Are you looking for alternatives to mayo for tuna salad?
Instead of going through the trouble and expense of finding a substitute, why not enjoy all the flavors and tastes tuna salad offers without using mayonnaise.
Here are some tips on how to easily switch out the mayonnaise and use other ingredients that provide unique taste when combined with tuna.
The five best substitutes for mayonnaise in tuna salad would have to include Greek yogurt, avocado, cottage cheese and silken tofu, mustard.
Each ingredient adds a hint of its own individual flavor while still allowing the classic taste of a traditional tuna salad sandwich.
Why Add Mayo to Tuna?
Mayo is the classic ingredient for making tuna salad, but not everyone likes it or wants to use it.
If you’re looking for alternative ingredients to help boost flavor and texture, you have options.
Why add mayo to tuna in the first place? One straightforward reason is that mayonnaise makes a good base for a wide variety of ingredients; it’s one of the most popular condiments in North America and goes well with fish like tuna and salmon.
The type of mayo used depends on personal preference; traditional varieties have a rich, creamy texture while reduced-fat or low-calorie options provide similar flavor without adding too many calories.
Mayo adds an element of richness to the sandwich or salad and helps bind everything together.
It also works as an emulsifier, which means it suspends particles into a stable form so you can enjoy them evenly throughout your dish.
When using mayo, be sure to keep it refrigerated and maintain good food quality standards such as avoiding cross contamination from other foods or utensils intentionally placed in contact with raw meat products.
The 5 Best Mayo Substitutes for Tuna Salad
Mayonnaise is the most well-known condiment used in tuna salads; it brings a creamy richness to the meal.
But mayonnaise is not the only way to dress tuna salad; there are several other tasty alternatives you can use if you don’t want the flavor of mayo.
Here’s a detailed comparison of the 5 best mayo substitutes for tuna salad, along with their key characteristics and proper ratios:
| Substitute | Key Characteristics | Proper Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Plain Greek Yogurt | Greek yogurt adds creaminess to the tuna salad with a tangy flavor. It is a healthier option with lower fat and calories. | Use an equal amount as mayo in the recipe |
| Avocado | Avocado provides a creamy texture and a rich, nutty flavor to the tuna salad. It is packed with healthy fats and nutrients. | Use an equal amount as mayo in the recipe |
| Cottage Cheese | Cottage cheese adds a creamy texture and a mild flavor to the tuna salad. It is a good source of protein and low in fat. | Use an equal amount as mayo in the recipe |
| Silken Tofu | Silken tofu can be blended into a smooth consistency and provides a neutral flavor to the tuna salad. It is a vegan alternative. | Use an equal amount as mayo in the recipe |
| Mustard | Mustard adds tanginess and a bit of heat to the tuna salad. It can be used as a flavor-enhancing alternative to mayo. | Use according to taste and desired consistency |
Now let’s explore each substitute in more detail:
1 – Plain Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is an excellent mayo substitute for tuna salad.
High in protein, Greek yogurt is a healthy alternative to those worried about their calorie or fat intake.
It is also relatively flavorless and will not alter the overall tuna salad taste as mayonnaise does.
It has a thick, creamy texture that mimics that of mayo and provides a good amount of moisture to the dish.
For a creamier texture, you can make your own Greek yogurt by draining regular yogurt through cheese cloth.
This process removes excess whey and leaves you with thick Greek yogurt perfect for blending into tuna salad.
2 – Avocado
Avocado is perfect for those who prefer to stay away from mayo, but still want a creamy, flavorful dressing.
This fruit has a mild flavor and unique texture when blended, making it a great option for tuna salad.
You can mash the avocado with a fork or blend it into a creamy dressing or dip-like consistency.
Be careful when adding salt as this fruit is high in sodium too.
3 – Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is an excellent way to lighten up tuna salad without skipping out on the creamy texture.
Cottage cheese can be quite a bit milder in flavor than mayonnaise and it’s lower in calories and fat.
To make a healthier tuna salad, blend together half a cup of cottage cheese with the ingredients for the traditional recipe.
If you’re looking for an even more mild flavor, try blending equal parts of cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, which will save on calories as well.
4 – Silken Tofu
Silken tofu is a vegan-friendly mayonnaise substitute packed with calcium, good fats, and protein.
The finished dish still has some of the familiar creamy texture of tuna salad but without the dairy.
Mash together 8 ounces of silken tofu with 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, 1 ½ teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of olive or vegetable oil and ¼ teaspoon of sea salt.
Add your desired mix-ins such as celery, pickles or curry powder, then chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
5 – Mustard
For those who don’t like the flavor or texture of mayo, mustard is an excellent alternative.
Mustard can be used to bind tuna and vegetables together just as efficiently as mayo.
Depending on the variety of mustard used, it can add a delightful piquant kick to any tuna dish.
There are many types of mustards to choose from, such as honey mustard, Dijon, or horseradish for example.
Consider adding other flavorful ingredients to help balance out the tartness of certain mustards.
Alternatively, you could mix some mayonnaise into the dish if you prefer a less intense flavor.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question, “What is the best mayo substitute for tuna salad?”
Every individual has different tastes and dietary preferences that must be taken into consideration when deciding on a mayo substitute.
However, the most popular options are plain Greek yogurt, hummus, avocado flesh and cream cheese.
Ultimately, the decision is yours — choose a substitute that works best for you and your lifestyle.
Whichever option you go with, your tuna salad will still be delicious.
The 5 BEST Mayo Substitutes for Tuna Salad
Ingredients
- 1 – Plain Greek Yogurt
- 2 – Avocado
- 3 – Cottage Cheese
- 4 – Silken Tofu
- 5 – Mustard
Instructions
- Choose your preferred substitute from the list of options.
- Organize all of your ingredients.
- Use the proper substitute to cook your recipes.
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