Mayo Spread

Sometimes three ingredients is all you need. This seasoned mayo spread stirs onion powder and celery salt into plain mayonnaise for a quick condiment that turns an ordinary sandwich into something with actual flavor.

Celery salt is the ingredient that makes this work harder than it looks. It’s a blend of ground celery seed and salt that brings a subtle, savory vegetal note you can’t get from regular salt alone. It’s the same seasoning that makes Chicago-style hot dogs and Bloody Marys taste the way they do, and it does the same thing here: adds a background complexity that makes you reach for another bite without knowing exactly why.

Onion powder rounds it out with a mild, sweet allium flavor that won’t overwhelm the other ingredients in your sandwich. It blends seamlessly into the mayo without the crunch or sharpness of raw onion.

Kitchen Tips

• Mix this ahead and let it sit in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. The dry spices need time to hydrate in the mayo, and the flavor deepens noticeably even after a short rest.
• Use full-fat mayonnaise for the best flavor and texture. Light mayo works but tastes thinner and more acidic.
• Start with the amounts listed and adjust to taste. A little celery salt goes a long way, and too much can make the spread taste salty fast.

Variations

• Add a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of garlic powder for a more complex aioli-style spread.
• Stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a tangy kick that pairs well with deli meats.
• Mix in a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky spread that goes great on grilled chicken sandwiches.