Realized you don’t have mayo on hand? Or trying to work around it in your diet? Mayonnaise is made of egg yolk, oil and vinegar, and it’s one of the most popular creamy condiments around. It was extremely popular in recipes from the 1950’s and 1960’s, but because of its richness and high fat content modern recipes use less of the stuff. Whether you’re looking for a healthier option or simply ran out of the stuff, we’ve got your back. For the record: we’re mayo lovers around here! But we have a few tricks for cutting back on the richness, and a few vegan mayo recipes as well.
Best mayonnaise substitute
Note: Each of these substitutes fills a different function and works in specific situations, so the list below is not in order of preference.
1. Cashew cream
A great mayonnaise substitute? Cashew cream. This is a plant-based alternative to mayo that you can make at home using cashews and water. It comes out rich and creamy, with a similar flavor to actual mayonnaise. Spread it on a sandwich, or even use it in potato salad (try this no mayo potato salad).
2. Greek yogurt (partial substitute)
Here’s a trick we use often as a mayonnaise substitute: substitute ½ to 2/3 of the original mayo quantity with Greek yogurt! The Greek yogurt cuts the calories back but keeps the recipe creamy. This works great in mayo-based salads like Classic Tuna Salad, Classic Egg Salad or Classic Shrimp Salad. You can also use this concept in creamy salad dressings like Homemade Ranch Dressing or Caesar Dressing.
3. Aioli
Another mayonnaise substitute? Homemade aioli! Aioli is very similar to mayonnaise: in fact, sometimes flavored mayo is labeled as aioli in grocery stores. Aioli is a sauce that comes from the South of France and Spain. You can easily make it at home using an egg yolk, vinegar and olive oil. Use aioli any way you would a classic mayo: you will notice the color is brighter yellow because of the olive oil. Go to Classic Aioli Recipe.
4. Avocado mayo
A vegan mayonnaise substitute? Avocado mayo! This is a a fun healthy alternative to mayo made from real avocados, which gives it a brilliant green color. It’s totally plant-based, which makes it a vegan and egg free mayo too. Avocado mayo is best for using as a sandwich spread: it’s not suited for mayo-based salads or dressings. Go to Avocado Mayo Recipe.
5. Hummus
A final mayonnaise substitute? Hummus. Hummus is not nearly as rich and creamy as mayonnaise, so it’s not great for using in mayo-based salads or dressings. But it’s great as a sandwich spread! Try it on this Chickpea Salad Sandwich.
Related recipes
Here are some of our favorite recipes featuring mayonnaise:
Creamy No-Mayo Potato SaladSpicy MayoGarlic Mayo (Mayo Aioli)Grilled Cheese with Mayo & EggGrilled Mexican Corn with MayoSpanish Tortilla (Tortilla Española)Classic Shrimp SaladCilantro Lime SauceUltimate Egg Salad SandwichAmazing Tomato PiePerfect Caesar Salad
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1 cup raw or roasted cashews* ¾ cup water or vegetable broth ½ teaspoon kosher salt
For the aioli
1 small garlic clove (⅛ teaspoon finely minced) ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt 1 egg yolk 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard ⅓ cup olive oil OR 3 tablespoons olive oil plus 2 tablespoons neutral oil*
For the avocado mayo
1 ripe avocado* 1 small garlic clove 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard ¼ teaspoon kosher salt 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons aquafaba (liquid from a can of chickpeas)
