Ingredient substitute
What can you use instead of mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt (plain), Mashed avocado and Sour cream are the easiest swaps. Below: 6 options with the right amount to use, what changes in the dish and which diets they suit.
The quick answer
Greek yogurt (plain). Use the same amount. Tangy, lighter. Holds up to heat poorly.
Adjust: Use full-fat. May curdle in hot dishes.
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Greek yogurt (plain)
Drop-in swapUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Tangy, lighter. Holds up to heat poorly.
- Flavor
- Tangy.
- Texture
- Same spreadability.
- Moisture
- Same.
- Adjust
- Use full-fat. May curdle in hot dishes.
- Best for
- Dressings, Dips, Spreads
low fat
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Mashed avocado
Drop-in swapUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Creamy. Earthy undertone.
- Flavor
- Neutral/avocado.
- Texture
- Same spreadability.
- Moisture
- Same.
- Adjust
- Best within 2 hours of cutting (browns).
- Best for
- Sandwiches, Wraps, Salads
vegan · dairy free
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Sour cream
Drop-in swapUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Richer. Same tang.
- Flavor
- Tangy, richer.
- Texture
- Same.
- Moisture
- Same.
- Adjust
- Use full-fat.
- Best for
- Dressings, Dips, Spreads
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Vegan mayonnaise
Small adjustmentUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Best vegan swap. Tastes close.
- Flavor
- Very close to dairy mayo.
- Texture
- Same.
- Moisture
- Same.
- Adjust
- Most mainstream vegan mayo is soy-based.
- Best for
- Any use
vegan · dairy free
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Hummus
Small adjustmentUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Adds flavor. Thicker.
- Flavor
- Chickpea, tahini.
- Texture
- Thicker.
- Moisture
- Less.
- Adjust
- Use where flavor works.
- Best for
- Sandwiches, Wraps, Dips
vegan · dairy free
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Tahini + lemon juice
Small adjustmentUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Nutty, tangy. Works in savory.
- Flavor
- Sesame, nutty.
- Texture
- Thicker.
- Moisture
- Less.
- Adjust
- Thin with water to desired consistency.
- Best for
- Mediterranean dishes, Dressings
vegan · dairy free
Common questions
What is the best substitute for mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt (plain) is the closest swap. Use the same amount. Tangy, lighter. Holds up to heat poorly.
What is a vegan substitute for mayonnaise?
Good vegan options are Mashed avocado, Vegan mayonnaise, Hummus and Tahini + lemon juice.
What is a dairy-free substitute for mayonnaise?
Good dairy-free options are Mashed avocado, Vegan mayonnaise, Hummus and Tahini + lemon juice.
How much should I use instead of mayonnaise?
It depends on the swap. Greek yogurt (plain): Use the same amount. Mashed avocado: Use the same amount. Sour cream: Use the same amount.
Recipes that use mayonnaise
More swaps
Scale it to your recipe
Enter the amount you need and the substitution tool works out the exact quantity. Or ask the chef how the swap will change your dish.