Out of Mayonnaise, one case
Yogurt substitutes for mayonnaise
4 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Plain yogurt
Same amount as the mayonnaise
Yes, you can use yogurt as a mayonnaise substitute using a 1:1 ratio in most recipes. Yogurt provides similar creaminess and tanginess with more protein and less fat. It works best in dressings, dips, and as a binder in recipes.
- Best for —
- dressings
One casethe full yogurt card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of mayonnaise |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Plain yogurtdressings | Same amount |
| 2 | Greek yogurtdressings | Same amount |
| 3 | Yogurt + olive oildressings | 3 parts yogurt, 1 part olive oil |
| 4 | Yogurt + avocadodips | 2 parts yogurt, 1 part avocado |
Plain yogurt
tangy, slightly different from mayo
Healthier substitute with similar creaminess and tanginess
- Best for
- dressings, dips, sandwiches, salads, as a binder
- Texture
- thick, creamy
- Fat content
- Lower fat, higher protein
Provides similar texture with more protein and less fat.
Greek yogurt
tangy, similar to mayo
Thicker, more protein-rich substitute with similar tanginess
- Best for
- dressings, dips, when you want more protein, thick sauces
- Texture
- very thick, creamy
- Fat content
- Lower fat, higher protein
Thicker than regular yogurt, provides more protein and creaminess.
Yogurt + olive oil
tangy with olive oil flavor
Enhanced substitute with added richness and flavor
- Best for
- dressings, dips, when you want more richness
- Texture
- creamy, rich
- Fat content
- Medium fat, higher protein
Adds healthy fats and richness similar to mayonnaise.
Yogurt + avocado
tangy with avocado flavor
Creamy substitute with added healthy fats and flavor
- Best for
- dips, spreads, when you want creaminess
- Texture
- very creamy, smooth
- Fat content
- Medium fat, higher protein
Adds natural creaminess and healthy fats.
The longer answer
About this case
Yogurt is an excellent substitute for mayonnaise, offering a healthier alternative with similar creamy texture and tangy flavor. While it won't provide the exact same richness as mayonnaise, it can work well in many recipes where mayonnaise is used for binding, moisture, or as a base for dressings and dips.
Tips for substituting mayonnaise
7 tips- For best results, use plain, unsweetened yogurt
- Yogurt works best in cold applications like dressings and dips
- For hot dishes, add yogurt at the end to prevent curdling
- If the mixture is too tangy, add a pinch of sugar or honey
- For creaminess, mix yogurt with a little olive oil or avocado
- Yogurt provides more protein and probiotics than mayonnaise
- Store yogurt-based dressings in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
Notes on mayonnaise
- Dressings
- Use yogurt + olive oil for best texture and flavor
- Dips
- Yogurt works well alone or mixed with avocado for creaminess
- Sandwiches
- Use yogurt directly as a spread, may need to add salt
- Salads
- Yogurt provides good binding and moisture for salads
- Baking
- Yogurt can work in some baked goods, but may affect texture
- Sauces
- Add yogurt at the end of cooking and heat gently
Yogurt ranch dressing
Yogurt provides a healthier base for ranch dressing with more protein
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain yogurt (mayonnaise substitute)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp dried dill
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2-3 tbsp milk (to thin if needed)
Instructions
- Mix yogurt and olive oil in a bowl
- Add lemon juice and whisk until smooth
- Add garlic, dill, parsley, onion powder, salt, and pepper
- Whisk until well combined
- Add milk gradually until desired consistency
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving
- Store in refrigerator for up to 1 week
Yogurt chicken salad
Yogurt provides the same binding and moisture as mayonnaise with more protein
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ cup plain yogurt (mayonnaise substitute)
- ¼ cup celery, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
- ¼ cup grapes, halved
- ¼ cup almonds, chopped
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix chicken with yogurt in a large bowl
- Add celery, red onion, grapes, and almonds
- In separate bowl, whisk lemon juice, mustard, and dill
- Pour dressing over chicken mixture and toss to combine
- Season with salt and pepper
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving
- Serve on bread, lettuce, or crackers
Yogurt avocado dip
The combination of yogurt and avocado provides creaminess and healthy fats
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain yogurt (mayonnaise substitute)
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mash avocado in a bowl until smooth
- Mix with yogurt until well combined
- Add garlic, lime juice, and olive oil
- Stir in cilantro and cumin
- Season with salt and pepper
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving
- Serve with vegetables, chips, or crackers
- Use yogurt
- Dressings and sauces
- Dips and spreads
- Sandwich fillings
- Salad binders
- When you want more protein
- Health-conscious recipes
- Consider alternatives
- When you need exact mayonnaise flavor
- Very rich, indulgent dishes
- When fat content is important for texture
- Traditional recipes that require mayonnaise
- If the mixture is too tangy, add a pinch of sugar or honey
- If the texture is too thick, add a little milk or water
- If the flavor is too bland, add more salt or spices
- If the mixture is too thin, strain the yogurt first
- If curdling occurs in hot dishes, add yogurt at the end and heat gently
- Store yogurt-based dressings in the refrigerator
- Use within 1 week of making
- Check for signs of spoilage before using
- Keep containers tightly sealed
- Don't freeze yogurt-based dressings as they may separate
Questions
10 questionsCan I use yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
Yes, you can use yogurt instead of mayonnaise in most recipes. Use a 1:1 ratio for best results. Yogurt provides similar creaminess with more protein and less fat.
What's the ratio for substituting yogurt for mayonnaise?
Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting yogurt for mayonnaise. This means if a recipe calls for 1 cup of mayonnaise, use 1 cup of yogurt instead.
Is yogurt a good substitute for mayonnaise?
Yes, yogurt is an excellent substitute for mayonnaise. It provides similar creaminess and tanginess with more protein, probiotics, and less saturated fat.
Can I use yogurt instead of mayonnaise in chicken salad?
Yes, yogurt works well in chicken salad as a mayonnaise substitute. It provides the same binding and moisture with more protein and less fat.
What's the best way to use yogurt as mayonnaise substitute?
The best way is to use plain, unsweetened yogurt in a 1:1 ratio. For extra creaminess, mix it with a little olive oil or avocado.
Can I use yogurt instead of mayonnaise in tuna salad?
Yes, yogurt can be used instead of mayonnaise in tuna salad. It provides similar binding and moisture with a tangy flavor that works well with tuna.
Does yogurt taste like mayonnaise?
Yogurt has a tangy flavor similar to mayonnaise, but it's slightly different. It's less rich and has a more pronounced tanginess due to the fermentation process.
Can I use yogurt instead of mayonnaise in deviled eggs?
Yes, yogurt can be used instead of mayonnaise in deviled eggs. It provides similar creaminess and tanginess with more protein.
What's the best yogurt for mayonnaise substitute?
Use plain, unsweetened yogurt for the best mayonnaise substitute. Greek yogurt provides the creamiest texture, while regular yogurt is more versatile.
Can I use yogurt instead of mayonnaise in potato salad?
Yes, yogurt works well in potato salad as a mayonnaise substitute. It provides the same binding and moisture with a tangy flavor that complements potatoes well.