16 Best Mayo Substitutes for Tuna Salad
Are you tired of the same old tuna salad? Do you want to switch up your lunch routine with something fresh and flavorful? If so, try swapping out mayonnaise for one of these delicious and nutritious mayo substitutes! From creamy avocado to tangy Greek yogurt, there are plenty of alternatives that will make any tuna salad delicious. Read on to discover the best mayo substitutes for tuna salad.
Table of Contents
Almond butter.
This thick and creamy spread is a great substitute for tuna salad. It has all the same crunchy, savory flavors with a nutty twist.
Almond butter contains essential vitamins and minerals that may help reduce cholesterol levels and keep you feeling full longer than tuna.
Plus, it’s much easier to find in stores or make at home! Try spreading almond butter on wholegrain toast or adding it to a wrap for a protein-packed snack.
Avocado.
It is a great substitute for tuna in salads. It has a similar texture, and it provides healthy fats that will add richness to your salad.
Just mash up an avocado and mix it with chopped vegetables, seasonings, and other ingredients of your choice – you can even add some canned beans or lentils for extra protein!
Barbecue sauce.
Barbecue sauce is a great substitute for mayonnaise in tuna salad. It adds a great flavor to the dish, and it’s lower in fat and calories than traditional mayonnaise.
You can use your favorite variety of barbecue sauce or even make your own with ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and paprika.
Be sure to adjust the seasonings according to your own taste. For a richer flavor, you can add some melted butter or olive oil to the mix.
Cashew cream.
Cashew cream is a great mayo substitute that works well in tuna salad. It’s easy to make, just blend soaked cashews with some lemon juice and seasonings until creamy.
Cashew cream adds flavor and texture to any dish, plus it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Cheese.
An easy and tasty swap for tuna in your tuna salad is cheese, such as cheddar, Swiss or feta. It’s high in protein and calcium, so it can provide a nutritious meal. You can also use cream cheese for a richer, creamier texture.
To make it more of an entrée, add some chopped veggies like celery and onion, or top with some crunchy lettuce. For extra flavor, add a few chopped olives or a squirt of lemon juice.
Cottage cheese.
Cottage cheese can be used as a mayo substitute in tuna salad, creating a lighter and healthier version of the classic dish.
To make your own cottage cheese tuna salad, simply mix drained canned tuna with small curd cottage cheese plus celery, onion, dill pickles or other desired vegetables and seasonings.
Try adding some diced apples for an extra sweet crunch. Serve the salad on whole grain bread or crackers, or stuff it into lettuce leaves for a delicious and nutritious lunch or dinner.
Egg.
Egg salad is a great alternative to tuna salad. It’s full of protein and has a creamy texture that pairs well with classic tuna salad ingredients like celery, mayonnaise, mustard, and pickles. Make sure to use hard-boiled eggs for the best flavor and texture.
Hummus.
Hummus makes for a delicious and healthy mayo substitute in tuna salad. It has a creamy, yet refreshing flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients in tuna salad.
In addition to adding flavor, hummus provides a great source of protein and fiber which helps keep you feeling fuller for longer. It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron and magnesium.
For a lighter version of tuna salad, use hummus as a substitute for mayonnaise. You can also add other fresh vegetables or fruits such as avocado, celery or apple to give it an extra boost of nutrition and flavor.
To make your own hummus-based tuna salad, simply mix together drained canned tuna, hummus and any other desired ingredients.
Serve it on a bed of lettuce or in a sandwich. For an even more flavorful twist, add some freshly chopped herbs or spices like parsley, basil or cumin.
Hung curd.
Hung curd, also known as Greek yogurt, is a great substitute for mayo in tuna salad. It has a creamy texture and a mild flavor that won’t overpower the other ingredients in your recipe.
Yogurt also contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help with digestion and immunity. Furthermore, it adds vitamins and minerals such as calcium and Vitamin B12.
To use hung curd in tuna salad, simply mix it with the other ingredients that you would normally include in a tuna salad recipe. It makes for a healthy and delicious alternative to mayo!
Mustard.
Mustard is an incredibly versatile condiment and can be used to replace mayo in tuna salad. It’s creamy, tangy flavor will bring a touch of zing to the dish while still offering the same creaminess that mayonnaise provides.
Swap out your mayo for mustard and you’ll have a tasty, healthier version of tuna salad in no time.
Olive oil.
Olive oil can be used as a mayo substitute in tuna salad, providing the same richness and texture of regular mayo.
To create the perfect olive oil-tuna combo, simply replace the mayonnaise with a few tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil.
The flavor will depend on what type of tuna you use — light or white varieties will keep the salad tasting light and fresh, while darker varieties may require a bit more seasoning.
Adding your favorite herbs and spices will also help to bring out the flavor of the tuna in this light yet flavorful dish.
Pesto.
Pesto is a delicious and versatile sauce often used on pasta dishes, but it also makes a great mayo substitute in tuna salad.
Pesto adds plenty of flavor to the dish while still providing moisture. To make pesto-tuna salad, combine canned tuna with your favorite pesto sauce and mix together until fully combined.
You can also add diced vegetables, such as bell peppers, cucumber and onion, to give the dish a pop of flavor. This is a great way to mix things up while still getting that classic tuna salad taste.
Plain Greek yogurt.
Greek yogurt is not only a great source of protein but also provides a creamy texture that makes it an ideal substitute for mayonnaise.
You can mix it with other ingredients to make a delicious and healthy tuna salad alternative. To add flavor and nutrition to the salad, simply mix in some low-fat cheese, diced vegetables, such as celery, onions and bell peppers, or herbs like dill and parsley.
For a little crunch, you can add some chopped nuts or croutons. For added sweetness, you can use a bit of honey or agave nectar.
Silken tofu.
Not only is it a delicious mayo substitute for tuna salad, but it’s also vegan-friendly and high in protein.
You can mash the tofu with a fork to create an egg-like texture, then mix it with other ingredients like celery, onion, cucumber, and seasonings to create your own unique vegan tuna salad.
Sour cream.
Sour cream can be a great substitute for mayonnaise in tuna salad. It has a slightly tangy flavor and creamy texture that makes it a great match for the other flavors in tuna salad.
You can also add some lemon juice or vinegar to balance out the sourness of the sour cream.
Tahini.
Tahini is a condiment made from sesame paste that is commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. It can be used as a mayo substitute for tuna salad and will give the dish a punch of nutty flavor.
To use tahini, mix one part tahini with two parts lemon juice and some minced garlic or onion to taste. This mixture can be used as a spread on sandwiches or blended with tuna to make a flavorful and healthier version of the classic dish.
16 Best Mayo Substitutes for Tuna Salad
Ingredients
- Almond butter
- Avocado
- Barbecue sauce
- Cashew cream
- Cheese
- Cottage cheese
- Egg
- Hummus
- Hung curd
- Mustard
- Olive oil
- Pesto
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Silken tofu
- Sour cream
- Tahini
Instructions
- Choose one of the ingredients from the list.
- Mix with a small amount of mayonnaise to create a creamy texture.
- For additional flavor, add diced celery, dill pickles, or other fresh herbs and spices.
- If using egg as an ingredient, hard-boil it before adding it to the mixture.
- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Season to taste with salt, pepper, and other spices or herbs.
- Enjoy your delicious tuna salad substitute!
Notes
For a vegan option, replace the mayonnaise with an egg-free dressing such as veganaise or aquafaba. For those looking for a dairy-free substitute, replace the mayonnaise with a plant-based milk such as almond or soy milk. Additionally, you can also use mashed avocado in place of mayonnaise for a creamy texture.