Out of Mayonnaise, one case
Greek yogurt for mayonnaise
4 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Plain Greek yogurt
Same amount as the mayonnaise
Greek yogurt is a mayonnaise substitute that can be used in a 1:1 ratio in cold dishes such as salads, dips and sandwich spreads. It provides tangy flavor and creamy texture, with more protein and fewer calories than mayonnaise. It is not a straight swap in baking, where mayonnaise supplies oil and egg.
- Best for —
- cold salads, dips and sandwich spreads
One casethe full mayonnaise card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of mayonnaise |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Plain Greek yogurtcold salads, dips and sandwich spreads | Same amount |
| 2 | Greek yogurt + olive oilwhen you want richness | Same amount¾ Greek yogurt + ¼ olive oil |
| 3 | Greek yogurt + lemon juicewhen you want tangy flavor | Greek yogurt + 1 tbsp lemon juice per cup |
| 4 | Greek yogurt + herbswhen you want herb flavor | Greek yogurt + 1-2 tbsp fresh herbs per cup |
Plain Greek yogurt
tangy and creamy
Plain Greek yogurt stands in for mayonnaise in cold dishes, providing tangy flavor and creamy texture. It is higher in protein and lower in fat than mayonnaise.
- Best for
- cold salads, dips and sandwich spreads, healthy cooking, high protein needs
- Texture
- thick and smooth
Choose plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt. Add lemon juice and herbs for flavor. It is high in protein.
Greek yogurt + olive oil
tangy with rich undertones
A combination of Greek yogurt and olive oil adds back some richness while maintaining the tangy flavor.
- Best for
- when you want richness, healthy fats, creamy texture, Mediterranean flavor
- Texture
- creamy and smooth
Mix ¾ Greek yogurt with ¼ olive oil. Add lemon juice and seasonings.
Greek yogurt + lemon juice
tangy and bright
Greek yogurt with added lemon juice enhances the tangy flavor. It's good for recipes that need a bright, fresh taste.
- Best for
- when you want tangy flavor, fresh taste, bright flavor
- Texture
- thick and smooth
Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice per cup of Greek yogurt. Enhances flavor. Works well in most cold recipes.
Greek yogurt + herbs
tangy with herb notes
Greek yogurt with fresh herbs creates a flavorful, aromatic substitute that works well in many dishes. It adds complexity and freshness to recipes.
- Best for
- when you want herb flavor, aromatic dishes, fresh taste, complex flavor
- Texture
- thick and smooth
Add 1-2 tablespoons fresh herbs per cup of Greek yogurt. Use herbs like dill, chives, or parsley. Creates aromatic, flavorful substitute.
How it behaves in this recipe
Greek yogurt works as a mayonnaise substitute because it provides similar creamy texture and tangy flavor. It is high in protein and has significantly fewer calories and less fat than mayonnaise.
Tips for substituting mayonnaise
7 tips- Choose plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt
- Add lemon juice to enhance flavor
- For extra richness, mix Greek yogurt with a small amount of olive oil
- Use fresh herbs to add complexity and flavor to your substitute
- Greek yogurt works best in cold dishes like salads and dips
- In baking, Greek yogurt adds moisture and tang but not the oil and egg that mayonnaise supplies, so it is not a straight swap there
- Store Greek yogurt-based substitutes in the refrigerator and use within 3-5 days
Notes on mayonnaise
- For extra richness, mix Greek yogurt with olive oil
- For tangy flavor, add lemon juice to Greek yogurt
- For complex flavor, add fresh herbs to Greek yogurt
- For baking, do not swap 1:1: yogurt lacks the oil and egg in mayonnaise
Questions
5 questionsCan I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
Yes. Use a 1:1 ratio in cold dishes such as salads, dips and sandwich spreads. It provides tangy flavor and creamy texture, with less fat and more protein than mayonnaise.
What's the ratio for Greek yogurt to mayonnaise?
Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. One cup of mayonnaise equals one cup of Greek yogurt. You can adjust the ratio slightly based on your taste preferences.
Is Greek yogurt healthier than mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt is lower in calories and fat and higher in protein than mayonnaise.
Can I use Greek yogurt in baking instead of mayonnaise?
Not as a straight swap. In baking, mayonnaise supplies oil and egg as well as moisture, and Greek yogurt supplies neither, so the same amount of yogurt gives a leaner, less tender result. Use a recipe written for yogurt instead.
How do I make Greek yogurt taste more like mayonnaise?
To make Greek yogurt taste more like mayonnaise, add lemon juice, salt, and a small amount of olive oil. You can also add herbs like dill or chives to enhance the flavor and make it more similar to mayonnaise.