16 Amazing Mayonnaise Substitutes

Who does not love a good dollop of mayo? Whether that is to fill a sandwich, use as a dipping sauce, or to flavor something that is a little bland. Don’t worry, you won’t find mayonnaise shaming in this article.

Even so, mayo can get a bit much after a while. Or maybe you went to reach for some and realized you had run out?

Either way, we’ve got your back.

From easy mayonnaise alternatives (that have similar characteristics but don’t taste the same), to simple mayo substitutes (that are near similar), we have a list that will sure get you excited.

So, take a look at these mayonnaise substitutes! 

1. Homemade Mayonnaise (Vegan Too!)

Sometimes you just need a mayo substitute because you cannot eat the real thing. If you are looking to enhance a basic sandwich, then adding homemade vegan mayonnaise is a really good option.

It is also super easy to make, though you may need to pick up some specialized ingredients.

You will need:

• 12 ounces of silken tofu
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• A ¼ teaspoon of salt
• A teaspoon of mustard

How to make: 

Add the tofu, lemon juice, salt, and mustard into a blender. Blend the ingredients together until everything is mixed together and smooth.

2. Avocado

Avocados are known for being extra creamy and delicious, so no wonder they make a great mayo substitute. They also have an oily base that is similar to that of mayo, too.

However, avocado is full of healthy fats and fiber, which is something you cannot get with real mayonnaise. 

For sandwiches, mash up a ripe avocado with a fork and use it as a spread. You can also mix avocado with some plain yogurt to use with a salad, though make it fresh.

Also, mix it into tuna or chicken for a healthier alternative. It tastes great too!

Do keep in mind that when avocado is left for a while it turns a brown color which does not look as nice, so squeeze a bit of lemon to make it last longer.

3. Homemade Mayonnaise (Non-Vegan!)

When you are hoping to have mayonnaise with your meal but have run out, sometimes you do not want something different – you just want the darn mayo! Don’t worry, we have all been there.

If time is of the essence and you need to whip up something fast, then fortunately, there is something you can do.

Making your own mayo is simple and quick, and most people have the ingredients already in their kitchen.

Do keep in mind that if you are pregnant, swap the raw egg for pasteurized.

You will need:

• A cup of olive oil
• Two eggs (you will need the yolks only)
• Two teaspoons of lemon juice (vinegar will also do)
• Pinch of salt

How to make:

1. Whisk both the egg yolk and the lemon juice together in a bowl.
2. Begin adding the olive oil very slowly and whisk until everything is mixed together.
3. Add a pinch of salt. If you need more, then add more.

4. Greek Yogurt

And we are not talking the flavored type, either. Good ole plain greek yogurt will make a great mayo alternative. Why? Well, read on.

Greek yogurt is tangier than most, but it also has a creamy undertone and a consistency that is very similar to that of mayo.

This means it will most definitely work in a sandwich, a salad, with chicken or tuna, and anywhere else you want to add mayo.

In fact, it can be used within baking too.

5. Hummus

Okay, hummus is probably one of the last things you think of when you are wanting a mayo substitute, but hear us out.

It can be used as a delicious dip or added to a tasty sandwich. Okay, so it will not have that creamy deliciousness you are looking for, but it will add some extra oomph to your snack or meal.

However, if your bake calls for mayo, it is probably best not to use hummus!

6. A Single Egg

Sometimes something as simple as putting an egg into a burger or sandwich is all you need. While it is not thick and creamy like mayonnaise, they are both made from egg (see also ‘9 Egg Substitutes For Pancakes‘).

Also, the egg will add a creaminess once the yolk runs through. It is healthier than standard mayo, too, because it has less calories. 

Even though it is not a long running substitute, it will work as a one-off when you are in a rush and need something to enhance the dish.

7. Sour Cream

If you are adamant that you want a mayo substitute that has a similar texture and look about it, then sour cream is a great alternative. While tangier than mayonnaise, it ticks all of the other boxes.

It is light, creamy and delicious and can be used in a variety of ways like potato salad, or with tuna.

You can also buy sour cream with extra flavors too, or add in your own. Things like herbs and lemon juice can add a different element to sour cream (see also ‘14 Sour Cream Substitutes‘).

8. Nut Butter

Nut butter is another one of those substitutes that do not taste like mayonnaise, however, there is a reason why it is on this list.

For one, nut butter (see also ‘13 Best Butter Substitutes‘) is usually creamy and can be used as a dip or within something like a sandwich. While you likely will not add it to a tuna salad, it does have its place as a good mayo alternative. 

It may also be a good way to get some protein, too!

9. Silken Tofu

If you are in need of a vegan mayonnaise substitute with very little ingredients, then silken tofu may just be what you need.

Once it has been blended, it will have a deliciously smooth texture which is very similar to mayo.

However, you might find that the overall taste is quite bland, so you will need to add some extras. Try adding a pinch of salt, a splash of lemon juice, and a pinch of regular sugar.

If you have no lemon juice, then apple cider vinegar (see also ‘9 Apple Cider Vinegar Substitutes‘) will work as well. Also, feel free to play around with the quantities to find out what flavor best works for you.

10. Olive Oil

Olive oil is likely not something you think of when it comes to mayo, but it can make a really good substitute. 

Not only is it healthier (olive oil is known to help the heart and to reduce inflammation), but it is a good vegan alternative. 

While it is not something you are going to add to a sandwich, you can use it in the place of mayonnaise in baking. You can also use it as a dip like the Italians do.

11. Cream Cheese

Who doesn’t love cream cheese? While it has a thicker consistency compared to mayonnaise, it is another dairy product that can be used in wraps and sandwiches.

The condiment can also have extra flavor added to it from herbs to make it even more tastier. You can buy the flavored cream cheese from the store, or add your own herbs such as chives. 

It tastes great with bread, but why not try adding it to a salad too? If you are looking for a healthy substitute, then this is not it.

12. Aioli

A very similar substitute to mayonnaise is aioli. Both use similar ingredients such as raw eggs and oil, and have a creamy taste and thicker texture.

While you may not have heard of aioli, it is available at your local grocery store. However, it is not vegan and if you are going to go to the store, you might as well pick up mayo, right?

However, it can be used in a similar fashion to mayo – as a dressing, a sauce, etc.

13. Butter

Mayo has a great way of adding something extra to a dry-based sandwich or a burger. It brings the food together and adds a creamy richness that, we will admit, is hard to beat.

However, sometimes it is better to just go back to basics. Butter is a great substitute for a lot of things, and that includes mayonnaise. While it is not gloopy and filling, it does add a creamy addition to a meal. 

No doubt you will have this in your kitchen anyway.

14. Cottage Cheese

Lumpy cottage cheese might not seem like an obvious substitute for mayo, but it works. While salty in taste, once blended, it will be a smooth liquid that can be used in place of mayonnaise. 

No one will ever know!

15. Mustard

When it comes to using mustard, it all depends on the flavor you would like to achieve. Dijon has extra boldness and spice, while honey is tangy yet sweet.

While it isn’t a like-for-like substitute, it can be used in place of mayonnaise making it a great alternative for something like wraps and sandwiches. 

You can also buy the squeezy yellow type that is suitable for a burger too!

16. Pesto

Pesto is oily just like mayo, however the flavors are not similar in any way. Despite this, pesto can make a good dipping or sandwich alternative if you want something that will add flavor. 

Just do not try to use it in baking as the texture and flavor will be all wrong. There are many substitutes above that will work.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to finding a mayonnaise substitute you will be spoilt for choice. From using plain greek yogurt or cottage cheese, to making your own, there are many options to try. 

Hopefully you have found something interesting to try!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type Of Mayo Is Vegan?

Any mayo without egg is considered to be vegan. Ingredients such as tofu and soybean can make really tasty alternatives to the real thing. 

What Mayo Isn’t Vegan?

Mayo that has the egg yolk within the ingredients is not vegan-friendly. The majority found in shops contain eggs, so it can be easier to make your own.

Can You Substitute Mayonnaise?

Yes, mayo is easy to substitute. Depending on what you want to use it for, there are other creamy and delicious options if you do not have any mayo to hand.