Whether you spread it on a sandwich, whip it into cake batter for a moist crumb, or rub it over ears of corn for elote, mayonnaise is a staple ingredient for a reason. Mayonnaise is an emulsification (or combination of liquid and fat) that’s traditionally made with egg yolks, oil, and some type of acid such as vinegar or lemon juice. Slowly adding the oil to the yolks ensures the emulsion holds and creates an irresistibly creamy spread for topping burgers, folding into potato salad, and so much more.

There’s a good chance that you already have a jar in your refrigerator, but if you ran out, here are seven smart substitutes for mayonnaise. 

1. Homemade aioli

Looking for a DIY substitute for mayonnaise? Make homemade aioli, which is just as creamy but more flavorful. Traditionally, aioli is made with garlic, lemon juice, and oil, while mayonnaise is made with an egg yolk base. Whether you follow the simplified method or add egg yolks to help emulsify the custard-like combination of ingredients, aioli is the most seamless substitute for mayonnaise.

2. Greek yogurt

Greek yogurt can be used as a 1:1 swap for mayonnaise on sandwiches, whisked into homemade salad dressing, or folded into potato salad. It’s a protein-rich substitute that offers the same creamy consistency of traditional mayonnaise. 

3. Cashew cream

Homemade cashew cream is an easy dairy-free substitute for mayonnaise. To make it, soak raw cashews in water for a few hours to soften them for easy blending. Whip them up in the blender until creamy or add olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt for extra savoriness.

4. Avocado

Mashed avocado offers the same creamy texture as mayonnaise, but boasts healthy fats and is vegan to boot. You can buy avocado-based mayonnaise from brands such as Chosen Foods and Primal Kitchen, or make your own. Blend avocado oil with an egg, Dijon mustard, lemon juice or vinegar, salt, and seasonings, then use the mixture as a 1:1 swap.

5. Sour cream

Use sour cream in place of mayonnaise for recipes such as deviled eggs and Green Goddess dressing. Keep in mind that sour cream is significantly tangier than mayonnaise, so you may need to adjust the seasonings accordingly.

6. Tofu

You can make a vegan-friendly substitute for mayonnaise using silken tofu. In a food processor, blend together silken tofu, a splash of lemon juice or vinegar, maple syrup for sweetness, Dijon mustard, and salt until the mixture becomes creamy and homogeneous. This protein-packed substitute can be spread on sandwiches, used for chicken salad, or whisked into creamy dressings.

7. Hummus

Hummus has a distinct flavor from chickpeas and tahini, so it isn’t an exact match for mayonnaise. However, it’s just as creamy and can be used as a sandwich spread or tossed with tuna salad for a quick lunch.