Easy Peasy Mayonnaise

Have you ever looked at the ingredients of some of your sauces?

I was blown away to see how much sugar and preservatives a lot of my favourite sauces contained and knew I had to explore making some of my own. By making my own mayonnaise, I knew exactly what was going in and it also reduced waste as all of the ingredients can be bought from my local bulk store.
This recipe is super easy and you can really whip it up in less than five minutes. It is also great to keep in the fridge for up to a week and goes great with almost anything.

Ingredients

  • 1 large egg (Best to be at room temperature. If you just took it out of the fridge place it in your hands for a few minutes. I usually get the hubby to hold the egg while I gather all the other ingredients. 
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or verjuice
  • 1/4 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup neutral flavoured oil (canola, sunflower, grapeseed and macadamia works great, olive oil might be a bit overpowering and will give it a very strong taste. I like to use half cup grapeseed and half cup macadamia oil.)

 

Method

  • Place your egg in a food processor and blend for a few seconds.

  • Add mustard, vinegar or verjuice and salt to the egg and blend for another 10-20 seconds till everything is mixed in well.

           

  • Scrape the sides and the bottom of your food processor. Turn the food processor on and slowly add a quarter of your oil. Add it in a very thin stream while the blender is on for the emulsification process to start.

  • You will notice that the mixture is thickening and starting to emulsify. Scrape the sides and the bottom of the food processor once again. Turn the food processor on and continue to add the oil in a thin stream until all your oil is in.
  • Scrap the sides and the bottom of the food processor and blend it again for 10 to 20 seconds. (You do not want to overwhip it and make it split)

  • Now for the tasting part and the more customization. If you taste the mayonnaise you can then decide if you would like to add more salt or your verjuice or lemon juice to make it a bit tangier. If you love spicy mayo then you can add more mustard or even a bit of paprika.
  • If your mayonnaise seems too thin, you can slowly add more oil to the processor and blend again.
  • Enjoy!

 

About the author, Mariska

Hi, I’m Mariska – podcast host, artist, sustainability advocate and consultant, and storyteller driven by a deep passion for our planet. Sustainability isn’t just a topic I discuss; it’s a way of life I embody through my work, actions, and everyday choices.

My journey began several years ago when I started experimenting with trash as a medium in my artwork. What began as creative curiosity quickly turned into a deep dive into the environmental impact of waste. That curiosity expanded into a broader connection with nature—including a life-changing trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, where I found both clarity and purpose. It was there that I made the decision to leave the corporate world behind and commit fully to environmental work.

In 2018, I took that message public in the UAE by wearing every piece of trash I generated for 30 days. The result—65 kilograms of waste—sparked national conversations around sustainability and waste reduction. That bold experiment also became the catalyst for my podcast, Mama Earth Talk, where I’ve since connected with global thought leaders to explore sustainability and inspire meaningful action.

Over the years, I’ve collaborated with organizations such as Nespresso, Costa, and Dubai International Airport to implement practical and impactful environmental solutions. From optimizing waste management systems to leading awareness campaigns, I specialize in designing strategies that create real, lasting change.

My artwork—blending environmental advocacy with creative expression—has been collected by public figures including comedian Trevor Noah, environmentalist Adrian Grenier, entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk, radio host Kris Fade, Grammy Award-winning DJ Black Coffee, and NBA player Mason Plumlee. Through public speaking, podcasting, and art, I aim to inspire individuals and organizations to rethink their relationship with the environment.

With over a decade of international experience in design and project management across Australia, South Africa, the UK, India, and the UAE, I bring a unique mix of creativity and strategic insight to sustainability challenges. My global perspective allows me to collaborate across cultures, drive innovation, and empower others to make a meaningful impact.

As a lifelong learner and passionate advocate, I focus on practical, holistic solutions to environmental challenges—guided by systems thinking and a deep commitment to action. I hold a BA in Design, a postgraduate degree in Environmental Science, and a Master’s in Sustainable Design.

Leave a Comment