Whether it’s slathered on our lobster rolls or used for dipping our crispy veggie fries in, we’ve long had a love affair with mayonnaise. But as much as we crave it, we all know that too much of a good thing is sometimes, well, bad. Using mashed, smashed or processed avocado is just one way you can hack a previously-loved mayonnaise recipe to make it a bit healthier. We’ve gathered 12 of the best recipes that use avocado instead of mayo to start you off with a little avo inspo.

1. Avocado Caesar Salad: If you love Caesar salad, but are scared by its high number of calories (and let’s face it, who isn’t?), then this is the perfect compromise: a Caesar dressing made with avocados instead of mayonnaise. (via What’s Gaby Cooking)

2. Smashed Chickpea + Avocado Salad Sandwich: Upgrade your lunchbox with these lean, mean, green sandwiches packed with creamy avocado and chickpeas. (via Two Peas and Their Pod)

3. Skinny Avocado + Tomato Tuna Melts: Taking the tuna melt to a new and healthier level, this combination sees tuna smashed with avocado instead of the usual mayonnaise. That means we don’t have to feel guilty about the layer of oozy, melty cheese… right? (via Sweet Treats More)

4. Chicken Salad With Avocado Dressing: Not only is this version of chicken salad healthier than those slathered with mayo, but it also makes you look so much more sophisticated at the lunch table. (via Martha Stewart)

5. Avocado Deviled Eggs With Bacon: These eggs are so pretty it’s almost criminal to eat them. Topped with crispy bacon and pomegranate seeds, they are like little whipped bites of heaven. (via A Spicy Perspective)

6. BLT With Avocado Mayo: BLTs don’t have to be artery-cloggers. This lighter version of a sandwich classic combines whole wheat wraps with an avocado mayo, but still retains all the flavor. (via Dessert For Two)

7. Avocado Tuna Salad: Green is the new black, and this healthier version of tuna salad made with only good fats will have you feeling stronger than the Hulk. (via The Healthy Maven)

8. Simple Raw, Vegan Avocado Mayonnaise: While we’re on the subject of mayonnaise substitutions, why not throw in a vegan mayonnaise recipe? No nasties in this one, just tasty, fresh ingredients. (via Choosing Raw)

9. Creamy Avocado Potato Salad: It’s BBQ time, and that can only mean one thing: potato salad. If you’re going to indulge at every gathering, might as well make this version of a summery favorite. (via The Shelled Pea)

10. Homemade Avocado Ranch: We don’t feel half as guilty smothering our greens with more healthy greens, and this dressing will fool you into thinking it’s indulgent. (via Ella Claire Inspired)

11. Grilled Fish Tacos With Tomatillo Avocado Slaw: Who said coleslaw could only be made with a vat of mayonnaise? These fish tacos are light and fresh in more ways than one. (via Cherished Bliss)

12. Grilled Halloumi + Portabello Burgers With Spicy Avocado Mayo: You had us at halloumi. But seriously — avocado mayo on our burgers? We’ll never look at a classic patty the same way again. (via Down Healthy Lane)

Have you used avocado as a mayonnaise substitute in any of your recipes? We’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!

Julia Evans
Julia Evans is a travel, lifestyle and food blogger from England who has an insatiable love of chocolate, historical fiction and funny dog memes. When Julia isn't traveling the world, she can usually be found experimenting in the kitchen or attempting to create cute crafts she found on the web.