Quick Answer Summary
Yes you can whip up a silky, ketofriendly mayo in under three minutes using an immersion blender and just five clean ingredients. The result is a lowcarb, highfat condiment that stays smooth, doesnt separate, and keeps your fridge shelves happy for a week.
Why Use Immersion
When you hear immersion blender, you might picture a kitchen gadget you reserve for soups. But its actually the secret weapon for a dripfree mayo. The blade sits at the bottom of a tall jar, letting oil stream in all at once and creating a stable emulsion fast. No need for a food processor or a whisk that leaves you with a lumpy mess.
For a keto diet, this method is a win because it preserves the healthy fats while keeping carbs at zero. It also lets you skip the hidden sugars you often find in storebought sugarfree mayonnaise brands. The result is pure, clean, and totally ketocompatible.
Of course, there are a couple of risks to keep in mind. Raw egg yolks can carry a tiny salmonella risk, so using pasteurized eggs or adding enough acid (like lemon juice) is essential. Also, choose oils with high oxidation stability avocado oil or extralight olive oil are the best bets.
Ingredient Options List
Below is the core fiveingredient recipe, followed by a few tasty variations you can swap in without breaking the emulsion.
Core Keto Mayo (5Ingredient)
- 1 large egg yolk (roomtemperature, or pasteurized)
- 1Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1tsp Dijon mustard
- tsp fine sea salt
- cup avocado oil (or extralight olive oil)
Keto Mayonnaise Recipe with Olive Oil
If avocado oil feels pricey, replace it with an equal amount of extralight olive oil. The flavor will be slightly richer, but the emulsion stays stable because the oil is still neutral enough.
Keto Mayo with Boiled Eggs
Prefer to avoid raw egg? Hardboil one egg, separate the yolk, mash it with a fork, then blend. The texture is a touch thicker, but you still get that classic mayo mouthfeel.
Healthy Mayonnaise Recipe Greek Yogurt
For a lowerfat twist, blend cup plain Greek yogurt with 1Tbsp olive oil, a splash of lemon, and a pinch of salt. Its creamy, tangy, and still ketofriendly (under 2g net carbs per tablespoon).
Healthy Mayonnaise Recipe Without Egg
Swap the egg yolk for cup silken tofu plus a tablespoon of mustard. This veganfriendly version emulsifies nicely and offers a protein boost.
Quick Substitution Table
| Base | Oil Choice | Flavor Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Egg yolk | Avocado oil | Neutral, buttery |
| Egg yolk | Extralight olive oil | Lightly fruity |
| Boiled egg yolk | Avocado oil | Slightly richer |
| Greek yogurt | Olive oil | Tangy, creamy |
| Silken tofu | Olive oil | Neutral, smooth |
Step By Step
Ready to give it a go? Grab your immersion blender, a tall glass jar (a 2cup Pyrex works wonders), and follow these beats.
1. Gather Your Gear
Youll need an immersion blender, the jar, a rubber spatula, and a kitchen thermometer if you like to be precise (the mixture should stay below 40C to keep the yolk safe).
2. Prep the Base
Throw the egg yolk, lemon juice, Dijon, and salt into the jar. Give it a quick stir roomtemperature ingredients blend faster and help the emulsion form.
3. Add the Oil AllAtOnce
Heres the magic: pour the entire cup of oil into the jar in a steady stream while the blender sits at the bottom. The motor creates a vortex that pulls the oil up, coating each droplet with the yolk mixture. No drizzle, no separation.
4. Blend Like a Pro
Turn the immersion blender on high for about 10 seconds, then pause to scrape the sides with the spatula. Repeat until the mayo thickens to a glossy, spoonholdable consistency. It usually takes two to three bursts.
5. Taste & Adjust
Give it a quick taste. Need more tang? Add a dash more lemon. Too salty? A tiny splash of water can mellow it out. Remember, you can always tweak after the blend.
6. Troubleshooting
- Breaks (turns watery): It means the oil was added too quickly or the jar was too cold. Start over with a fresh egg yolk and make sure the oil is at room temperature.
- Overwhipping: If it looks grainy, add a teaspoon of warm water and blend briefly to smooth it out.
Nutrition Facts Overview
Heres the quick macro breakdown for the core recipe (per tablespoon):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 |
| Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 0g |
| Protein | 0.5g |
Because theres zero net carbs, a tablespoon fits neatly into a standard 20gram keto daily allowance. Compared with a typical storebought sugarfree mayonnaise brand, you save on hidden additives and control exactly whats inside.
According to USDA FoodData Central, avocado oil contributes the healthiest monounsaturated fats, while extralight olive oil delivers a similar profile with a slightly lower smoke point both perfect for cold emulsions like mayo.
Personal Experience Stories
My first attempt was a disaster I added the oil too slowly, and the mixture turned into a thin, soupy liquid that looked more like a salad dressing than mayo. I was about to toss it, but then I remembered the bottomup tip from a friend who swears by immersion blenders. The next try, I poured the oil in a steady stream, and the mixture thickened instantly. The lesson? Patience and a steady pour are your best friends.
Ive also seen countless Reddit posts in r/keto where folks share their variations some blend in roasted garlic for a bold dip, others toss in smoked paprika for a sandwich spread. One user even used the mayo as a binding agent for lowcarb meatballs, and they turned out juicy and flavorful.
To add some professional cred, I consulted a boardcertified nutritionist who emphasized that homemade mayo eliminates the phosphates and stabilizers you find in many commercial brands. She highlighted that the simple acidoilegg combo is a classic, wellstudied emulsion thats both safe and nutritious when prepared properly.
Cheat Sheet Download
Want a quick reference you can print or save on your phone? Below is a readytogo cheat sheet you can copy into a note app:
- Ingredients: 1 egg yolk, 1Tbsp lemon, 1tsp mustard, tsp salt, cup oil.
- Steps: Blend base pour oil blend 10sec bursts taste & adjust.
- Storage: Airtight jar, 57days in fridge.
- Variations: Olive oil swap, boiledegg version, Greekyogurt version, tofufree version.
Feel free to tweak the numbers to suit your taste the immersion blender is forgiving, and a little experimentation can lead to your perfect mayo.
Conclusion
Making keto mayo with an immersion blender is fast, reliable, and totally customizable. In just three minutes you get a lowcarb, highfat condiment that stays smooth, avoids hidden sugars, and lets you control every ingredient. Whether you stick with avocado oil, swap in olive oil, or go eggfree with Greek yogurt or tofu, the method stays the same: steady pour, bottomup blending, and a quick taste check.
Give it a try, play with flavors, and share your favorite twists. Your next keto sandwich, salad, or snack dip is only a whiskfree blend away!
FAQs
Can I use pasteurized eggs for this keto mayo recipe?
Yes, pasteurized eggs are recommended to eliminate any risk of salmonella while still providing the emulsifying power needed for mayo.
What oil gives the best flavor and stability?
Avocado oil is ideal for its neutral taste and high oxidation stability, but extra‑light olive oil works well as a budget‑friendly alternative.
How long does homemade keto mayo keep in the refrigerator?
Store it in an airtight jar and it will stay fresh for up to 7 days; for longer storage, freeze in small portions for up to 2 months.
Can I make this recipe dairy‑free or vegan?
Yes, replace the egg yolk with silken tofu or Greek yogurt (for a dairy version) and keep the same oil and seasoning ratios.
Why does my mayo sometimes “break” and become watery?
A broken emulsion usually means the oil was added too quickly or the base was too cold. Start with room‑temperature ingredients and pour the oil in a steady stream while the blender stays at the bottom of the jar.
