Healthy Substitutes of Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is a traditional product that has long been used on sandwiches, in salads, and on other food items. However, mayonnaise is loaded with fat, calories, and salt, making it extremely detrimental to your health. Below are four great alternatives to mayonnaise that are both healthy and delicious. You won't be disappointed!

Yogurt

 Yogurt is a great alternative to mayonnaise, and unlike mayonnaise, yogurt is relatively healthy. Yogurt contains protein, which helps to promote and maintain muscles, and calcium, which helps to keep bones strong and can prevent the development of cavities. Greek yogurt is a great type of yogurt that is especially creamy and can work well in chicken and tuna salads, as well as a simple spread for sandwiches.

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is another great alternative to mayonnaise, and unlike yogurt, which can be bland, cottage cheese has a salty taste that is similar to mayonnaise. In addition, cottage cheese has the same health benefits as yogurt due to the high concentration of calcium and protein. When using cottage cheese as an alternative to mayonnaise, start by choosing a brand that is low in fat and calories in order to gain the most health benefits.

Next, place the cottage cheese in a cheese cloth and allow it to drain overnight. Once the cottage cheese has thoroughly drained, place it in a large, clean mixing bowl and beat until smooth. Like the yogurt, this can be used as an ingredient in chicken or tuna salads. It can also be used as a sandwich spread.

Mustard

While mustard obviously has a flavor that is very distinct from that of mayonnaise, it can still be used as a healthy alternative. Mustard has little added fat and is relatively low in calories, making it a great alternative to fat- and calorie-laden mayonnaise. Unlike mayonnaise, which has a mild flavor and therefore often has to be loaded onto the product in order to produce an effective taste, mustard's tangy flavor stands out on its own. And since you don't have to put much mustard onto your sandwich, salad, or other product, you won't ingest a whole lot of added salt or preservatives, either.

Pesto

Like mustard, pesto is a product that has a distinctive taste that varies a lot from the traditional mayonnaise flavor. However, it can still be used in place of mayonnaise. Pesto typically contains spinach, which is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants proven to promote good health. In addition, pesto often has olive oil, which contains "healthy" fats. These fats have been found to be effective in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and even some cancers.