This Homemade Tartar Sauce is creamy, tangy, and loaded with fresh flavors — so much better than anything you’ll find in a jar! It comes together in just 10 minutes, and I promise: once you try it with crispy fish or golden fries, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Easy: Just mix everything in one bowl — no cooking, fancy equipment, or culinary degree required!
- Vibrant Fresh Flavors: Fresh dill, zesty lemon, and crunchy pickles make this Homemade Tartar Sauce unbelievably bright and tangy.
- Customizable to Taste: You control the ingredients, so every batch is exactly as creamy, crunchy, or herby as you like.
- Perfect Companion: Whether you’re dipping crispy fish, roasted potatoes, or just sneaking spoonfuls, it upgrades everything it touches.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the magic that happens with just a handful of fridge and pantry staples. Each ingredient in this Homemade Tartar Sauce brings its own personality — creaminess, crunch, zest, and that signature pickle punch. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that holds everything together; I love Hellman’s for its rich flavor and stability.
- Finely Chopped Dill Pickles: These add irresistible tang and crunchy bits throughout each bite.
- Dill Pickle Relish: Boosts the briny, slightly sweet flavor — don’t skip, even if you’re already using chopped pickles!
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Just-squeezed lemon brightens the sauce and balances the richness of the mayo.
- Fresh Dill: The star herb! Chopped dill makes the sauce taste garden-fresh and extra aromatic.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds zippy complexity and helps marry all the flavors together.
- Green Onion: Thinly sliced for a subtle onion bite and a lovely pop of color.
- Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, so taste and adjust at the end.
Variations
The beauty of Homemade Tartar Sauce is just how easy it is to make your own. Feel free to experiment — there are so many fun twists to fit your cravings, favorite herbs, or what’s in your fridge!
- Add Capers: Stir in a tablespoon of chopped capers for an extra briny, Mediterranean flair.
- Make It Spicy: For a punch of heat, mix in a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Try Sweet Pickles: Swap dill pickles for sweet gherkins or bread-and-butter pickles for classic nostalgia.
- Use Greek Yogurt: Replace up to half the mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dip.
How to Make Homemade Tartar Sauce
Step 1: Chop and Prep Your Flavor Boosters
Start by finely chopping your dill pickles, green onion, and fresh dill. This makes all the difference — the smaller the pieces, the more evenly those bright flavors will be spread throughout every scoop of your sauce.
Step 2: Mix Everything Together
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chopped pickles, relish, lemon juice, dill, Dijon mustard, and green onion. Stir until completely blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and adjust the flavors if needed.
Step 3: Rest (If You Can Wait!)
If you have the time (and the willpower!), cover the bowl and chill your Homemade Tartar Sauce for at least 30 minutes. This lets all the flavors mingle into creamy, tangy perfection. If you’re hungry now, go ahead and serve — it’s still absolutely delicious.
Pro Tips for Making Homemade Tartar Sauce
- Chop Pickles Finely: The smaller your pickles, the more evenly their tangy crunch will be distributed in every bite.
- Let it Chill: A rest in the fridge melds the flavors, making your tartar sauce taste fresh from your favorite seafood shack.
- Taste as You Go: Because brands of mayo, pickles, and mustards vary in salt and zest, keep tasting and tweaking until it’s perfect for you.
- Use Fresh Lemon: Bottled lemon juice can’t compete with the brightness of freshly squeezed for this recipe — trust me!
How to Serve Homemade Tartar Sauce
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh dill or a dusting of paprika over the top for a pop of color. A wedge of lemon on the side makes for an extra zesty dash, and thinly sliced green onion adds an inviting, bistro-style look right before serving.
Side Dishes
Homemade Tartar Sauce shines with classic fish and chips, crab cakes, fried shrimp, or even as a dipping sauce for roasted potato wedges and crispy veggies. Try it alongside grilled salmon or a simple tuna patty for a flavor upgrade that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon your tartar sauce into a pretty ramekin or swirl a dollop on a platter of fried seafood. Serve in little jars at a picnic or as a playful dip on a party snack board with pickled veggies, chips, and crunchy breadsticks — it’s as versatile and fun as you want it to be!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Homemade Tartar Sauce to an airtight container and keep it chilled in the fridge. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 5 days, making it perfect for prepping ahead or easy weekday snacking.
Freezing
Tartar sauce doesn’t freeze well — the texture of the mayonnaise and fresh herbs can separate and become watery when thawed. It’s best to whip up a fresh batch when you need it, since it only takes a few minutes!
Reheating
No need to reheat Homemade Tartar Sauce — it’s meant to be served cold or at room temperature. If it thickens in the fridge, just give it a stir before scooping onto your seafood or sides.
FAQs
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Can I use dried dill if I don’t have fresh?
Absolutely! Use about 1/3 the amount of dried dill, since it’s more potent. While fresh dill gives the best flavor, dried works in a pinch — just let the sauce rest a bit longer to help the flavors blend in.
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Is there a way to make tartar sauce healthier?
Yes! Try swapping half the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or use a light mayo. The flavor stays creamy and tangy with fewer calories, and you’ll get a little extra protein too.
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Can I make Homemade Tartar Sauce in advance?
Definitely! In fact, making it a day ahead is ideal — the flavors only deepen as they mix. Store it covered in the fridge until ready to use, up to 5 days.
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What if my sauce is too thick or too thin?
If it’s too thick, add a splash of lemon juice or even a little pickle juice. If it’s too thin, stir in a bit more mayo until you reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Homemade Tartar Sauce before, I can’t wait for you to taste how fresh, tangy, and satisfying it is compared to the store-bought stuff. I hope this recipe brings a little extra zing to your table and becomes your new favorite companion for seafood nights, snack platters, or anything in need of a creamy pick-me-up. Enjoy every spoonful!
Print
Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Homemade Tartar Sauce recipe is a classic condiment that is perfect for pairing with your favorite seafood dishes. Creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor, this easy-to-make sauce will elevate your meals to the next level.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup finely chopped dill pickles
- 1 green onion thinly sliced
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup dill pickle relish
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- 2 teaspoons roughly chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Kosher salt & ground black pepper as needed
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, stir together all the ingredients until well combined.
- Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Rest (Optional): If time permits, cover the tartar sauce and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Alternatively, serve immediately for a quick option.
Notes
- This tartar sauce can be prepared a day ahead.
- Leftovers can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 94
- Sugar: 0.8g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0.8g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Protein: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 6mg
