Mayonnaise is an unhealthy ingredient, but common to many recipes. Fortunately for you, there is likely to be a healthier ingredient in your pantry that you can replace it with, such as cottage cheese, hummus or extra virgin olive oil. Those who like to experiment with new flavors and combinations can try using pesto, mustard or avocado.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Replace Mayonnaise with a Commonly Used Ingredient
Step 1. Replace mayonnaise with cottage cheese
Flaked cheese is tasty and creamy, like mayonnaise. In addition, it is low in calories, high in protein and does not contain cholesterol. You can use it as a substitute for mayonnaise especially if you are making cold pasta or a summer tuna salad.
You can create a delicious and light sauce made from cottage cheese, red pepper, fresh herbs and lemon juice. Adjust the amount of each ingredient according to your taste
Step 2. Replace mayonnaise with hummus
You can spread it on bread or use it to enrich salad dressing as a substitute for mayonnaise. For example, try it paired with egg salad. Compared to mayonnaise, hummus contains fewer calories and a higher amount of fiber and protein.
Try making tuna salad using hummus instead of mayonnaise and use it to fill a sandwich along with capers and olives, for an all-Mediterranean flavor
Step 3. Use extra virgin olive oil as a substitute for mayonnaise
Pour it over the ingredients to simulate the consistency of mayonnaise. The oil is suitable as a substitute for mayonnaise in salads, but you have to be careful not to overdo the quantities because it is very caloric.
Step 4. Replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt
It is a food rich in calcium and protein, but it contains only a few calories. Thanks to its sour taste and creamy texture, hummus is an incredibly versatile mayonnaise substitute. For example, you can spread it on bread to make canapes and sandwiches or add it to salad dressing or pasta sauce.
You can add flavor to yogurt by using herbs and spices. Alternatively, you can add honey to make it suitable for sweet preparations as well
Step 5. Replace the mayonnaise with eggs
Leave the yolk soft and spread it on the bread instead of the mayonnaise or add it to the salad dressing. Alternatively, you can use hard-boiled eggs which have a less creamy texture than mayonnaise, but just as rich.
Unlike mayonnaise, eggs are rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins
Method 2 of 2: Experiment with New Pairings
Step 1. Try replacing the mayonnaise with basil pesto
It is a condiment rich in vitamins, antioxidants and mineral salts. You can make pesto at home or buy it ready-made at the supermarket. Spread it on the bread as if it were a sauce or use it to dress a salad of pasta or fresh vegetables.
You can also substitute mayonnaise with pesto to make a healthier, lighter version of the classic potato salad
Step 2. Replace mayonnaise with avocado puree
Remove the peel and pit, then transfer the avocado pulp to a bowl and mash it with a fork. When it has a cream-like consistency, season it to taste with salt, pepper and lime juice. You can use avocado puree in many ways, for example you can spread it on bread to enrich a sandwich or add it to salad dressing.
- You can use avocado puree as a mayonnaise substitute to make a lighter version of potato salad with hard boiled eggs.
- You can enrich the avocado puree to taste. For example, you could add diced peppers or onions.
Step 3. Use the creaminess of almond butter to replace mayonnaise
In general, it is best used in preparations that only require a small amount of mayonnaise, since in addition to providing the same amount of calories, almond butter is also rich in protein, fiber and vitamin E.
Step 4. Replace mayonnaise with mustard
Mustard is a sauce that provides only very few calories (with the exception of the honey flavored one) and is available in different varieties, more or less fresh and delicate.
- Mustard is a very versatile sauce. For example, you can mix it with a small amount of cottage cheese and use it as a dressing for coleslaw instead of mayonnaise.
- Mustard tends to have a high sodium content, keep this in mind if you are on a low-sodium diet.
Step 5. Try mayonnaise made with soy sauce instead of eggs
The vegan version of mayonnaise has almost half the calorie content, is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B13 and guarantees the same texture and taste as traditional mayonnaise, so you can use it as you normally would.
