That’s what this list will give you. It doesn’t matter if you just detest the stuff or didn’t realize you used it all. If you need a replacement for mayo, this list has you covered. Some of the options, like sour cream and yogurt, are pretty obvious. Others like nut butter and pesto may take you by surprise. One thing’s for sure, though. Knowing how to use these mayonnaise substitutes is good information to have.
1. Sour Cream
Most people put sour cream pretty low on their lists of mayo substitutes. Not me. I love it. I think it’s a phenomenal alternative to mayonnaise. (Especially on sandwiches and salads!) It has the same creamy, tangy consistency and flavor as mayo. Furthermore, it’s light and not all that unhealthy. Put simply, it’s just plain good. Try it the next time you make potato salad or chicken/tuna salad. You won’t even be able to miss the mayonnaise.
2. Cream Cheese
People often overlook cream cheese when replacing mayo, as well. Indeed, it’s much thicker than mayo, but that doesn’t mean it won’t work. Just make sure you set it out at room temperature to let it soften. Then, try thinning it with whole or 2% milk. Once you’ve done that, it should make a nice sandwich spread. You can also use it in meat-based salads (tuna, chicken, etc.). You may have to add a little Greek yogurt to get the taste just right, though.
3. Hummus
Hummus is thick, creamy, and tasty. That’s really all you could ask for out of a good mayo alternative. Of course, it’s a little nuttier, but it’s just as bright and tangy. It works well if you want to use it as a spread. It’s good in dips and salads, too. You won’t be able to do any cooking with it, though. It’s a ‘mix in’ or ‘by itself’ substitute only.
4. Avocado
Have you already jumped on the avocado spread on sandwiches bandwagon? If not, now’s the time to do it. Mashed avocado is creamy, slightly tangy, and mild. It pairs well without whatever else you add to your sandwich. However, you can also use it as a mayo substitute in salad dressings and dips. Even better, avocados are proven to help with depression. Therefore, you can enjoy a good meal and hopefully feel better about yourself after eating it!
5. Cashew Cream/Cashew Cheese
Saying cashews taste like mayo seems absurd, right? Somehow, though, it’s true. When you blend them with water and a dash of salt, the resulting cream is very mayo-like. It also has a similar texture to mayo, though it might be a bit thicker. Cashew cream tastes great on sandwiches. You could also use it in homemade dressings and potato salad. *Note: Be sure to soak your cashews overnight if possible. (An hour will suffice if you’re crunched for time.) Soaking makes them softer and smoother.
6. Greek Yogurt
Despite being number six on the list, Greek yogurt is one of my favorite mayo substitutes. It features the same creamy consistency as mayo. Plus, the bright, tangy flavor is similar, too. Best of all, you can use it for nearly anything that requires mayonnaise. Whipping up some homemade salad dressing or dips? What about chicken or tuna salad? Just want something to spread on a sandwich? No matter the occasion, Greek yogurt works for it. You can even add it to baked goods to give them a moist, gentle crumb. It has more protein than mayo, too! Just be sure you stick to the non-flavored kind. Otherwise, that might be a disaster.
7. Vegan Mayo
If you’re in a bind and need a vegan mayo substitute, why not make your own?! Of course, there are other substitutes you could use. (I’ve given you several in this list alone.) However, nothing tastes quite like vegan mayo. You’ll only need four ingredients to make it:
A 12-ounce pack of silken firm tofu2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice1/4 teaspoon of table salt1 teaspoon of mustard (yellow or Dijon will work)
If you want to sweeten it, you can add a dash of maple syrup or agave. Toss everything in a blender and blend until it’s smooth. Voila! 3-minute vegan mayo!
8. Tzatziki
Tzatziki is really just homemade mayo with more flavor. Most people make it with Greek yogurt, olive oil, and lemon juice. Then, they add their flavoring agents (dill, cucumbers, etc.). It’s practically jazzed-up mayo! As a result, you can use it in just about anything that calls for mayo except baked goods. (The bright, herb flavors are too intense for that.)
9. Tahini Sauce
I mentioned hummus earlier on this list. Well, tahini sauce is what gives hummus its distinct, nutty flavor. Add some lemon juice and water to it, and it also makes an excellent mayo replacement! It’s creamy, light, and tangy. Use it in sandwiches, salads, dips, or other savory recipes that call for mayonnaise.
10. Mustard
Mustard won’t replace mayo. They’re two totally different condiments. However, it’s a healthier, lower-calorie option for sandwich spreads, salads, and more. You can also use it to add moisture to savory foods. I wouldn’t add it to baked goods, though. The flavor is a little too zesty for that. Although, if you have a tender chicken breast, mustard could be just the thing to brighten it up.
11. Olive Oil
Olive oil isn’t the best mayo substitute in anything where mayo takes center stage. For example, you can’t spread it on a sandwich with tomatoes and salt. However, olive oil is perfect if you’re baking or making salad dressing. It’ll help moisten your baked goods and give your dressing that rich, oily base. It doesn’t have the same zingy flavor as mayo, though. You might want to add something tangy and acidic into the mix. It’ll help keep the taste as it should be.
12. Pesto
I’ll be honest, pesto isn’t my favorite mayo substitute. It has too much flavor for my tastes. I love it in Italian food, but not so much for mayo. Some people swear by it, though, and it works well as a spread or dip. It’s also much healthier than mayo. My advice? Use it if you want something louder and more flavorful than mayo. If you’re looking for the mild blandness of mayonnaise, look elsewhere.
13. Nut Butter
Nut butter includes any of the following:
Peanut butterAlmond butterWalnut butterCashew butterHazelnut butterMacadamia nut butter
Depending on your specific tastes, some may work better than others. However, you can use all of them as a vegan substitute for mayonnaise. You won’t want to cook with them. However, these work wonders if you want a spread or salad dressing. Plus, they’re much healthier for you than mayonnaise! Click on a star to rate it!
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