What is a good substitute for mayonnaise in tuna fish?

December 11, 2025 •

3 min read

A survey shows that over 40% of people actively seek alternatives to traditional mayonnaise for health or flavor reasons. If you're wondering what is a good substitute for mayonnaise in tuna fish, you're not alone, and many delicious, healthier options exist to transform your classic recipe into something fresh and exciting.

Quick Summary

This guide explores several excellent alternatives to mayonnaise for tuna fish, including Greek yogurt, avocado, hummus, and various vinaigrettes, to achieve a creamy, flavorful tuna salad that suits different dietary preferences.

Key Points

Greek Yogurt: A high-protein, tangy substitute that mimics the creamy texture of mayo, ideal for a healthier, lighter tuna salad.
Avocado: Provides a rich, creamy, and satisfying binder with heart-healthy fats, adding a fresh, earthy flavor.
Hummus: A savory, protein-packed option that creates a thick, delicious tuna salad perfect for wraps and pita sandwiches.
Olive Oil & Lemon Juice: Creates a simple, light vinaigrette for a less-creamy, brighter tuna salad that is great served over greens.
Silken Tofu: A versatile, neutral-flavored vegan alternative that blends into an incredibly smooth and creamy base for dairy-free diets.
Cottage Cheese: Offers a protein boost and a unique, curdy texture that can be blended for a smoother consistency, adding a tangy, milky flavor.

Creamy and Tangy: Greek Yogurt

Plain Greek yogurt is one of the most popular and versatile alternatives for mayonnaise in tuna fish. It offers a similar creamy texture but with a significant boost of protein and fewer calories. The tangy flavor of the yogurt adds a zesty kick to the tuna, making it feel lighter and more refreshing. For the best result, use full-fat Greek yogurt to replicate the richness of mayonnaise. Simply swap it in a 1:1 ratio. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice and a dash of Dijon mustard to create a flavor profile remarkably close to a traditional tuna salad.

Flavoring Your Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad

For a classic taste: Add a little celery seed, chopped onion, and fresh dill.
For a zesty kick: Mix in some lemon zest and capers.
For added crunch: Incorporate chopped apple or cucumber.

Naturally Creamy: Avocado

For a smooth, rich, and nutrient-dense alternative, mashed avocado is an ideal choice. Its high content of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats provides a wonderfully creamy base that binds the tuna together. Avocado also adds a fresh, earthy flavor and a vibrant green color to your tuna salad. To prevent browning, be sure to add a generous amount of lemon or lime juice. This option is also perfect for those following a vegan or dairy-free diet.

The Mediterranean Twist: Hummus

Hummus is a delicious, protein-packed choice that can replace mayonnaise in a tuna fish sandwich or salad. Made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil, it lends a savory, nutty flavor and a thick, creamy consistency. Use plain hummus for a neutral base or experiment with roasted red pepper or garlic hummus for an extra layer of flavor. Hummus creates a filling and satisfying tuna salad perfect for pitas or crackers.

Light and Zesty: Vinaigrette

If you prefer a lighter, less creamy tuna salad, a simple vinaigrette is an excellent choice. A basic dressing of olive oil and fresh lemon juice provides moisture and a bright, tangy flavor that complements the tuna beautifully. You can enhance this with herbs like parsley or dill, minced red onion, and a touch of Dijon mustard. This is a perfect option for serving tuna over a bed of greens.

Flavorful & Dairy-Free: Pesto and Cashew Cream

For those seeking more robust flavors or a non-dairy option, pesto and cashew cream are excellent alternatives. Pesto, a blend of basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and cheese (or a vegan alternative), adds a powerful, herby punch to the tuna. For a creamy vegan base, cashew cream—made by soaking and blending raw cashews—provides a rich, neutral-flavored binder. These options add gourmet flair to a simple dish.

Comparison of Mayonnaise Alternatives


Substitute	Texture	Flavor Profile	Best For	Dietary Notes
Greek Yogurt	Creamy, tangy	Tangy, slightly sour	Sandwiches, wraps, salads	High protein, lower calorie
Avocado	Rich, smooth	Earthy, fresh	Sandwiches, lettuce cups	Vegan, dairy-free, healthy fats
Hummus	Thick, nutty	Savory, garlicky	Wraps, pitas, dip	Vegan, dairy-free, high protein
Olive Oil & Lemon	Light, liquid	Bright, tangy	Green salads, light wraps	Vegan, dairy-free, healthy fats
Mustard	Smooth, sharp	Pungent, spicy	Sandwiches, dressings	Vegan, dairy-free, low calorie
Cottage Cheese	Curdy, creamy	Mild, tangy	Sandwiches, bowls	High protein, lower calorie
Silken Tofu	Extremely smooth	Neutral, bland	Sauces, creamy spreads	Vegan, dairy-free, high protein

Making the Perfect Mayo-Free Tuna Salad

No matter which substitute you choose, a great tuna salad is about balancing flavors and textures. The key is to start with a small amount of your chosen binder and add more as needed to achieve your desired consistency. For extra moisture and flavor, remember to include other ingredients like finely chopped celery, red onion, or pickles. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of acid like lemon juice or vinegar to bring all the flavors together.

For more healthy eating inspiration, check out this guide to Healthy Mayonnaise Alternatives - Greatist.

Conclusion

Whether you're looking for a healthier option, a new flavor profile, or a vegan-friendly binder, there are countless excellent substitutes for mayonnaise in tuna fish. From the high-protein creaminess of Greek yogurt and the rich satisfaction of avocado to the savory depth of hummus or the lightness of a vinaigrette, you can easily customize your tuna salad to fit your taste and dietary needs. Experiment with these different options to find your perfect new favorite tuna recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, plain Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for mayonnaise in tuna fish. It offers a similar creamy texture with higher protein and less fat, and its tangy flavor adds a refreshing taste to the salad.

Absolutely. Mashed avocado is a fantastic substitute for mayonnaise in tuna fish. It provides a rich, creamy texture and adds healthy fats and a fresh flavor.

Several vegan options work well. You can use mashed avocado, hummus, blended silken tofu, or a vinaigrette made with olive oil and lemon juice. Vegan mayonnaise is also an option.

To make a tuna salad without mayonnaise, you can use plain Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, hummus, or a simple dressing of olive oil and lemon juice as the binder. Combine with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.

Yes, hummus is a delicious and protein-packed substitute for mayonnaise in tuna salad. It adds a savory, nutty flavor and a thick consistency that holds up well in sandwiches and wraps.

Plain Greek yogurt is a great low-calorie alternative to mayonnaise, as is a vinaigrette made with olive oil and lemon juice. Mustard is another low-calorie option that adds a sharp, distinct flavor.

To keep tuna salad moist without mayo, use a creamy alternative like Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, or hummus. You can also mix in some olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a bit of Dijon mustard.

Yes, cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for mayonnaise. For a smoother texture, you can blend it, and it offers a mild, tangy flavor and a high-protein content.