There are several substitutes for mayonnaise you may not know about. Let’s say you’re in the grocery store looking for a mayonnaise jar.
You know you need to add some creamy richness to your sandwich, so you head to the condiments aisle.
But as you look down the long row of jars, you start to feel overwhelmed. There are so many choices!
Then, you begin to wonder, “do you want olive oil mayo, avocado mayo, or maybe something a little more adventurous?”
Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of our favorite substitutes for mayonnaise.
From avocado to yogurt, there’s something for everyone. So next time you’re in the grocery store, don’t be afraid to explore outside the mayonnaise aisle.
You might be surprised at what you find. Let’s dive into this list of the best substitutes for mayonnaise.
1. Yogurt-Based Sauce
Mayonnaise is a delicious condiment but is also high in fat and calories. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, give the yogurt-based sauce a try. This sauce is simple to make—you need yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. It’s perfect for serving with chicken or fish, and you can customize it to your liking by adding herbs like dill or parsley.
The yogurt-based sauce is a great option for those trying to eat healthily, as yogurt is a great source of calcium, protein, and probiotics. Plus, since it’s light and creamy, it can be used to liven up salads and sandwiches, adding a burst of flavor without a ton of calories.
If you’re looking to switch things up a bit, you can also try replacing yogurt with cottage cheese instead. Cottage cheese has a similar texture to yogurt but has more protein and fewer calories. In addition, it’s a good source of calcium and Vitamin A, making it a nutrient-packed addition to your meals.
To make cottage cheese-based sauce, you must blend the cottage cheese with garlic, salt, and lemon juice. This sauce works great with grilled veggies and can be used to top baked potatoes or roasted cauliflower.
So, if you’re looking for tasty and healthy substitutes for mayonnaise, why not give one of these yogurt- or cottage cheese-based sauces a try? You can make them in minutes, and you’ll be able to enjoy delicious, low-fat meals without sacrificing taste.
2. Avocado
Avocados make excellent substitutes for mayonnaise in recipes. Just mash an avocado up until it’s a smooth paste, and then mix it with lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. You can add diced onions, herbs, or chili peppers for extra flavor.
Avocado is a great choice because it has a creamy texture and a mild flavor that will blend in with most dishes. It’s also a healthy option since avocados are high in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E. This substitute can be used in sandwiches, salads, and dips.
For sandwiches, you can spread the mashed avocado instead of mayonnaise, and for salads, you can use the mashed avocado as a dressing. You can use mashed avocado instead of the usual mayonnaise in dips and then spruce it up with seasonings or herbs.
When replacing mayonnaise with avocado in sandwiches, adding a little extra flavor and moisture can improve the taste. Adding some diced tomatoes or corn and some spices helps to enhance the flavor further and adds color to the dish.
Another way to use avocado instead of mayonnaise is to create a vegan mayo. To make vegan mayo, blend together mashed avocado, a teaspoon of lemon juice, and a few tablespoons of mild flavored oil. Add some herbs and salt and pepper to taste, and you have a vegan mayo that can be used anywhere that you’d use mayonnaise.
For a tangy flavor in a variation of vegan mayo, replace the lemon juice with freshly squeezed lime juice or white wine vinegar. This substitution can be used in various recipes, such as egg salad, tuna salad, and potato salad. Adding fresh herbs can further elevate the taste.
Using avocado instead of mayonnaise can also be great in deviled eggs. Mash the avocado with lemon juice, salt, and pepper and spoon it onto the boiled eggs. You can add some diced red onion, capers, or mustard to add flavor. This will make for a light and tasty appetizer that everyone will love.
3. Hummus
If you’re looking for a vegan mayo alternative, look no further than hummus. It’s thick and creamy and perfectly pairs with sandwiches, salads, and burgers. And bonus: hummus is packed with fiber and protein.
Hummus is one of the great substitutes for mayonnaise that you may not have considered. Hummus is a Middle Eastern dip/spread that is made from chickpeas, tahini (sesame seed paste), olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. It’s smooth and creamy and adds a delicious nutty flavor to sandwiches, wraps, and salads.
Hummus can also be used as a dip for vegetables, crackers, and chips. Another advantage of hummus is that it is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and keto-friendly. Simply mix hummus with water until you reach your desired consistency, then season to taste. If you want to give your hummus a bit of a kick, add in some chopped garlic, jalapeños, or herbs like parsley or dill.
4. Tahini
Another great vegan alternative on this list of the best substitutes for mayonnaise is tahini. Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds and is often used in dishes like hummus, baba ganoush, and falafel.
To use tahini as an alternative to mayo, mix it with lemon juice and olive oil for the perfect condiment. Tahini gives dishes a nutty and earthy flavor, so pair it with items like salads and roasted vegetables.
5. Yogurt
Yogurt is a great mayo alternative. Yogurt is thick and creamy, making it a great addition to salads, sandwiches, and wraps. Plus, not only is it one of the amazing substitutes for mayonnaise, it is also a great source of calcium, potassium, and probiotics. For a thicker consistency, use Greek yogurt.
Greek yogurt is thicker, creamier, and higher in protein than regular yogurt, making it the perfect substitute for mayonnaise. It also lends a hint of tanginess that mayo lacks. Greek yogurt can be used on sandwiches, in salads, or as a dip for vegetables and crackers. Plus, it’s low in calories and fat, so it’s a great choice for those watching their weight.
Add olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs like parsley and dill to make a less tangy yogurt dressing. However, if you’re looking for a cheesy mayo alternative, try combining Greek yogurt and nutritional yeast. The nutritional yeast gives the mix a cheesy flavor that is perfect for sandwiches, salads, and burgers.
6. Pesto
Have you ever thought of using pesto when thinking of substitutes for mayonnaise? Pesto is the way to go if you’re looking for something with a little bit more flavor. Pesto is a blend of herbs, usually basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
Combining the pesto with mayonnaise can give it an added kick. The herbs found in pesto are known to have anti-inflammatory properties, so this can be a healthier alternative to store-bought mayo that’s usually loaded with preservatives. The Parmesan cheese and olive oil will add extra depth of flavor and richness.
Try adding it to sandwiches or as a dip for vegetables. Or why not use it as an ingredient in a salad dressing? Here’s the classic Mayo-Pesto combo: combine equal parts mayonnaise and pesto to create a delicious spread or dip that’s sure to please!
The versatility of pesto goes beyond plain mayonnaise. It can be used to top baked potatoes, in egg dishes, and even tossed with hot or cold pasta. For a quick and easy side dish, toss it with some cooked vegetables, and you’re set. Pesto can also marinate meats, making it an ideal condiment for grilling season.
Finally, if you’re looking for a mayo alternative that packs a punch, look no further than pesto. Pesto is a flavorful Italian sauce made from basil, olive oil, garlic, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese. It adds a big burst of flavor to sandwiches, salads, and pasta dishes.
What’s more, it’s incredibly versatile and can be used as a marinade, a spread, or a dip. Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
7. Olive Oil
This is also one of the interesting substitutes for mayonnaise. There are many different takes on how to substitute mayonnaise with olive oil. It all depends on what flavors and ingredients you’d like to create. In terms of flavor and texture, olive oil is a great option, as it has a mild taste that complements many other ingredients, like garlic and lemon.
One approach I’ve found particularly tasty is blending together extra-virgin olive oil with a few tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice and minced garlic. This combination adds a bit of zest to sandwiches and salads while providing a nutritious dose of essential vitamins and minerals.
It’s important to note that extra-virgin olive oil is the best option for creating a mayo-like sauce. Generally speaking, this means it’s unrefined and cold-pressed, so you can be sure it’s packed with healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamins. Finally, if you’re looking for even more flavor intensity, consider adding freshly ground black pepper or herbs like basil or oregano for an aromatic twist.
There are many other variations of recipes you can find on the internet for creating a mayo-like sauce with olive oil, ranging from different types of vinegar to different types of nuts. For instance, you can combine olive oil with avocado oil, tahini, or perhaps apple cider vinegar and dijon mustard for a flavorful kick. Adding nuts like walnuts or almonds to the mix can create an even creamier texture. With a little creativity and experimentation, anything is possible!
8. Peanut Butter
So what about the sweet and savory dish, you ask? Your answer may surprise you – but don’t knock it until you try it – enter: peanut butter. Before you’re too skeptical, try substituting peanut butter in your favorite mayonnaise recipes to see how the flavor plays out.
If you’re wondering how a condiment made with peanuts can substitute for mayonnaise, the answer is simple: fat. Mayonnaise’s main ingredient is oil, and when combined with an emulsifier like egg yolk, it creates an emulsion that gives it its creamy texture and taste.
Peanut butter comprises most oils, so when used in place of mayonnaise, it can achieve similar results with its creamy texture. Just use natural peanut butter (free from added sugar or salt) for the best results.
Peanut butter can add a unique flavor to your dishes that you won’t find with mayonnaise and other substitutes. Plus, it’s lower in fat than traditional mayo, making it a healthier option for those who are looking for healthier substitutes for mayonnaise. So don’t stop experimenting with this new ingredient – your taste buds will thank you!
Whether you like creamy or crunchy peanut butter, you can use it to make a variety of delicious sandwich spreads, salad dressings, and even as an alternative to mayonnaise in recipes like chicken salad. Peanut butter is extremely versatile, and once you start experimenting with it, you may find yourself reaching for it more than mayonnaise. It’s an unexpected twist that can add an interesting depth of flavor and texture to your dishes, so don’t be afraid to try it!
Conclusion
So, if you’re looking to shake up your usual sandwich routine, or want to add a new condiment to your list, any of these substitutes for mayonnaise would be a delicious addition. They all have unique flavors and textures, so test them out and see which you like best. In addition to being a great way to switch up your sandwich toppings, non-traditional mayonnaise substitutes can also be used in other dishes.
Besides adding a unique flavor to your dishes, replacing mayonnaise with these non-traditional substitutes may also provide some health benefits. Since these substitutes are made from natural ingredients, they often contain less saturated fat and fewer calories. This makes them a better option for people looking to cut down on their mayonnaise consumption.
Additionally, since they don’t contain eggs, they are safer for people with a high risk of food-borne illnesses like salmonella. So if you’re looking to add flavor to your sandwiches while making a healthier choice, these substitutes for mayonnaise are worth trying!
