Tuna Salad: The 5 Best Alternatives For Mayonnaise

When it comes to the world of salads and sandwich making, there are few fillings as popular as tuna salad – creating a tasty, fresh, and nutritious filling that can adorn any salad, sandwich, or cold meal. 

However, one thing that can be divisive is mayonnaise – be it for dietary reasons or matters of personal taste.

There are many variations you can choose for, however some common examples include: spicy mayo, mustard, plain Greek yogurt, avocado, and hot sauce. 

Mayonnaise Alternatives: Nutritional Values

What Does Tuna Salad Taste Like? 

While there are many different variations of this meal, the general recipe tends to include tuna (mixed with mayonnaise), cucumber, peppers, or any other vegetables you might like to add – creating a fresh tasting filling for sandwiches, salads, and more. 

There are no right or wrong answers with this sandwich topping, and the only limiting factor is the flavor palette you are looking for, and the ingredients you have to hand. 

The 5 Best Mayo Substitutes

Now that we know a little more about tuna salad, it is now time to examine some of the best mayonnaise substitutes that you can use to make the sandwich filling – each of them bringing something different and special to this classic dish. 

So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Spicy Mayo

Mayonnaise can be a boring sauce for many – due to the lack of any discernible spice – and as such, they might be looking for something more interesting to add to their tuna salad. 

One option – and a common one used by many – is to use a variety of spicy mayonnaise in their tuna salad.

This could be a homemade variety consisting of mayonnaise and hot sauce/sriracha, or it could be a store bought, ready mixed spicy mayo. 

Either way though, this can be a great option for those seeking something a little more interesting, spicy, and exciting than traditional mayo, and it also pairs well with any vegetables or salad items you might choose to add to your mixture. 

Avocado

Avocado is a popular ingredient that is widely utilized in all manner of meals. What’s more, it is a great source of healthy fats, making it one of the healthier choices on this list. 

What you might not have considered however, is that it could also be used as an alternative for mayonnaise – adding moisture to the tuna, and allowing you to make it go further for sandwiches or salads. 

Of course, for this to work, the avocado needs to be softer and more ripe, as unripened avocados are much harder to mash up and mix into the tuna ready for eating. 

This might seem like an unusual choice for many, but it can be a tasty, interesting variation to traditional mayonnaise – not to mention a far healthier option that will ensure you stay fuller and more satisfied for longer. 

Plain Greek Yogurt 

Now for something completely different, and something that might be a shocker for some people: plain Greek yogurt. 

This might seem more at home on muesli and other breakfast items, but it also makes a surprisingly good alternative for mayonnaise in tuna salad. 

This is the perfect choice for anyone seeking a healthier, fresher alternative to mayonnaise – which can often be oily due to the fats therein.

This is the perfect alternative for those looking for a lighter, lower calorie addition to their tuna salad, and one that has much more nutritional benefits than mayonnaise. 

Honey Mustard

Another option you could choose is honey mustard.

While perhaps an unlikely candidate, honey mustard can actually make a great substitute for mayonnaise, and most varieties are generally more healthy than the typical mayonnaise – meaning those looking to watch their weight can enjoy guilt free (in most cases). 

This is another great alternative for those looking for added flavor to their tuna salad!

Try with a little bit to begin with, and then add more to taste as you progress for the best outcome. 

Hot Sauce 

Nowadays, people add hot sauce to everything, and there is a good reason for this.

Firstly, hot sauce can be a delicious way to jazz up meat, fish, or just about anything, and secondly, it is generally lower in calories, fats, and carbs than most traditional oily sauces like mayonnaise. 

For the purposes of this article, we have chosen a brand of hot sauce from the West Indies, as they are known to pair better with fish and seafood.

This means that you can enjoy a great tasting tuna salad that has just enough kick to keep things interesting. 

What’s more, this can be a great way to enhance the natural flavors of both the tuna, and any salad vegetables you have decided to mix in with it.

The important thing is to remember that, less is more – especially if you want to be able to taste and enjoy your food without your mouth feeling like it is on fire. 

The best method is to try a little on your tuna first, and then add a few more drops until you reach the taste you are looking for!

Popular Recipes For Tuna Salad

Now that we know a little more about tuna salad, and the alternatives to mayonnaise, let’s look at some classic recipes you should try. 

Spicy Sriracha Tuna Wraps

One recipe you could try is the spicy sriracha tuna wrap – a great spin on the classic tuna salad sandwich filling, and one laden with flavor and spice. 

This is great for a sunny afternoon, and pairs really well with other salad items and finger foods. What’s more, they couldn’t be easier to make. 

Honey Mustard Tuna Salad

For something a little different, you could also opt for honey mustard tuna salad. This recipe adds perfect spice and sweetness, and gives a really wholesome, comforting taste for a tuna salad with a difference. 

Easy to make, filling, and oh so moreish, this will become one of your new favorite recipes in no time!

Tuna Avocado Salad

For something light and delicious, why not try this tuna avocado salad? 

Healthy, nutritious, and comforting, this tuna salad recipe will become your new favorite, and one you will enjoy time and time again. 

Final Thoughts

It’s true that tuna salad is both a popular salad item – not to mention a sandwich topping – and there are many ways that it can be enjoyed throughout the world.

However, as this list shows, there are some alternatives that are just a little bit better than others – bringing something really deliciously moreish, and daringly different to the table.

So if you are looking for the best mayo alternatives for making tuna salad, then be sure to check out some of these great items!