I’m probably not in the majority of Americans by saying this, but mayonnaise is my favorite dipping condiment. Yep, I would prefer to dip french fries in mayo over ketchup, barbecue sauce, or any of the various mustards available (although ketchup and mayo mixed together is pretty fantastic). True, if we’re looking at condiments wholesale, I probably use hot sauce the most often, but nothing really beats the texture and richness of mayonnaise atop a burger.
Like most folks, there was a stage in my life when I didn’t dig it. Heck, I think there was even a time when I preferred the tanginess of Miracle Whip, but those days are behind me. By the way, I recently learned that the reason that Miracle Whip is labeled as a “dressing” and not mayo is because the FDA requires mayo to be at least 65% vegetable oil by weight, and Miracle Whip apparently isn’t. Additionally, Miracle Whip was first introduced during the Great Depression as a cheaper alternative to mayo.
But enough about Miracle Whip, this is a mayonnaise recipe. No big surprises in my recipe this week, just a simple, essential condiment. While I’m not sure if this recipe will make it into my next cookbook, it’s a glaring omission on this site. My method has two tricks – first, I prefer to use egg yolks for a richer flavor, and secondly, I like to let the eggs come to room temperature to aid in the emulsification stage. You can use any number of tools – immersion blender, food processor, or even a blender on a low setting – but I prefer to use a whisk and elbow grease, because it really creates a sense of accomplishment when you whip it yourself.
Homemade Mayonnaise (Gluten-free, Primal, Paleo, Perfect Health Diet, Whole30)
2 large egg yolks (or 1 large whole egg)
1/2 tbsp lemon juice (juice of 1/4 lemon)
1/2 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp white pepper
3/4 cup avocado oil
1/4 cup olive oil
1. Combine the egg yolks, lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Let sit for 30 minutes to come to room temperature.
2. Combine the oils. Vigorously whip the egg mixture with a whisk, then slowly drizzle in the oil in a constant light stream as you continue to whip. The mixture will start to thicken almost immediately. Continue drizzling in the oil until everything is well mixed and deliciously thick. This works best when one person whips and another drizzles. Alternatively, you can put the egg mixture in a wide-mouth jar and use an immersion blender while pouring in the oil. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a blender or food processor (on a low setting) and slowly drizzle in the oil.
3. For best results, refrigerate for 1 hour before using.
** Be sure to check the expiration date of your eggs; that is how long your mayo will keep.
** If this is your first time making mayo, consider using one 1 large whole egg instead of two egg yolks – the mayo will emulsify a bit more easily.
** Want some ideas for how to use your mayo? Try these mischevious deviled eggs, this grilled romaine salad, tuna stuffed potatoes, or my famous Bam Bam Shrimp.
Note: In the year leading up to my new cookbook’s release, I will be regularly releasing these recipes to 1) maintain a continuing conversation with my readership and 2) give visitors to this site an opportunity to test and provide feedback before editing. For more information on this new approach, read my post here.
The Domestic Man 
This is great, thanks for sharing!
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I’m also a good mayo convert and need to try this!
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I should really try your recipe out :)
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Do you think using all olive oil would work in terms of flavor?
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It will work pretty well if you use a light olive oil, but extra virgin olive oil will have a bitter flavor. Another oil I like to use is macadamia nut oil, but it is fairly expensive.
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Thanks!
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I guess you are using vinegar as a preservative? You can omit it and use whey instead. If you don’t have raw milk to make whey, you can use a tablespoon or two of the clear stuff on top of yogurt. I let my mayonnaise sit out on the counter, (covered) for 6-7 hours at room temperature. It last several weeks this way, otherwise it last only about a week.
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Hi Susan, I use the vinegar to add tanginess to the mayo, balanced with the mustard and lemon juice so that one flavor doesn’t overpower the others. Great tip with the whey!
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Mmmmmm, yep. I’d much rather use mayo over any other condiment. It’s the perfect dipping condiment. If I don’t have time to make deviled eggs, I’ll slice my hard boiled eggs in half, schmear with mayo and then sprinkle with my fancy Hawaiian sea salt. Or, instead of the salt, I’ll top them with a pickle slice. Yum. Okay, I’m done drooling now. Thanks for the mayo recipe! Looks amazing!
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Hi! I always enjoy your recipes, and am totally with you on mayo as best condiment! I spent a few years in the Netherlands as a child, and the best treat was to have french fries with mayo. I learned only later in life that the Netherlands was one of the few places that served french fries with mayo. In my adult years, I spent some time in northern Chile, and the hosts of the house I was staying at made homemade mayonnaise — the BEST ever. My landlord, Don Mario, would start with the eggs (room temp., of course!) in the blender at low speed, and slowly add the oil. Sometimes, he would add garlic at the end — garlic mayo! Great with steamed abalone or shrimp fresh from the sea!!! Will definitely try your recipe. I had a looooong week at work, and your recipe was just what I needed. Thanks!
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I think you may in fact be a member of a majority. Fries in mayo? No problem! Put some sriracha on it…thanks for recipe.
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I’m big on home-made mayo. Lately I’ve been using duck eggs, 1st cold pressed virgin olive oil and sesame, but next time will try avocado oil instead of the sesame. For me it’s easiest using the stick blender. https://pamstacticalkitchen.com/2013/03/19/organic-clean-healthy-home-made-mayonnaise-video/
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What is your ratio of sesame to olive oil? My mom is allowed to have mayo made with sesame and olive oils only but both can be strong in flavor. Do you also use 3/4 sesame to 1/4 olive, just as this recipe does?
Love homemade mayo. And using an immersion blender, I don’t have to even drizzle in the oil; I add it all at once. Something about the way that tool operates, I guess. I got my first 4-H badge making mayo for judges, in a blender. I never tire of making mayo. It’s like my culinary magic act!
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This photo is so appealing, wow, great shot! I don’t even have to start on that mayonnaise. The color is absolutely divine :)
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looks nice..i would love to try it out..
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Are you kidding me!? Mayo and ketchup always go with my fries, mayo for chips, mayo on broccoli, etc
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have never made mayo with avocado oil, i always use olive oil. wonder whether it would taste different.
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I like this. I nay end up making it.
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