You're halfway through assembling a sandwich, tossing a potato salad, or dipping a fry when it hits you: the mayo jar is empty. Or maybe you've cut out dairy, lowered your saturated fat intake, or just hate that heavy greasy aftertaste that store-bought mayo leaves. This is exactly why we've broken down 9 Alternatives for Mayonnaise that work for every meal, every diet, and every taste preference. Most people don't realize mayo is one of the most commonly swapped ingredients in home kitchens—one 2023 food trend report found that 62% of home cooks regularly look for mayo substitutes instead of just running to the store.

Too many substitute lists just throw out random ingredients without telling you when they work, when they flop, and how they actually taste. This guide doesn't just name options. We'll break down nutrition differences, best use cases, texture notes, and even simple hacks to make each one work just as well as regular mayo. By the end, you'll never panic at an empty mayo jar again, and you might even find a new go-to spread you prefer over the original.

1. Plain Unsweetened Greek Yogurt

Plain unsweetened Greek yogurt is the most popular mayo alternative for a good reason. It has that same thick, creamy texture, mild tang, and binds ingredients exactly the way mayo does. This isn't a new hack either—restaurant chefs have been swapping mayo for Greek yogurt in coleslaw and potato salad for over a decade to cut calories without losing customer satisfaction.

Nutritionally, this swap delivers massive benefits. Let's compare standard 1 tablespoon servings side by side:

Nutrient	Regular Mayo	Full Fat Greek Yogurt
Calories	94	34
Saturated Fat	1.6g	0.7g
Protein	0g	3g

You get more than double the protein, less than half the saturated fat, and one third the calories per serving.

This swap works best for cold dishes, not hot cooking. Never use Greek yogurt in places that will get heated above 120 degrees—it will curdle and ruin your meal.

• ✅ Perfect for: Potato salad, coleslaw, tuna salad, sandwich spreads, veggie dip
• ❌ Avoid for: Baking, fried food batter, hot grilled sandwiches
• 💡 Pro tip: Stir in 1/4 tsp white vinegar per cup to match mayo's tang exactly

For people watching their sugar intake, always check the label. Many flavored Greek yogurts have added sugar that will throw off the taste of savory dishes. Stick to plain, unsweetened varieties, and opt for full fat if you want the closest mouthfeel to real mayo. Non-fat Greek yogurt will work, but it will feel thinner and slightly watery compared to full fat options.

2. Ripe Mashed Avocado

If you want a plant-based, whole food swap with zero processed ingredients, mashed avocado is unbeatable. It has that rich, smooth mouthfeel that people love about mayo, with a subtle earthy flavor that works with almost every savory food. Unlike many substitutes, avocado holds up well to mild heat, making it more versatile than most options.

Avocado brings heart healthy fats to every meal instead of the processed vegetable oils found in most commercial mayo. One 2022 nutrition study found that people who replaced one serving of mayo with avocado daily saw a 12% improvement in good cholesterol levels after 8 weeks. You don't just cut calories here—you add actual nutritional value.

Prep only takes 30 seconds for a perfect avocado spread:

1. Cut one very ripe avocado in half and remove the pit
2. Scrape flesh into a bowl and mash with a fork until completely smooth
3. Stir in a pinch of salt and 1 tsp lemon juice to stop browning
4. Use immediately or store covered in the fridge for up to 2 days

The only downside to avocado is that it will turn brown after a few hours if left exposed. This makes it a bad choice for meal prep salads that will sit for more than one day. It works perfectly for fresh sandwiches, burgers, egg salad, and as a dip for french fries. Many people actually prefer avocado mayo on BLTs over the real thing.

3. Plain Hummus

Hummus gets overlooked as a mayo substitute, but it works shockingly well for hearty meals. Made from chickpeas, tahini, and garlic, it has a thick spreadable texture and enough flavor to stand up to strong ingredients without overpowering them. It is naturally vegan, gluten free, and high in fiber.

Most people use hummus only as a dip, but try it once on a turkey sandwich and you will understand the hype. It adds a subtle nutty background flavor that makes boring deli meat taste intentionally seasoned. Unlike mayo, hummus won't make bread soggy for at least 4 hours, which makes it ideal for packed work lunches.

When choosing hummus for a mayo swap, follow these simple rules:

• Pick plain, unflavored hummus only
• Avoid roasted red pepper, garlic, or spicy varieties for general use
• Stir well before spreading to even out the oil on top
• Thin with 1 tsp water per cup if you are mixing into salad

Nutrition wise, one tablespoon of hummus has 35 calories, 1 gram of protein, and 2 grams of fiber. It contains almost zero saturated fat. You can also make homemade hummus in 5 minutes if you want to control salt and oil levels. This is one of the most reliable substitutes for people following plant based diets.

4. Drained Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is the underrated secret swap that dietitians have recommended for years. When blended smooth, it is almost indistinguishable from mayo in texture, with a very mild tang that matches almost perfectly. Most people can't tell the difference in tuna salad or egg salad once it is properly prepared.

The biggest mistake people make is using cottage cheese straight from the container. Always drain excess liquid first, then blend it in a food processor or with an immersion blender for 30 seconds until it becomes completely smooth. Skip this step and you will end up with lumpy salad that nobody will want to eat.

Use Case	Works Well?	Adjustment Tip
Tuna Salad	Excellent	Add 1 pinch dill weed
Potato Salad	Very Good	Add 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Sandwich Spread	Good	Blend extra smooth
Fry Dip	Poor	Not recommended

With only 17 calories per tablespoon and 3 grams of protein, this is the lowest calorie mayo alternative on this list. It works especially well for people tracking macros or trying to add more protein to their meals without extra fat. Low fat cottage cheese works perfectly for this swap, you do not need full fat varieties.

5. Traditional Basil Pesto

Pesto isn't just for pasta. When used sparingly, it makes an incredible flavored mayo replacement for sandwiches, burgers, and wraps. It has that same oily smooth texture, with bright herby flavor that elevates almost any savory dish. This is a great option for when you are tired of plain spreads and want something with more personality.

You will want to use half as much pesto as you would use mayo. It is much more strongly flavored, so a little bit goes a very long way. For salads, you can thin pesto with a little bit of lemon juice or water to get the right consistency for mixing.

Pesto works best for these specific meals:

• Chicken sandwiches and turkey wraps
• Tomato and mozzarella sandwiches
• Burger spreads
• Grilled vegetable bowls
• Dip for roasted potatoes

Store bought pesto will work fine, but homemade pesto will have a much fresher taste. Note that traditional pesto contains parmesan cheese, so it is not vegan. There are dairy free pesto options available that work just as well for this swap. This is not a neutral substitute, but it is one of the most delicious options on this list.

6. Plain Tahini

Tahini, or ground sesame seed paste, is an excellent vegan mayo substitute that works for both hot and cold dishes. It has a very mild nutty flavor, thick creamy texture, and it will not separate or curdle when heated. This makes it the best option for cooked recipes that normally call for mayo.

Most people find straight tahini a little too thick right out of the jar. To make a perfect mayo style spread, mix 1 cup tahini with 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp water, and a pinch of salt. Stir until completely smooth. This mixture will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks, much longer than most other homemade substitutes.

For best results, follow this mixing guide:

1. Pour tahini into a dry bowl first
2. Add lemon juice and stir vigorously for 30 seconds
3. Add water one teaspoon at a time while stirring
4. Stop once you reach the same thickness as regular mayo

Tahini is high in healthy fats, calcium, and iron. It is naturally free of dairy, eggs, and gluten, making it safe for almost all common food allergies. Many people find tahini tastes much better than commercial vegan mayo, and it contains far fewer preservatives and artificial ingredients.

7. Full Fat Sour Cream

Sour cream is the closest swap to mayo in terms of taste and texture. It has almost exactly the same tang and mouthfeel, and most people will not notice the difference in mixed dishes. It works for almost every recipe that calls for mayo, including baking and fried batters.

This is not a low calorie swap, but it does have a better nutritional profile than commercial mayo. One tablespoon of sour cream has 31 calories compared to 94 for mayo, with less saturated fat and small amounts of calcium and probiotics. For people who just ran out of mayo and don't care about diet restrictions, this is the fastest easiest option.

Sour cream works perfectly for:

• All cold salads including potato, macaroni, and coleslaw
• Deviled eggs
• Fish batter and baked goods
• Veggie dip and fry dip
• All sandwich spreads

Always use full fat sour cream for this swap. Low fat and non fat sour cream contains extra fillers and will taste watery and thin. You can add one tiny pinch of sugar if you want to match the exact flavor profile of store bought mayo. This is the most forgiving substitute on this list, it is almost impossible to mess up.

8. Blended Soft Silken Tofu

Silken tofu is the secret ingredient behind almost every good commercial vegan mayo. When blended smooth, it creates a neutral, thick creamy base that behaves exactly like regular mayo. It has no flavor of its own, so you can season it to taste exactly like whatever you need.

This is the best option for people with multiple food allergies. It is free of dairy, eggs, nuts, gluten, and soy allergens for most people. You can make a large batch of tofu mayo and keep it in the fridge for up to one week, which makes it great for meal prep.

Ingredient	Amount For 1 Cup Mayo Substitute
Drained silken tofu	1 cup
Lemon juice	1 tbsp
Olive oil	1 tsp
Salt	1/4 tsp

Blend all ingredients on high for one full minute until completely smooth. You will not see any bits of tofu left when it is done properly. This substitute works for every single recipe that calls for mayo, hot or cold. It is the most versatile vegan mayo alternative available.

9. Olive Oil & Dijon Mustard Blend

If you have absolutely nothing else in your fridge, this two ingredient blend will save your meal. Olive oil and mustard emulsify together to create exactly the same texture and tang as mayo. This is actually the original base for traditional mayonnaise, just without the egg.

To make this blend, mix 3 parts olive oil with 1 part dijon mustard. Whisk vigorously for one minute until it thickens into a smooth spread. You can add a little vinegar or lemon juice for extra tang if you have it. This blend will stay emulsified for about 6 hours before separating.

This emergency swap works best for:

• Last minute sandwich spreads
• Tuna or chicken salad
• Fry dip
• Dressing for fresh salads

This is not a good option for meal prep, but it is perfect for when you need something right now. It has a slightly sharper flavor than mayo, but most people don't mind it once it is mixed with other ingredients. This is the only mayo substitute that you can make with ingredients almost everyone keeps in their kitchen at all times.

At the end of the day, none of these 9 alternatives for mayonnaise are "better" than the others—they just work better for different meals, diets and tastes. You don't have to pick one permanent replacement. Keep a couple options on hand: Greek yogurt for cold salads, avocado for fresh sandwiches, tahini for hearty dips. Most people who start using these swaps end up only buying traditional mayo once every few months, if at all.

Next time you stand in front of an open fridge staring at an empty mayo jar, don't run to the store. Grab one of these options, test the small adjustment tip we shared, and see how it turns out. Leave a comment below once you try one to let us know which substitute becomes your new favorite, and share this guide with anyone who ever complains about missing mayo.