19 Recipes Made Infinitely Better With Mayonnaise — Plus, the Best Homemade Mayo Recipe

It’s not just for BLTs. Sometimes you taste mayonnaise when slathered on said sandwich; sometimes you don’t. The condiment can add a layer of depth to a dish, from an appetizer to — surprise — a dessert. Read on for a selection of recipes that feature mayonnaise in an expanded role, including an ultra-delicious homemade mayonnaise recipe.

Fail-Proof Homemade Mayonnaise

If you’ve only ever unscrewed a jar to add mayonnaise to a recipe, it might be time to try making it from scratch. The classic condiment can be easily prepared — in just 10 minutes, no less — with this homemade mayonnaise recipe that features whole eggs instead of just the traditional yolk.

Recipe: Inspired Taste

Avocado Deviled Eggs

This recipe combines the flavors of a classic deviled egg – where mayonnaise adds that welcome twang – with the creaminess of avocado. There’s even bacon here to put it really over the top.

Recipe: Spend With Pennies

Mayo Marinated Chicken

A mayonnaise-based marinade not only adds a distinctive flavor but also helps lock in moisture to “take your chicken to the next level.” This grill-ready, five-star recipe also features lime, garlic, and paprika for a real kick.

Recipe: Grill on a Dime

Related: 50 Cheap and Easy Chicken Recipes

Quick Mayonnaise Bread

All that’s needed for this straightforward recipe are four ingredients and 30 minutes, with mayonnaise a key element of the preparation that yields a yeast-free — but still soft and fluffy — loaf.

Recipe: The Gardening Foodie

Egg Salad

Unlike the gloppy egg salads found in many delis, this incarnation balances the expected spotlight on mayonnaise with Dijon mustard, red onion, lemon juice, fresh parsley, and chives.

Recipe: Downshiftology

Looking for more ways to enjoy eggs? Check out these simple ways to cook an egg.

Apple Tuna Salad

Shake off your typical lunch routine with this recipe as it offers an elevated take on traditional tuna salad. The tuna and mayonnaise are complemented by apple, avocado, and sliced nuts.

Recipe: Natasha’s Kitchen

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Creamy Pasta Salad

The classic summer salad gets its signature tang from mayonnaise and vinegar, but also a welcome crunch from broccoli florets, diced cucumber, black olives, green onion and more. Expect to be asked to bring it to future picnics and family reunions.

Recipe: Barefeet in the Kitchen

Related: Cold Noodle Dishes That Are Perfect for Summer

Easy Coronation Chicken Salad

The original version of this salad dates back to the coronation of the late Queen Elizabeth; to date, there are likely as many versions as the years she served. This one finds chicken dressed in a mixture featuring mayonnaise, sour cream, curry powder, chutney, almonds, and canned peaches.

Recipe: Simply Delicious Food

Classic Waldorf Salad

This retro-fave dish is said to have gotten its start at the famed Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York City. The unique salad featuring a quirky mix of apples, celery, walnuts, and grapes all dressed in mayonnaise. Countless versions can be found; this one features a secret ingredient (OK, we’ll share — it’s whipped cream).

Recipe: FoodieCrush

Reated: Quick and Easy Cold Salads for People Who Hate Lettuce

Grilled Mexican Corn With Mayo

When grilling season and fresh corn season coincide, it’s prime time for Mexican corn. This recipe features the traditional rich topping of mayonnaise, along with a bold chili powder and tangy lime juice.

Recipe: A Couple Cooks

Related: This Dorito Taco Salad Is the Summertime Side You NEED in Your Recipe Rotation

Mayonnaise Cookies

We didn’t know that mayonnaise cookies are a thing. This recipe’s creator assures us they are; make them when you don’t have eggs or oil on hand but still want dessert.

Recipe: Cupcakes & Cutlery

Related: Mayo Couture? Kraft Unveils Mayonnaise-Inspired Clothing

NYC Deli Salmon Mousse Dip

Dolloped onto a bagel, spread on a cracker, or dunked into with vegetables … it’s your choice. This savory mayonnaise-based dip also features smoked salmon, cream cheese, dill, onion, and capers.

Recipe: Hellmann’s

Mayo-Rubbed Grilled Steak

Dried spices certainly add flavor to grilled meats, but they can also burn under high heat. A solution is to add mayonnaise to the proceedings, as it’s said to not only seal in the spices but also keep them from burning.

Recipe: The Kitchn

Dill Potato Salad with Mustard Buttermilk Dressing

Mayonnaise remains at the heart of this potato salad recipe, but its distinctive flavor is further enhanced by a host of other ingredients ranging from Dijon and whole grain mustards to buttermilk and dill. For best results, make this classic summer side ahead.

Recipe: Bowl of Delicious

Quick Quiche

This spinach-and-cheese quiche gets a subtle tanginess from mayonnaise, making the classic brunch or lunch dish an enduring favorite.

Recipe: Food Network

Mayonnaise Baked Fish

This simple, five-star recipe combines mayonnaise with Parmesan or Romano cheese for a crust that adds a flavorful and crunchy topping to a moist, baked fish fillet.

Recipe: Food.com

Mayonnaise Cake

This chocolate mayonnaise cake is said to reflect an old-fashioned approach to making a moist and rich cake without using oil and butter. This “secret” ingredient reportedly dates back to the 1930s. Who knew?

Recipe: Amanda’s Cookin’

Related: 25 Simple Depression-Era Desserts That Actually Are Indulgent

Creamy Asian Shrimp Ceviche

This spin on traditional ceviche features cooked shrimp dressed with a lively sauce that features lime juice, cilantro, soy sauce, and ginger. Mayonnaise brings the creaminess that ties it all together.

Recipe: Hellmann’s

Grilled Vegetables With Basil Mayonnaise

Those looking for a fresh take on summer dining will savor an array of grilled vegetables (carrots, peppers, zucchini, and more) drizzled with the fresh flavors of a mayonnaise-based sauce that features basil, lemon, and garlic.

Recipe: Land O’Lakes

Grandma’s Old Fashioned Fruit Salad

Choose the fruits you love. Add chocolate chips. Combine with a dressing that features just two ingredients: mayonnaise and heavy or whipping cream. This is a vintage holiday favorite, one that can be customized further (honey instead of chocolate, for example) to suit your family’s preferences.

Recipe: Kitchen Divas