What is the best substitute for mayonnaise?

November 17, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2023 study by Euromonitor, Americans consume over $2 billion worth of mayonnaise annually, making it a staple condiment. But for those seeking healthier, vegan, or simply different flavor profiles, discovering what is the best substitute for mayonnaise is a common culinary quest. This guide explores a variety of options to perfectly replace mayo in any recipe.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the top alternatives for mayonnaise, including dairy-based, vegan, and lighter options. It details their flavor, texture, and best uses, featuring a comparison table to help you select the ideal swap for different recipes like sandwiches, salads, and dips.

Key Points

Greek Yogurt: A popular, protein-rich substitute for a tangy and creamy flavor in salads and dressings.
Avocado: Offers a rich, creamy, and healthy fat-filled alternative, perfect for sandwiches and spreads.
Hummus: A vegan, high-fiber, and savory option ideal for spreading on sandwiches or mixing into tuna salad.
Cashew Cream: A versatile, silky smooth plant-based option that can be flavored to mimic mayo.
Mustard: Provides a low-calorie, fat-free alternative with a tangy kick, best for sandwiches and dressings.
Silken Tofu: Blends into a low-fat, high-protein, and very smooth puree for vegan dressings and spreads.
Sour Cream: A classic dairy alternative with a rich, tangy flavor suitable for dips and cold salads.

Top Creamy and Healthy Mayonnaise Alternatives

Many seek mayonnaise substitutes due to health, dietary needs, or flavor preferences. Fortunately, various alternatives offer creamy texture and delicious taste.

Greek Yogurt: The Protein-Packed Swap

Plain Greek yogurt is a popular, versatile substitute for mayonnaise, offering a thick, creamy texture and tangy flavor. It can replace mayo one-to-one in most recipes, reducing calories and fat while adding protein, especially low-fat or non-fat varieties. It excels in creamy salads and as a base for dressings and dips. Balancing its tang can be achieved with mustard or lemon juice.

Avocado: The Healthy Fat Hero

Mashed avocado provides a rich, creamy, vegan, and heart-healthy alternative to mayonnaise. It's full of monounsaturated fats and fiber and works well as a spread on sandwiches and burgers. Adding lime or lemon juice brightens the flavor and prevents browning.

Hummus: The Flavorful and Nutritious Spread

Hummus, made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, is a nutritious Mediterranean mayo alternative. High in protein and fiber, it brings a savory, earthy taste and is great on sandwiches or mixed into tuna salad. Different varieties offer diverse flavors.

Sour Cream: The Tangy Dairy Cousin

Sour cream is another dairy-based option similar to Greek yogurt but with a richer, less tangy taste. It suits dips, creamy sauces, and salads like potato or deviled eggs. Its thinner consistency compared to mayo might require adjustments or combining with Greek yogurt.

Vegan and Nut-Based Options

For vegan or egg-free needs, several choices are available.

Cashew Cream: The Silky Plant-Based Base

Blended soaked raw cashews yield a rich, creamy cashew cream, an excellent vegan mayo substitute. Its neutral, nutty flavor can be seasoned to resemble mayo and works well in dressings, dips, and as a spread.

Silken Tofu: The Low-Fat and High-Protein Choice

Blended silken tofu creates a smooth, creamy, mild-flavored spread. This low-fat, high-protein option is useful in dressings, salads, and sandwiches. Flavor can be enhanced with mustard, lemon juice, salt, and vinegar to mimic mayo.

Lighter and Simpler Swaps

For a lighter condiment, these simple options add flavor and moisture.

Mustard

Mustard (Dijon, yellow, or whole-grain) provides a tangy, low-calorie alternative for sandwiches and wraps. Dijon mustard is particularly effective in creamy salads.

Olive Oil and Vinegar

A vinaigrette of olive oil and vinegar is a lighter alternative for salads like potato or pasta salad.

Simple Pesto

Pesto offers a different, flavorful option as a spread on sandwiches or burgers. This basil-based sauce adds a fresh, herbaceous taste. Ensure it's dairy-free for vegan diets.

Mayonnaise Substitute Comparison Table


Substitute	Flavor Profile	Texture	Best For	Dietary Note
Greek Yogurt	Tangy, slightly sour	Thick and creamy	Salads, dressings, dips	Vegetarian
Avocado	Rich, buttery, fresh	Very creamy	Spreads, salads, dips	Vegan, Keto
Hummus	Savory, earthy	Thick, smooth	Spreads, dips	Vegan
Sour Cream	Tangy, rich	Creamy	Dips, creamy sauces, salads	Vegetarian
Cashew Cream	Mild, slightly nutty	Smooth and silky	Dressings, spreads, dips	Vegan
Silken Tofu	Mild, neutral	Very smooth	Dressings, purees	Vegan, Low-Fat
Mustard	Pungent, tangy, spicy	Varies (smooth to grainy)	Spreads, dressings	Vegan, Low-Fat
Olive Oil & Vinegar	Acidic, fruity	Thin (not creamy)	Salad dressings	Vegan
Pesto	Herbaceous, garlicky	Pasty, oily	Spreads, pasta salads	Often Vegetarian

How to Choose the Right Substitute

Consider the role of mayo in your recipe when choosing a substitute. Greek yogurt or hummus work well as binders in creamy salads, while avocado offers richness for spreads. Mustard or an oil and vinegar mix are good for lighter, tangy options. The best choice depends on taste, diet, and application.

Conclusion

Beyond traditional mayonnaise, numerous delicious alternatives exist for various needs and tastes. Options like Greek yogurt, avocado, and hummus can replace mayo in many dishes, adding new flavors and textures. Experiment to find your favorites. For more on healthy eating, consult reputable sources like the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. [Outbound Link to harvard.edu]

Frequently Asked Questions

Plain Greek yogurt and mashed avocado are among the healthiest substitutes for mayonnaise. Greek yogurt is low in fat and high in protein, while avocado offers healthy monounsaturated fats. Hummus is another great option, providing fiber and protein.

Yes, plain Greek yogurt is an excellent one-to-one substitute for mayonnaise in salads like tuna, chicken, or potato salad. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor work well, and it offers more protein and less fat than traditional mayo.

Mashed avocado is a perfect keto-friendly substitute for mayonnaise, as it is high in healthy fats and low in carbs. Homemade mayonnaise made with avocado oil or olive oil is another suitable option.

Several vegan options work well as a mayo substitute. Mashed avocado, hummus, cashew cream (made from blended soaked cashews), and blended silken tofu are all excellent choices for creamy dressings, spreads, and dips.

Yes, mustard is a great alternative for sandwiches, providing a tangy flavor with significantly fewer calories and fat. Various types of mustard, like Dijon or whole-grain, offer different flavor profiles.

While mayonnaise is less common in baked goods, unsweetened applesauce can be used to add moisture in recipes like muffins and cakes, reducing the fat content. Alternatively, some use pureed silken tofu or vegan mayo specifically designed for baking.

Yes, sour cream can be used as a substitute for mayonnaise, particularly in dips and cold salads. It has a similar creamy consistency and a tangy flavor, though it may be slightly thinner and more piquant than mayo.

A popular and lighter substitute for mayonnaise in coleslaw is a mixture of Greek yogurt and a little mustard. You can also use a vinaigrette made with olive oil and vinegar for a fresher, non-creamy alternative.