Substitutes for Mayonnaise – What Can I Use instead?
If you open refrigerators in many households, you are probably going to be met by a jar of mayonnaise. It can be homemade or bought readily from the food stores. Eggs, oil, and vinegar/lemon are used in making this condiment. It is used as a dressing, as a spread, or a base for making several sauces.
The nutritional value of mayonnaise is not worth mentioning if you are worried about cutting weight. Mayo is high in calories and fats, factors that contribute to weight gain. Although mayonnaise adds a magical taste to your food, you can substitute it with healthier options such as avocados, Greek yogurt, hummus, or even pesto.
Mayonnaise – Texture, taste, and Uses
Mayonnaise can be described as a creamy condiment that is thick and shiny. It can be off-white or slightly yellow. Some producers use the whole egg when making mayo, while others use egg yolks only.
For every tablespoon of mayo, you consume 100grams of calories. These are enough recommended calories for a whole day! Mayonnaise has a mild taste with a dense consistency that makes it irresistible in dishes it is used in.
While at home or in a restaurant, mayonnaise is used in different ways, which include:
Best Substitutes for Mayonnaise
When substituting mayonnaise, you do not want to lose the magic touch provided by this famous condiment. The alternative condiment should create a fulfilling effect in your dishes. It should also be readily available, and if a DIY, its primary ingredients should be available too. Most of these substitutes we are going to look at can be found in the groceries or food stores.
When considering health benefits, you should go with a substitute that has a better value. If the substitute has low-value addition to your diet, it is not worth considering. So, before doing away with that jar of mayo, stop and think about whatever you are getting. Some of the healthy substitutes you can go for include:
1. Avocado
This substitute is incredibly healthy. It contains fiber, fatty acids, folic, and antioxidants. It has a low amount of calories, making it a healthy food for people watching their weight. When mashed, avocados have a dense and creamy texture, like that found in mayonnaise.
Avocado has a green and light yellow color. It is soft and has a magnificent natural taste. Besides mashing an avocado, you can eat it cut in small bits. You can substitute mayonnaise with avocado for:
It is another healthy substitute for mayonnaise. Greek yogurt is rich in probiotics, calcium, and proteins. It has a tangy taste and a creamy texture. The calorie content is low, with 8 calories per tablespoon. It has extremely low fats, making it a healthy option for your heart and weight loss plan.
Greek yogurt is white with a thick consistency. It is unsweetened, which makes it ideal for people that do not like sugary foods. It can be used to substitute the mayonnaise in:
3. Hummus
As we continue considering healthy options for mayo, we cannot neglect this amazing condiment. It is made from olive oil, pureed chickpeas, lemon juice, tahini, and garlic. Each tablespoon of served hummus contains 25 calories, which is way less than that found in mayonnaise.
Additionally, hummus is rich in proteins and fiber. It has a thick consistency with a nutty flavor. Unlike avocado, humus does not turn color when exposed to the air. This condiment is a great deal that you can use substituting mayonnaise in:
4. Pesto
Pesto is an oil-based sauce that was traditionally used in Italy. It is oil-based and is made from pine nuts, olive oil, and basil. You can also use spinach, kales, or any other green vegetable instead of basil. The ingredients used in making pesto make it rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Vitamins C and A are worth noting in addition to iron and calcium.
Pesto has a thick consistency and has a delightful taste. Based on its rich nutritional contents, it can be used as a mayo substitute in:
5. Mustard
There are yellow, brown, and honey mustard. Whichever you choose, these substitutes are way healthier than mayonnaise. Mustard has low calories, approximately 10 per tablespoon. However, honey mustard contains 20 calories, which are still lower compared to mayonnaise.
Mustard has no fats and has a light consistency. Its flavor is tangy, which is effective on any dish it is used with. A little amount of mustard is enough to make your dish outstanding. So, use small amounts since it is stronger than mayonnaise to avoid ruining your dishes. If you are on a salt-strict diet, you ought to concentrate on the sodium content. Otherwise, mustard is a blast when used to substitute mayonnaise:
Conclusion
Are you stranded about what you can substitute the mayonnaise in your dishes without losing the great taste it creates? These condiments are an excellent option for what you can start with. If you have certain allergies, you can rule out those that will not suit your health. The best thing about using these alternatives is they have better value nutritionally than mayonnaise.
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