What's The Closest Substitute For Mustard?

When to consider mustard substitutes

Certain recipes lend themselves better to mustard substitutes than others. For instance, when using mustard as a thickener, it makes sense since mustard seeds tend to expand. If you're looking to replace mustard for this purpose, mayonnaise or Greek yogurt are excellent alternatives; they can be used in various vegetable dips or potato salad recipes from different cuisines that typically include mustard. This approach works well because these types of recipes are quite forgiving and often incorporate additional seasonings, ensuring that the dish remains flavorful even without mustard. Mayonnaise effectively thickens and binds the ingredients in potato salad just as mustard would, fulfilling its role.

On the other hand, some recipes that call for mustard may be better off without a substitute. This is particularly true for many marinades and salad dressings. The same goes for dishes that require only a small amount of mustard or where mustard is optional, such as Cuban sandwiches, ham salad spreads, burger sauces, and tuna or chicken salads. A good rule of thumb is to skip the mustard if the recipe wouldn’t significantly change in flavor without it. Sometimes, less is more, and this is certainly one of those instances.