Mayonnaise Substitute
What to use instead of mayo, and how each option actually tastes.
Real substitutes for 1 cup of mayonnaise
Plain Greek yogurt
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
Tangier and lighter than mayo; works well in sandwiches, dips, and dressings, less so in recipes where mayo's fat content matters (like some chocolate cakes).
Sour cream
1 cup sour cream
Closer to mayo's richness and fat content than yogurt; a safer swap in baking or dressings that lean on that.
Mashed avocado
1 cup mashed avocado
Adds its own flavor and a green tint, so it works best where that's welcome -- sandwiches and wraps, not pale dressings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
Plain Greek yogurt is the most common swap -- it's tangier and lighter, but works in most sandwiches, dips, and dressings. Sour cream is closer to mayo's actual richness if that matters more than tang.
Does the substitute taste the same?
Not exactly -- Greek yogurt adds a noticeable tang, sour cream is closer in flavor, and mashed avocado adds its own flavor and a green tint. None are flavor-neutral, so pick based on what the dish can handle.
Can I substitute mayo in baking recipes?
Some cakes use mayo for moisture and fat. Sour cream is the closer swap there since fat content matters more in baking than in a sandwich -- Greek yogurt works too but will lighten the texture slightly.