Greek yogurt is a versatile ingredient that can be used in place of mayonnaise in many recipes. With its thick, creamy texture and tangy flavor, Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for mayo in salad dressings, dips, sandwiches, and more. But how much Greek yogurt do you need to replace mayonnaise?
The Differences Between Greek Yogurt and Mayonnaise
While Greek yogurt and mayonnaise can both add creaminess and richness to recipes, there are some key differences between the two:
- Fat content – Mayonnaise is an emulsion of oil and egg yolks, making it high in fat. Greek yogurt is strained to remove the liquid whey, leaving behind a thicker consistency. But it still has less fat than full-fat mayonnaise.
- Tanginess – Greek yogurt has a tangy, tart flavor from the live and active cultures. Mayonnaise has a more neutral flavor.
- Uses – Mayonnaise is most often used in cold applications like sandwiches, salads, and dips. Greek yogurt works well in both cold and hot applications, like baked goods, soups, and sauces.
These differences mean that Greek yogurt isn’t always a direct 1:1 substitute for mayo. The substitution ratio depends on the recipe and your personal taste preferences.
Greek Yogurt to Mayo Substitution Ratio
In most recipes, you can replace mayonnaise with an equal amount of Greek yogurt. However, because Greek yogurt is thicker and tangier, you may want to thin it out a bit. Here are some general substitution ratios to get you started:
| Mayonnaise | Greek Yogurt |
|---|---|
| 1 cup | 1 cup |
| 1/2 cup | 1/2 cup |
| 1/4 cup | 1/4 cup |
| 1 tablespoon | 1 tablespoon |
For best results, choose a full-fat or whole milk Greek yogurt. Low-fat or nonfat versions don’t provide the same richness and creaminess as mayo. You can also thin out the yogurt with a bit of milk or water to get a closer consistency to mayonnaise.
Thinning Out Greek Yogurt
Here are some thinning ratios if you find the Greek yogurt too thick:
| Greek Yogurt | Milk or Water |
|---|---|
| 1 cup | 1-4 tablespoons |
| 1/2 cup | 1-2 tablespoons |
| 1/4 cup | 1 tablespoon |
Add the milk or water gradually and stir until smooth and thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust as needed. The tanginess of Greek yogurt also mellows out a bit with the addition of liquid.
Tips for Using Greek Yogurt as a Mayo Substitute
Here are some helpful tips when using Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise:
- Pay attention to color – Greek yogurt is white while mayonnaise is pale yellow. This might matter in recipes where appearance is key, like chicken salad. Add a pinch of turmeric to the yogurt for a light yellow hue.
- Account for moisture – Mayonnaise helps baked goods and other recipes maintain moisture. Since Greek yogurt is wetter, reduce any other liquids in the recipe slightly.
- Mix in mustard or vinegar – To mimic mayo’s tanginess in dressings or sandwiches, whisk in a bit of Dijon mustard or red wine vinegar to the yogurt.
- Let flavors meld – For the best flavor in yogurt-based dressings and dips, make them ahead and allow the ingredients to fully blend together chilled in the fridge.
- Use yogurt to make your own mayo – For an easy homemade mayo, blend Greek yogurt with neutral oil, lemon juice, and seasonings in a food processor or blender.
Where to Substitute Greek Yogurt for Mayonnaise
Here are some of the top recipes, dishes, and applications where you can use Greek yogurt in place of mayo:
Sandwiches and Burgers
Spread Greek yogurt on bread or bun in place of mayonnaise for sandwiches, burgers, and wraps. The thickness makes it perfect for spreading.
Salad Dressings and Dips
Whisk Greek yogurt with oil, vinegar or citrus juice, herbs, and seasonings for creamy dressings and dips for salads, vegetables, and chips.
Tuna or Chicken Salad
Mix shredded tuna or chicken with Greek yogurt, celery, onion, herbs, and mustard for a mayo-free salad.
Coleslaw
Toss shredded cabbage with thinly sliced carrots, Greek yogurt, vinegar, sugar, and spices for a lighter coleslaw.
Potato Salad
Bind together potato salad with Greek yogurt mixed with mustard, pickles, onions, and other desired ingredients.
Fruit Salad
Sweeten Greek yogurt with honey or maple syrup and use as a topping for fruit salads. Or mix into the fruit for creaminess.
Cakes and Quick Breads
Replace some or all of the oil or butter in moist cakes and breads with an equal amount of Greek yogurt.
Frostings and Fillings
Lighten up creamy frostings by using some Greek yogurt in place of butter or cream cheese.
Marinades and Sauces
Mix Greek yogurt into marinades and sauces for a boost of tangy flavor and creaminess. Great for chicken, pork, and grilled meats.
Chilled Soups
Puree Greek yogurt with chilled fruit or vegetable soups like gazpacho, cucumber, and strawberry for a cool and creamy texture.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key tips on substituting Greek yogurt for mayonnaise:
- In most recipes, you can replace mayonnaise with an equal amount of Greek yogurt.
- For a closer consistency to mayo, thin the yogurt slightly with milk or water.
- Full-fat or whole milk Greek yogurt works best to mimic mayo’s richness.
- Account for Greek yogurt’s tanginess by adding ingredients like mustard, vinegar, or honey.
- Sandwiches, salad dressings, dips, and chilled soups are just some of the many uses for yogurt instead of mayo.
With its thick, creamy texture and mildly tart flavor, Greek yogurt shines as a nutrition-packed and lighter alternative to mayonnaise in both sweet and savory recipes. Follow the simple substitution ratios and tips above to start replacing mayo with healthy Greek yogurt.