Can you imagine having all your snack platters ready for your guest’s arrival and no mayonnaise for the dips?!
There is no time to dash out and get some more. So, what is a good substitute for mayonnaise to complete your platters?
Don’t worry; we understand mayonnaise is a popular go-to condiment and ingredient that complements an array of meals and snacks.
Keep reading to discover pleasing and flavorful alternatives, quick and delicious mayonnaise recipes, and excellent vegan options.
10 Best Mayonnaise Substitutes
Typically, mayonnaise is used as a dip, spread, and in creamy-based salad dressings. In addition, it makes a fantastic cooking and baking ingredient.Â
Usually, this versatile condiment consists of eggs, oil, vinegar, and spices. Sure, it may be simple ingredients. Yet, mayonnaise is one of the most renowned condiments globally.
The vinegar gives it a tantalizing tang and the smooth custard-like texture is pleasing to several palates. Besides dips for your platters, a Sunday barbeque, egg, or tuna sandwich would be a miss without your favorite mayo. Â
Let’s dive in and find the perfect mayo substitute to complement your platters alongside other dishes when your mayo is depleted.
| Substitute | Dish Type | Suggested Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Sour Cream | Toppings/Dips | Baked potatoes, tacos, nachos, dips, salad dressings, casseroles |
| Cream Cheese | Spreads/Dips | Bagels, crackers, toast, stuffed chicken breasts, cheesecakes, creamy dips |
| Avocado | Spreads/Salads | Sandwiches, burgers, wraps, smoothies, salads, guacamole |
| Hummus | Dips/Spreads | Fresh vegetables, pita chips, crackers, sandwiches, wraps, salad dressings |
| Greek Yogurt | Dips/Toppings | Herbed salad dressing, dip, sour cream substitute, tacos, soups, baked potatoes |
| Tzatziki | Dips/Spreads | Grilled meats, vegetables, sandwiches, wraps, gyros, salad dressing, pasta salads |
| Tahini | Sauces/Dips | Roasted vegetables, salads, grain bowls, salad dressings, hummus |
| Mustard | Spreads/Sauces | Sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, salad dressing, marinades for meats and vegetables |
| Pesto | Sauces/Spreads | Pasta, sandwiches, pizza topping, cooked grains, salads, roasted vegetables |
| Nut Butter | Spreads/Sauces | Toast, crackers, fruit slices, smoothies, sauces, salad dressings |
| DIY Mayonnaise | Spreads/Sauces | Customizable mayonnaise for sandwiches, burgers, salad dressings, and other recipes requiring mayonnaise |
Sour Cream
The smooth and creamy texture of sour cream is similar to mayonnaise. While the vinegar tang is lacking, the sour lemony taste is inviting.
Sourcream makes an excellent dip and adds a new flavor to a potato, tuna, or chicken salad. Furthermore, it is lower in calories but the same in saturated fat. An added bonus to your calory count!
Be warned; you may love this replacement so much that it could replace your dips permanently.
Pro Tip:
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese comes in various flavors, so choosing one to complement your meal is easy.
It is the ideal mayo alternative to use as a spread on sandwiches and crackers. Also, it makes a delicious dip to serve with platters and chips.
As the consistency is thicker than mayo, we suggest you stir it well before serving. While the consistency remains the same, it is more smooth and creamy.
Pro Tip:Â
Avocado – Vegan/Superfood
Probably one of the most versatile alternatives to consider. Avocado has a buttery and creamy texture with subtly sweet and nutty notes.
When mashed, it serves as a tasty dip and makes an excellent spread. It adds the perfect creaminess to salad dressings. For dressings, ensure it is super smooth.
Moreover, avo has earned its place on the superfood list, so you can dip to your heart’s content, knowing you are boosting your immune system simultaneously. (*)
Lastly, you can add your favorite spice or seasoning. We recommended guajillo, tajin, or smoked paprika.
Pro tip:
Hummus – Vegan/Healthier
Hummus is a flavorful, healthy mayo substitute made from chickpeas, extra virgin olive oil, tahini, lemon juice, and spices. It hails from the Middle East but has “spread” globally.Â
The beauty of hummus is the traditional ingredients allow room to add just about any seasoning to create new and exciting dips or spreads.
It is readily available at several local grocery stores and online.
Pro Tip:
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt joins avocado on the versatility list. Certainly, Greek Yogurt is an excellent choice. Still, if you have a double cream or medium cream plain yogurt, it works just as well.
The creaminess and texture are remarkably similar to mayonnaise, and it contains more protein, gut-healthy probiotics, and less fat.
It is refreshing and offers a mild tang. For this reason, use it for salad dressings and coleslaw.
Next time you whip up a tuna or egg sandwich, Greek yogurt or plain yogurts are a suitable replacement.
Finally, use it in baked products to add moisture and a soft crumb.Â
Pro Tip:
And it doesn’t stop there for a delicious yogurt-based alternative. Check this out!
Learn more: Greek Yogurt Substitute
Tzatziki-Healthier alternative
Speaking of Greek yogurt, why not consider Tzatziki?Â
This traditional Mediterranean dip or sauce is perfect for platters, burgers, or shawarmas. It pairs exceptionally well with lamb as well as chicken and fish. Â
The base is Greek yogurt with cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, seasoning, and fresh dill.
You can use thyme, basil, or Italian parsley if you do not have dill on hand.Â
Pro-Tip:
How to make Tzatziki
We recommend this simple Tzatziki recipe you prepare a Mediterranean feast for family and friends.
Tahini-Healthier Substitute
We love tahini-based sauces! It is a smooth and creamy paste made from ground sesame seeds.
It has a mild earthy taste with gentle bitter undertones. Depending on how you prepare it, tahini meets your desired consistency.
Use tahini as a salad dressing, in a dip, or as a spread. Replace peanut butter in your favorite cookie recipe with tahini for a new taste and a healthier option. Your children will love these cookies!
To make a dip or spread, follow these easy instructions:
- Pour ½ a cup of the tahini paste into a bowl
- Add 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Add ¼ teaspoon of cumin powder
- Pinch of salt
- Use a whisk to combine
At first, the mixture is thick. Slowly add 2 teaspoons of water at a time until you reach the consistency you require.
Pro-Tip:
Mustard-Healthier Alternative
You might be wondering how mustard could be a mayonnaise substitute. Of course, these two condiments differ in flavor, and mustard is used sparingly due to its horseradish-like bite.
Even so, vinegar is an ingredient in several mustards, including yellow and Dijon mustard. Indeed, you can expect a similar tang.
If you enjoy a touch of heat or mustard flavor, it make a great replacement. Use mustard as a spread on sandwiches, crackers, or salad dressings.
Pro-Tip:
Pesto
Pesto has various flavors, such as basil, coriander, and tomato. The popular basil variety consists of fresh leaves, pine nuts, crushed garlic, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, olive oil, and spices.
Certainly, the tangy flavor is present with the lemon and white wine vinegar. Yet, the consistency is thinner and more oily.
While it does not make the ideal replacement, it works well as a spread on sandwiches, as a salad dressing ingredient, and in potato or chicken salads.
Pro Tip:
Nut Butter-Vegan/Healthier Substitute
Surprisingly, nut butter makes a unique and tasty healthy mayo substitute. The variety includes:
- Peanut butter
- Almond butter
- Macadamia butter
- Cashew butter
- Walnut butter
Peanut butter is a staple in several households, and the other varieties are readily available in the condiment aisle at your local grocery store, health stores, or online. Â
By the way, nut butter features prominently in vegan diets as a spread, a baking ingredient, and salad dressings. Â
However, using the same methods is suitable for other diets, such as keto and paleo.Â
Also, nut butter offers fantastic health benefits; and is packed with nutrients, high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. (*)
Morish Mayonnaise Recipes
Mayo is super easy to make with simple ingredients, most likely in your kitchen.
Easy Mayo Whole Egg Mayonnaise
This recipe calls for avocado oil. Don’t panic if you do not have it; you can use sunflower or canola oil. Give it a try!
Easy Vegan Mayo
Are you curious about vegan mayonnaise? If you have tofu, this 4 ingredient recipe offers outstanding results. Check it out!
Pro Tip:
FAQ’s
Final Tangy Thoughts
In a nutshell, we align with your concerns as to what a good mayonnaise substitute could be.
Oddly, due to its loved flavor and versatility, we have become reliant on mayonnaise as a safe go-to condiment and ingredient.
Try our easily accessible and tasty alternatives to satisfy guests’ appetites with a unique and exciting eating experience.Â
What replacement did you opt for? We would love to know how it turned out. Get in touch!
What’s the Best Substitute for Mayonnaise?
Ingredients
- Sour Cream
- Cream Cheese
- Avocado – Vegan/Superfood
- Hummus – Vegan/Healthier
- Greek Yogurt – Healthier
- Tzatziki – Healthier
- Tahini – Healthier
- Mustard – Healthier
- Pesto – Healthier
- Nut Butter-Vegan/Healthier
- DIY Morish Mayonnaise Substitute
Instructions
- To use the table and the information provided, follow these steps:
- Identify the type of dish you’re making: Determine whether you’re preparing a sandwich, salad, dip, sauce, or another type of dish that you’d like to use a mayonnaise substitute for.
- Select a suitable substitute from the table: Based on your dietary preferences and the type of dish you’re making, choose an appropriate substitute from the table. For example, if you’re making a sandwich and want a vegan option, you might choose avocado or hummus.
- Refer to the ‘Suggested Uses’ column: Once you’ve selected a substitute, refer to the ‘Suggested Uses’ column for ideas on how to incorporate it into your dish. This will give you some inspiration on how to use the substitute effectively.
- Experiment with different substitutes: Don’t be afraid to try different substitutes in various dishes. This will help you discover new flavors and textures, and you might even find a new favorite!
- Customize the substitute to your taste: Feel free to add herbs, spices, or other ingredients to enhance the flavor of the chosen substitute. For example, you could mix Greek yogurt with dill and lemon juice to create a refreshing dip, or add garlic and basil to mashed avocado for a tasty sandwich spread.
- Remember, the table is meant to serve as a guide and inspiration for incorporating mayonnaise substitutes into your favorite dishes. It’s important to be creative and open to trying new combinations to find the perfect match for your taste preferences. Enjoy experimenting in the kitchen!
