<Li> Cookbook: Mayonnaise </Li> <Li> Media: Mayonnaise </Li> <P> Mayonnaise (/ ˈmeɪəneɪz /, / ˌmeɪəˈneɪz /, also US: / ˈmæneɪz /), informally mayo (/ ˈmeɪoʊ /), is a thick cold sauce or dressing usually used in sandwiches and composed salads . It is a stable emulsion of oil, egg yolk, and acid, either vinegar or lemon juice . There are many variants using additional flavorings . The proteins and lecithin in the egg yolk serve as emulsifiers in mayonnaise (and hollandaise sauce). The color of mayonnaise varies from near - white to pale yellow, and its texture from a light cream to a thick gel . </P> <P> Commercial egg - free varieties are made for vegans and others who avoid chicken eggs or dietary cholesterol . </P>

What is the role of vinegar in mayonnaise