Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise in a bowl with a spoon

Mayonnaise is an emulsion-based sauce whose main components are vegetable oil, egg yolks, mustard, and an acidic element such as lemon juice or vinegar. It has a gentle, mild taste and a thick, creamy consistency. Mayonnaise is widely used as a dressing for salads, an addition to cold and hot dishes, and a base for various sauces. Both industrial and homemade mayonnaise recipes exist, differing in ingredients and preparation methods. More sauces and seasonings can be found in the sauces section.

Salad Recipes with Mayonnaise

Salad with Korean carrot, chicken fillet, eggs, and corn with mayonnaise

Korean Carrot Salad

Korean carrot salad is a piquant dish with a rich flavor that successfully combines chicken meat, spicy carrot, tender eggs, and juicy corn. I often prepare this salad for both holidays and family meals – it’s easy to make, yet has a bright, memorable taste. If you're looking for a protein-packed appetizer with Asian notes, this dish is the perfect choice.

Salad made from boiled beef liver, pickled onions, carrots, and eggs with mayonnaise

Liver and Pickled Onion Salad

Liver and pickled onion salad is a tender, aromatic dish with a rich flavor, combining beef liver, sweet carrots, juicy eggs, and tangy onions. This salad is perfect both for festive occasions and everyday lunches – it's easy to prepare, and the flavor always rewards the effort. This recipe will definitely be appreciated by those who enjoy offal and classic combinations.

Salad made with canned cod liver, boiled eggs, potatoes, and onions

Cod Liver Salad

Cod liver salad is a delicate, nutritious, and refined dish that combines a marine delicacy with simple homemade ingredients. Canned cod liver gives the salad a rich flavor, while eggs, potatoes, and onions create a balanced texture. This salad is suitable both for a regular lunch and a festive table – it impresses with its tenderness and health benefits. It’s a combination of subtle taste, healthy fats, and humble homemade presentation.

Hearty salad made with canned beans, croutons, hard cheese, and garlic with a mayonnaise dressing

Bean and Crouton Salad

Bean and crouton salad is a nutritious appetizer with a bold flavor that is quick to prepare and requires no cooking. Thanks to the combination of protein-rich beans, hard cheese, garlic, and crispy croutons, it has a tender texture with contrasting elements. This salad is perfect for lunch, dinner, or a buffet. It's a dish for those who value speed, simplicity, and heartiness without compromising on taste.

Salad with hard cheese, fresh herbs, eggs, and mayonnaise

Cheese and Herb Salad

Cheese and herb salad is a light, protein-rich dish with a fresh herbal aroma and delicate texture. Thanks to the combination of grated cheese, eggs, and a mayonnaise-based dressing, it is quite filling, while the fresh herbs make it especially appetizing. This salad works perfectly in tartlets, on toast, or as a standalone appetizer. It’s a simple, hearty, and always relevant option for a homemade cold dish.

Salad with boiled eggs, hard cheese, garlic, and mayonnaise

Egg and Cheese Salad

Egg and cheese salad is one of the simplest and most satisfying snack options. It’s made from accessible ingredients in just a few minutes, tastes both delicate and piquant, and is perfect for everyday meals or festive occasions. Serve it on bread, in tartlets, or small bowls – and it will instantly become a favorite on your table. This is a versatile appetizer suitable for a quick snack, a holiday buffet, or a light breakfast.

Salad with boiled squid, eggs, onion, and mayonnaise

Squid Salad

Squid salad is a refined, delicate, and at the same time easy-to-make option for those who enjoy seafood. Just a few ingredients – squid, eggs, onion, and mayonnaise – create a well-balanced combination of flavors that is especially suitable for summer or festive occasions. I make it both for a romantic dinner and when I want a light, protein-rich meal without excess carbs.

Crab stick salad with eggs, corn, and rice

Crab Stick Salad

Crab stick salad is a tried-and-tested recipe for a festive dish made with accessible ingredients. Crab sticks, eggs, rice, and corn create a tender texture and harmonious taste, while the mayonnaise dressing makes the salad juicy. It's a versatile dish for the New Year's table, home celebrations, or an everyday lunch. Easy to make, enjoyed by all, and it stays fresh even the next day.

Tuna salad with egg and corn on a plate

Tuna Salad

Tuna salad is the perfect dish for those looking for a tasty, nutritious, and quick lunch or dinner option. This recipe combines the tenderness of boiled eggs, the juiciness of fresh cucumber, the sweetness of corn, and the rich flavor of tuna. This salad is not only easy to prepare but also ideal for home meals, diet menus, and festive tables. It’s convenient to take with you to work, serve in lavash, dessert bowls, or as a standalone appetizer. Best of all – no extra effort: just a few simple ingredients and a delicious result is guaranteed.

Smoked Chicken, Corn, and Cheese Salad

Smoked Chicken and Corn Salad

Smoked chicken and corn salad is a simple, hearty, and very flavorful option that takes literally fifteen minutes to prepare. Thanks to the smoked meat, the dish has a bold taste, while the sweet corn adds freshness and softness. This salad is convenient to take with you, serve for dinner, or offer to guests during festive gatherings. It requires minimal ingredients but always leaves a pleasant impression. It pairs well with toast, can be served in a salad bowl or in portions – a universal solution for any occasion.

Chicken, mushroom, and cheese salad

Chicken and Mushroom Salad

Chicken and mushroom salad is one of those recipes that always comes in handy when you want to make something delicious, hearty, and visually appealing. Thanks to the combination of sautéed mushrooms, tender fillet, eggs, and cheese, it has a rich flavor and appetizing appearance. It's often made in layers, which gives it a festive presentation, especially if shaped in a ring. A versatile option for family gatherings, holidays, or a cozy dinner. It's quite easy to prepare, yet the result exceeds all expectations.

Salad with pineapple, chicken and cheese

Chicken and Pineapple Salad

Chicken and pineapple salad is a delicate, vibrant and very simple dish that combines the sweetness of fruit with the heartiness of boiled chicken, eggs and cheese. Thanks to the mayonnaise, the ingredients turn into a single harmonious composition. This salad is perfect for festive occasions – its flavor always pleasantly surprises guests, and it is very quick to prepare. It is served in portions – in a salad bowl or shaped into a ball or a ring. If desired, you can experiment slightly with the presentation without changing the classic base.

Classic Recipes with Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is an essential sauce in many traditional and modern recipes. It is commonly used as a dressing for salads, such as the popular vegetable salad with white cabbage or a salad with hard cheese and eggs. Mayonnaise adds tenderness, creaminess, and a light tanginess to dishes, resulting in a well-balanced flavor. In appetizers, mayonnaise is often paired with fish, especially lightly salted salmon or seafood like calamari. It is used as a base for various sauces and creams, as well as a filling for sandwiches, roulades, and casseroles. Mayonnaise is also a key ingredient in many traditional dishes that require richness and smoothness. It can be mixed with herbs like aromatic dill, enhancing freshness and making the sauce lighter. Due to its versatility, mayonnaise remains popular in cuisines around the world.

Mayonnaise in World Cuisine

Mayonnaise is one of the most popular sauces in many cuisines worldwide. In European cuisine, it is traditionally used as a salad dressing and an addition to cold appetizers and sandwiches. In French cuisine, mayonnaise serves as a base for classic sauces such as aioli or tartar, which are served with seafood and meat. In American cuisine, mayonnaise is popular in making sandwiches, chicken and vegetable salads, as well as in burgers and grill sauces. In Asia, mayonnaise is often combined with soy-based sauces, chili, and garlic, creating unique blends for noodles, rice, and fried dishes. In many countries, mayonnaise is used to create soft and creamy textures in desserts, salads, and appetizers, making it a truly versatile product. Its balanced flavor and creamy structure contribute to its widespread use in regional cuisines across the globe.

Choosing and Evaluating the Quality of Mayonnaise

When selecting mayonnaise, it is important to pay attention to the product’s ingredients and quality. The best choice is mayonnaise made from natural ingredients – oil, eggs, mustard, lemon juice or vinegar – without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. The fewer additives it contains, the more natural and beneficial the product is. In stores, you can find both industrial and homemade mayonnaise. Industrial versions offer stable consistency, longer shelf life, and a variety of flavors. Homemade mayonnaise is prepared from fresh ingredients, offering a more intense flavor and natural texture but with a shorter shelf life. When choosing mayonnaise, check the manufacturing date, expiration date, and storage conditions. The best mayonnaise contains a moderate amount of fat and has a balanced flavor that enhances, rather than overpowers, the dish. Choosing the right mayonnaise is key to successful cooking.

Preparation and Culinary Uses of Mayonnaise

Homemade mayonnaise is made by gradually whipping eggs with vegetable oil while adding mustard, salt, sugar, and an acid such as lemon juice or vinegar. It’s important to follow the proportions and pace of oil addition to avoid separation and achieve a thick, creamy consistency. Garlic, spices, or herbs can be added to enhance the flavor. In cooking, mayonnaise is used as a salad dressing, a base for sauces, spreads, fillings, and marinades. It pairs well with vegetables, meat, fish, eggs, and cheese. Mayonnaise is often added to cold appetizers, sandwiches, roulades, and hot dishes, where it acts as a binding agent and adds softness. Industrial sauces offer a more stable texture and longer shelf life, while homemade ones provide a more distinctive flavor and natural quality. Mayonnaise can serve as a base for various sauces – spicy, sweet, or sweet-and-sour – making it a versatile ingredient in the kitchen.

Storing Mayonnaise and Using Leftovers

Unopened industrial mayonnaise can be stored at room temperature, but once opened, it should be kept in the refrigerator and used within 7-10 days. Homemade mayonnaise, made from fresh ingredients without preservatives, must be stored exclusively in the refrigerator, typically for no longer than 3-4 days. To prevent spoilage, use clean utensils and containers when handling mayonnaise. It is not recommended to reheat the product, as this may cause separation and degrade its taste. Leftover mayonnaise can be used to make sauces, dressings, spreads, or as an addition to dishes. It can also be included in marinades or used as a base for creamy desserts. Using mayonnaise wisely helps preserve its taste and beneficial properties while reducing food waste.