicked my sandwiches up a few notches!!!
Liz says
Oh, my gosh, I never knew how great it was to use homemade mayo! My sandwiches and potato salad were definitely kicked up a few notches. Thanks for the great recipe!
Nora says
I made this 4-ingredient mayo, and I’m never going back to store-bought! It came together in minutes and was so creamy and flavorful. Perfect for just about everything—such a game-changer!
Nicole Kendrick says
This worked exactly as written, thanks!
JC says
As a mayo lover, I am happy to have this recipe!!
Swathi says
Mayonnaise with 4 ingredients is perfect I made it kids enjoyed it.
Juyali says
Thanks for the awesome recipe. I generally don't keep store bought mayo at home, so I love making a fresh batch of it when I do need it. This is so much better that store mayo. Thank you. 🙂
Nicole Kendrick says
This is a great recipe! It tastes so much fresher than anything I've bought at the store.
Liz says
I love this immersion blender technique. My mayo turned out smooth, creamy and delicious!!!