Mayonnaise is the key to making so many classic summer dishes extra creamy: coleslaw, potato salad, pasta salad, and more. But what happens if youre not a big fan of mayo? Or youre just looking for a lighter alternative? Or maybe you dont have any mayo in your fridge? Dont worry: These mayo substitutes will do the trick!
Before you find the mayo substitute that works for you, it might help to know what mayo is exactly: Its essentially made from emulsifying egg yolks with oil, and its often flavored with lemon juice or vinegar. (In French cuisine, where mayonnaise comes from, the mixture is flavored with garlic and is referred to as aïoli.) If youre looking for a mayo substitute, youll want to find an ingredient with a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.
Many of Ree Drummonds favorite recipes call for mayonnaise (its the key to her homemade ranch dressing and her creamy chicken salad). But if you dont have any mayo, or just would rather use a different ingredient, you can still make these recipes! Read on for our list of the best mayo substitutes—many of which you may already have at home.
You can use sour cream in recipes that require mayonnaise by simply swapping in an equal amount. Try adding it to salads, dips, sandwiches, and spreads to give your favorite recipes a refreshing twist.
Mayo Substitute: Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt isnt just great for your morning breakfast, its also great as a mayo substitute! Not only does Greek yogurt have a similar creamy texture, it also has a nice tart flavor. (Bonus: Greek yogurt has a lot of protein in it!)
Mayo Substitute: Sour Cream
Dont just break out the sour cream for nachos and baked potatoes—use it as a mayo substitute, too! Sour cream is similar in texture and flavor, and will make your salads and slaws just as creamy. (Just note: This isnt a good swap if youre looking for something light.)
This is what I eat instead of mayonnaise.
FAQ
What can I replace mayo with in dip?
What condiment is similar to mayonnaise?
What is the substitute ingredient for mayonnaise?
What is a good substitute for Mayo?
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?
Is olive oil a good substitute for mayonnaise?
Olive oil contains a lot of healthy fats and is also vegan-friendly. If you’re looking for a healthy mayonnaise alternative and don’t mind the flavor difference, olive oil is a good choice that will help add moisture and some creaminess. Pickle juice mixed in can add a little zing to help perk up the olive oil flavor profile.
Can you substitute hummus for Mayo?
Hummus is made from pureed chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. It is a healthy substitute for mayo and has a lush creamy texture. Substitute quantity: Replace the same amount of hummus for mayonnaise in a 1:1 ratio.
Is sour cream a good substitute for mayonnaise?
Sour cream is an excellent replacement for mayonnaise. Especially if you’re trying to match the texture. It has a very similar creaminess to mayonnaise while actually being more healthy. Sour cream has a slightly tangy flavor, although not the same as mayo.