15 Best Mayo Substitutes (Vegan Options)

We've got you covered with 15 tasty and simple mayo substitutes for all your condiment, cooking or baking needs. All of our swaps include vegan friendly options.

When it comes to making delicious sandwiches, salads, or dips, mayonnaise is often a go-to ingredient.

However, there may be times when you find yourself without mayonnaise in your pantry, you might be looking for a lower calorie or fat option, or you might need to steer clear of mayo because of an egg allergy or diet preference.

Whatever the reason, we have lots of great mayo substitute options that you probably already have on hand.

= Vegan option

Jump to:

Mayo Condiment Substitutes

1. Light Mayo

If you're looking to reduce calories and fat while still enjoying the taste of mayo, light mayo is a great option. It has a similar flavor and texture to regular mayo but with fewer calories and less fat.

Even though it's still mayo, the nutritional improvements compared to full fat mayo make it worthy of a spot on this list.

Vegan - Use a store-bought plant-based light mayo or make your own.

1 tablespoon regular mayo = 1 tablespoon light mayo

1 tablespoon regular (full-fat) mayo = 90 calories - 10 g fat - 0 g protein - 0 g sugar
1 tablespoon light mayo = 43 calories - 4.5 g fat - 0 g protein - 0 g sugar

2. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for mayo in dips, dressings, and spreads. It has a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor, but with less fat and more protein.

Vegan - Use plant-based yogurt, oat milk blends or coconut yogurts are tasty options.

1 tablespoon mayo = 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon regular (full-fat) mayo = 90 calories - 10 g fat - 0 g protein - 0 g sugar
1 tablespoon Greek yogurt = 14 calories - 0.7 g fat - 1.3 g protein - 0.6 g sugar

3. Mashed Avocado

Mashed avocado is a healthy and delicious alternative to mayo. It provides a creamy texture and a boost of healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins.

1 tablespoon mayo = 1 tablespoon mashed avocado (¼ avocado)

1 tablespoon regular (full-fat) mayo = 90 calories - 10 g fat - 0 g protein - 0 g sugar
1 tablespoon mashed avocado (¼ avocado) = 23 calories - 2.1 g fat - 0.3g protein - 0.1 g sugar

4. Hummus

Hummus, made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, is a flavorful and nutritious spread that can replace mayo in sandwiches and wraps.

1 cup mayo = 1 cup hummus

1 tablespoon regular (full-fat) mayo = 90 calories - 10 g fat - 0 g protein - 0 g sugar
1 tablespoon hummus = 27 calories - 1.2 g fat - 1.2 g protein - 0.4 g sugar

5. Olive Oil

For a simple option, drizzle olive oil over your salads or sandwiches instead of using mayo. It adds a rich flavor and healthy monounsaturated fats.

1 tablespoon mayo = 1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon regular (full-fat) mayo = 90 calories - 10 g fat - 0 g protein - 0 g sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil = 119 calories - 14 g fat - 0 g protein - 0 g sugar

6. Mustard

Mustard is a tangy and low-calorie condiment that can add a kick of flavor to your sandwiches and dressings.

1 tablespoon mayo = 1 tablespoon mustard

1 tablespoon regular (full-fat) mayo = 90 calories - 10 g fat - 0 g protein - 0 g sugar
1 tablespoon mustard = 3 calories - 0 g fat - 0 g protein - 0 g sugar

7. Pureed Roasted Garlic

For a flavorful twist, pureed roasted garlic can replace mayo in dips, spreads, and dressings.

1 tablespoon mayo = 1 tablespoon pureed roasted garlic

1 tablespoon regular (full-fat) mayo = 90 calories - 10 g fat - 0 g protein - 0 g sugar
1 tablespoon pureed roasted garlic = 27 calories - 0 g fat - 0 g protein - 0 g sugar

8. Light Sour Cream

Sour cream can be a great substitute for mayo in many recipes, offering a tangy, creamy flavor and smooth texture. When using sour cream as a mayo substitute, keep in mind that it has a slightly thinner consistency, so you may need to adjust the amount used or add a thickening agent like Greek yogurt.

Vegan - Use vegan sour cream, there are many store-bought vegan sour creams or great recipes like this to make your own.

1 tablespoon mayo = 1 tablespoon light sour cream

1 tablespoon regular (full-fat) mayo = 90 calories - 10 g fat - 0 g protein - 0 g sugar
1 tablespoon light sour cream = 20 calories - 1.6g fat - 0.5 g protein - 0.8 g sugar

9. Pesto

Pesto can be used as a flavorful and nutritious substitute for mayo in many recipes. Pesto is often a healthier choice because it's made with wholesome ingredients like basil, olive oil, garlic, and pine nuts.

Vegan - Ensure the recipe or brand of pesto you are using is free of dairy-based cheese, pesto is not typically considered vegan because commercially produced pesto often contains cheese.

Here is a really good vegan pesto recipe if you want to make it yourself.

1 tablespoon mayo = 1 tablespoon pesto

1 tablespoon regular (full-fat) mayo = 90 calories - 10 g fat - 0 g protein - 0 g sugar
1 tablespoon pesto = 80 calories - 8 g fat - 1 g protein - 0 g sugar

10. Tahini

Tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds, can be used as a nutritious substitute for mayo in various recipes. Tahini is a good source of healthy fats, protein, and minerals like calcium and iron, making it a nutrient-dense alternative to mayonnaise.

1 tablespoon mayo = 1 tablespoon tahini

1 tablespoon regular (full-fat) mayo = 90 calories - 10 g fat - 0 g protein - 0 g sugar
1 tablespoon tahini = 89 calories - 8 g fat - 3 g protein - 0 g sugar

Mayo Substitutes in Cooking

When it comes to cooking, mayonnaise is often used as a binding agent or to add moisture to dishes like cakes, muffins, or chicken salad, pasta salad, potato salad, or egg salads. In these cases, you may need to find a suitable substitute that mimics the properties of mayo without using eggs.

See a summary table at the end of this section for a nutritional estimate comparison.

11. Silken Tofu

Pureed silken tofu is an excellent egg-free substitute for mayo in baking recipes. It provides moisture and helps bind ingredients together.

1 cup mayo = 1 cup pureed silken tofu

1 cup regular (full-fat) mayo = 1440 calories - 160 g fat - 0 g protein - 0 g sugar
1 cup pureed silken tofu = 111 calories - 6g fat - 10g protein - 2g sugar

12. Mashed Bananas

Ripe mashed bananas can replace mayo in cakes and muffins, adding natural sweetness and moisture to your baked goods.

1 cup mayo = 1 cup mashed bananas (2 bananas)

1 cup regular (full-fat) mayo = 1440 calories - 160 g fat - 0 g protein - 0 g sugar
1 cup mashed banana (2 bananas) = 200 calories - 0g fat - 2g protein - 28g sugar

13. Nut Butters

Creamy nut butters like almond or cashew butter can be used as a mayo substitute in recipes that benefit from a nutty flavor.

1 cup mayo = 1 cup nut butter

1 cup regular (full-fat) mayo = 1440 calories - 160 g fat - 0 g protein - 0 g sugar
1 cup nut butter = 1612 calories - 144g fat - 60g protein - 24g sugar

14. Coconut Cream

The thick, creamy part of coconut milk can be whipped and used as a vegan alternative to mayo in recipes like potato salad or coleslaw.

1 cup mayo = 1 cup whipped coconut cream

1 cup regular (full-fat) mayo = 1440 calories - 160 g fat - 0 g protein - 0 g sugar
1 cup whipped coconut cream = 792 calories - 88g fat - 8g protein - 8g sugar

15. Blended Light Cottage Cheese

Blended light cottage cheese can be used as a healthy substitute for mayo in recipes like salad dressings, dips, and spreads. This substitution significantly reduces the fat and calorie content while increasing the protein.

Vegan - Ensure the recipe or brand of vegan cottage cheese you are using is vegan. Here is a quick vegan cottage cheese recipe if you want to try making it yourself.

1 cup mayo = 1.5 cups blended light cottage cheese

1 cup regular (full-fat) mayo = 1440 calories - 160 g fat - 0 g protein - 0 g sugar
1.5 cups blended light cottage cheese = 180 calories - 0.8 g fat - 36 g protein - 7.5 g sugar

Mayo Substitutes By Dish

Chicken Salad

Greek yogurt - Use plain Greek yogurt for a tangy, creamy texture with added protein and less fat.
Mashed avocado - Mashed avocado provides a creamy consistency and healthy fats, making it a nutritious alternative to mayo.
Hummus - Hummus can add a unique, savory flavor to your chicken salad while providing a smooth texture.

Pasta Salad

Olive oil and vinegar - Toss your pasta salad with a light dressing made of olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices for a tangy, refreshing flavor.
Pesto - Use homemade or store-bought pesto sauce to coat your pasta salad, adding a burst of basil, garlic, and nutty flavors. Pesto isn't traditionally considered vegan, but there are many delicious vegan options to choose from.
Tahini sauce - Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and water for a creamy, nutty dressing that complements pasta salads.

Egg Salad

Mashed avocado - Combine mashed avocado with chopped hard-boiled eggs for a creamy, nutritious egg salad.
Greek yogurt and mustard - Mix Greek yogurt with Dijon mustard and chopped eggs for a tangy, protein-packed egg salad.
Hummus - Blend hummus with chopped hard-boiled eggs for a unique, savory twist on classic egg salad.

Potato Salad

Greek yogurt - Use plain, non-fat Greek yogurt for a creamy texture and tangy flavor with added protein and less fat.
Olive oil and vinegar - Toss your potato salad with a light dressing made of olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices for a fresher, lighter taste.
Avocado - Mash ripe avocados and mix them into your potato salad for a creamy, nutrient-dense alternative to mayo.
Hummus - Combine hummus with your cooked potatoes for a unique, savory flavor and smooth texture.
Mustard vinaigrette - Whisk together Dijon mustard, olive oil, vinegar, and honey for a tangy, slightly sweet dressing that complements potato salad.
Pesto - Mix homemade or store-bought pesto sauce into your potato salad for a burst of fresh basil, garlic, and nutty flavors.
Coconut milk - For a vegan option, use coconut milk or coconut cream to create a creamy, slightly sweet dressing for your potato salad.
Roasted garlic puree - Blend roasted garlic with olive oil and a touch of lemon juice for a flavorful, aromatic alternative to mayo.

Tuna

Pickle juice - Use pickle juice and finely diced pickles for a tangy flavor and reduced calories and fat.
Greek yogurt - Use plain, non-fat or low-fat Greek yogurt for a creamy, protein-rich alternative.
Avocado - Mashed avocado provides a creamy texture and healthy fats.
Hummus - Hummus adds flavor, protein, and fiber to your tuna salad.
Olive oil and lemon juice - Whisk together olive oil and lemon juice for a light, zesty dressing. Ratio: 1 tablespoon of mayo = ½ tablespoon olive oil + ½ tablespoon lemon juice.
Cottage cheese - Blended cottage cheese provides a creamy texture and added protein.
Mustard - Dijon or whole-grain mustard adds tanginess and flavor without the fat.
Pesto - Pesto provides a flavorful and nutrient dense alternative.
Tahini - Tahini offers a nutty, creamy option.

Remember, when using mayo substitutes, you may need to adjust the seasoning or add extra herbs and spices to achieve the desired flavor profile for your dish.

Choosing The Right Substitution

When selecting a mayo substitute, consider the dish you're preparing and the flavors you want to achieve. Some substitutes may work better in certain recipes than others. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your taste or dietary needs.

Whatever you decide, we would love to hear how your dish turned out in the comments below.

*The nutrition information is an estimate, please refer to the nutrition labels on the products you are using for brand-specific information.

FAQ

What can you use instead of mayo?

Instead of mayo, you can use various ingredients like Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, hummus, olive oil, or mustard, depending on the recipe and your dietary preferences. These alternatives offer similar creamy textures and tangy flavors while potentially reducing calories, fat, or allergens in your dishes.

What sauce is similar to mayo?

Aioli, a Mediterranean sauce made with garlic, olive oil, and sometimes egg yolk, has a similar creamy consistency and tangy flavor to mayonnaise. Another option is ranch dressing, which shares mayo's smooth texture and can be used as a condiment or dip.

What has the same consistency as mayonnaise?

Silken tofu, when pureed, has a smooth and creamy consistency that closely resembles mayonnaise. Other ingredients with similar consistencies include thick, plain Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, and softened cream cheese.

What can you replace mayo with in tuna?

When making tuna salad, you can replace mayo with mashed avocado for a creamy texture and healthy fats, plain Greek yogurt for a protein boost and tangy flavor, or a combination of olive oil, pickle juice and Dijon mustard for a lighter, tangy option. Experiment with different ingredients to find the perfect balance of flavor and texture for your taste preferences.

Do you know what you're eating tomorrow? Let us make that decision easy for you with any of these delicious recipes: