Top Mayo Substitutes When You're Out of the Real Deal

1. Hummus

Hummus is just as thick and creamy as mayonnaise, making it a perfect replacement for spreading on bread or using it as a dip. Hummus makes a much healthier option than mayonnaise. It's packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, while mayonnaise is high in unhealthy fats and cholesterol.

Hummus has a creamy, nutty flavor that can complement many of the same ingredients that mayonnaise does. The tahini in hummus adds a unique depth of flavor that can be especially delicious in sandwiches, wraps, and salads.

2. Tahini

Tahini, the nutty sesame paste beloved in hummus, can indeed be a fantastic alternative to mayonnaise. Tahini shares the creamy, spreadable texture of mayonnaise, making it an ideal swap for sandwiches, wraps, and dips. 

Prior to use, tahini's consistency needs to be adjusted with water or lemon juice as it is naturally thicker. Tahini delivers a distinct earthy, nutty flavor that adds depth and complexity to dishes. While different from mayonnaise's tangy sweetness, it can seamlessly complement many similar ingredients.

3. Sour Cream

Sour cream boasts a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that can complement many of the same ingredients as mayonnaise. It adds a brightness and depth that mayonnaise sometimes lacks, making it a great choice for sandwiches, dips, and even baked goods.

Similar to mayonnaise, sour cream has a thick and creamy texture, making it a perfect replacement for spreading or using as a base for sauces. It's not quite as heavy as mayonnaise, which some might prefer. So. sour cream is an alternative for mayo with a mayo-like consistency and tanginess.

4. Yogurt and Dijon Mustard Blend

Yogurt and Dijon Mustard Blend offers a lighter, healthier, and sometimes more flavorful alternative, depending on your preferences. The combination of yogurt's tangy creaminess and Dijon mustard's sharp bite can be added to sandwiches, wraps, and salads, complementing many ingredients well.

When blended perfectly, yogurt and Dijon mustard achieve a smooth and creamy texture similar to mayonnaise. So, a perfect blend with a complex and nuanced flavor profile can make it a seamless replacement for spreading or as a base for sauces.

5. Creamy Pesto Sauce

Creamy pesto sauce serves as a delectable alternative to traditional mayonnaise. With the lush combination of fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil, this sauce not only adds a rich and savory profile but also brings a distinct herbal essence.

Use it as a sandwich spread, mix it into pasta salads, or incorporate it into wraps to infuse a burst of Mediterranean flair. The versatility of creamy pesto sauce makes it a flavorful substitute, ensuring your culinary creations are both exciting and delicious, even when the mayo jar is empty.

6. Blended Cottage Cheese

Blended cottage cheese emerges as a wholesome and nutritious alternative to traditional mayonnaise, offering a creamy texture and subtle tanginess to your dishes. By blending cottage cheese until smooth, you create a versatile base that can be used as a spread, dressing, or dip.

This alternative not only adds a velvety consistency but also brings a boost of protein and a lighter, fresher taste to your recipes. It's a delightful way to reimagine classic dishes and infuse them with a touch of creaminess, making it a smart choice for those seeking a mayo substitute with added nutritional benefits.

7. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt stands out as a refreshing and health-conscious alternative to traditional mayonnaise and has a creamy texture as well as a tangy kick. Its versatility makes it a superb substitute, providing a lighter option while maintaining a rich consistency. 

Use Greek yogurt in salads, wraps, or sandwiches to impart a delightful creaminess without compromising on flavor. Whether you're on a health kick or simply looking to add a fresh twist to your recipes, Greek yogurt steps in admirably as a satisfying and nutritious alternative to mayo.

8. Mashed Avocado

Mashed avocado emerges as a deliciously creamy and nutrient-rich alternative to conventional mayonnaise with an undeniable luscious texture. As you spread the velvety green goodness onto sandwiches, wraps, or use it as a dip, you not only infuse a rich flavor but also benefit from the avocado's natural creaminess.

Packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamins, and minerals, mashed avocado introduces a wholesome element to your culinary creations. Whether you're aiming for a healthier option, a plant-based alternative, or simply seeking a flavorful twist, mashed avocado can be the best mayo substitute for you.

9. Cashew Cream

Cashew cream serves as a dairy-free alternative to traditional mayonnaise, introducing a rich and nutty undertone of cashews. By blending soaked cashews into a smooth consistency, you create a versatile base that can be used as a spread, dressing, or dip and also as a heavy cream alternative while cooking.

Cashew Cream provides a creamy texture and also offers a source of healthy fats and protein. Whether you're following a vegan lifestyle, seeking a plant-based option, or simply looking to add a unique flavor to your recipes, cashew cream can be another versatile substitute for mayo.

10. Guacomole

Guacamole is yet another vibrant alternative to traditional mayonnaise, bringing a zesty twist and creamy consistency to dishes. Mashed avocados, combined with ingredients like lime juice, cilantro, onions, and tomatoes, create a rich and savory spread that adds a burst of freshness to various guacamole using recipes.

Whether slathered on sandwiches, wraps, or used as a dip, guacamole provides a satisfying and health-conscious substitute for mayo. Tangy and smooth in texture, guacamole can help elevate your culinary creations, offering a delicious and wholesome alternative to the traditional condiment.

11. Sunflower Seed Butter

Sunflower seed butter is a wholesome and nut-free alternative to traditional mayonnaise, offering a rich and slightly nutty flavor to your dishes. By utilizing sunflower seed butter as a spread or dip, you introduce a creamy consistency with a hint of natural sweetness.

Sunflower Seed Butter is not only suitable for those with nut allergies but also provides a source of healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients. Spread it on sandwiches, wraps, or use it in salad dressings to add a unique and savory twist to your recipes.

12. Olive Oil and Vinegar

Olive oil and vinegar offer a light and tangy alternative to traditional mayonnaise, presenting a simple yet flavorful combination for various culinary applications. This classic duo provides a heart-healthy and lower-calorie substitute, perfect for salads, sandwiches, and marinades for chicken breasts.

The smooth, fruity notes of olive oil complement the acidic kick of vinegar, creating a refreshing dressing that enhances the natural flavors of your dishes. This alternative not only cuts down on calories but also adds a Mediterranean flair to your meals. 

13. Egg

Using eggs as an alternative to traditional mayonnaise provides a homemade and customizable option with a rich, creamy texture. By blending eggs with oil and vinegar or lemon juice, you can create a smooth and flavorful mayo substitute.

This DIY alternative allows you to control the ingredients, adjusting the level of tanginess or adding herbs and spices according to your preferences. Just keep in mind that this option includes raw eggs, so it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with concerns about consuming raw or undercooked eggs.

14. Buttermilk

Buttermilk serves as a tangy and slightly lighter alternative to traditional mayonnaise, offering a unique flavor profile to your dishes. With its thin consistency and distinctive taste, buttermilk can be used as a base for dressings, dips, and sauces.

Mixing buttermilk with herbs, spices, or mustard can enhance its flavor, creating a creamy and flavorful substitute for mayo. Buttermilk can be reduced on heat or treated with thickening agents like flour to make the consistency thick like mayo.

Related: 15 Buttermilk Replacement That Tastes The Same

15. Kefir

Kefir, with its tangy and probiotic-rich qualities, can make for a unique and health-conscious alternative to traditional mayonnaise. Its creamy consistency and slightly sour taste add a distinctive flavor to dishes while offering the benefits of gut-friendly probiotics.

Using kefir as a base for dressings, dips, or sandwich spreads provides a refreshing twist and lighter and more nutritious option compared to mayo. This alternative not only introduces a creamy texture but also brings a dose of beneficial bacteria, promoting digestive health. 

16. Mashed Tofu

Mashed tofu serves as a versatile and plant-based alternative to traditional mayonnaise, offering a light and creamy texture to your dishes. By blending silken or soft tofu until smooth, you create a neutral base that can be seasoned or flavored according to your preferences.

To achieve the tanginess of mayo in mashed tofu, you can add acidic ingredients such as Dijon mustard, lemon juice, vinegar or yogurt while blending. Mashed tofu can be used as a spread for sandwiches or wraps, and it works well in salads, dips, and dressings.