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Tartar Sauce uses fresh herbs and my favorite, crunchy dill pickles. My recipe is unique because it uses dried onion, giving it the best punch of flavor and texture!

A Reader’s Review
Thank you so much for sharing. I made some today and OMG it is delicious! Will never buy store bought tartar sauce again!
Why You’ll Make This Again and Again
- Tested to Perfection: After countless batches (and lots of fish sticks taste-tested by picky teens), this recipe nails that creamy-tangy balance!
- No Weird Ingredients: You wonโt find sugar, mystery preservatives, or odd relish, just fresh, bold flavor made from ingredients you already have.
- Versatile Dipping Options: Pairs perfectly with seafood, but also amazing with veggies, fries, and more!
Homemade Tartar Sauce Ingredients
- Lemon Juice: Use fresh juice from a lemon. It has more flavor and adds brightness to the sauce.
- Pickles: I use chopped dill pickles for my sauce. If you want a sweeter sauce, you can use bread and butter pickles or a mixture of both.
- Onion: If you don’t have dried minced onion, you can use finely chopped fresh onion or shallot.
- Dill: If you don’t have fresh dill, you can substitute with dry, and reduce it to 2 teaspoons.
- Mayonnaise: This provides a rich, creamy base for the sauce. You can substitute light mayo or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
How To Make The BEST Tartar Sauce
With this easy tartar sauce recipe, you stir, chill, and enjoy! For the best flavor, let the sauce chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving so the onions can rehydrate and all the flavors can meld together.
- Add:ย In a medium-sized bowl, add the mayo, lemon juice, dill pickles, dill, dried minced onion, salt, and black pepper.
- Combine:ย Stir it all together to combine. Serve immediately or chill.
How to Store Leftovers
Store tartar sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Give it a quick stir before using, as separation may occur.
What To Dip In Tartar Sauce
Tartar sauce is the perfect companion for so many dishes, from crispy seafood and sandwiches to savory veggie and sides. These recipes are delicious on their own, but a dollop of this flavorful sauce makes them even better!
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Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- juice from half a lemon
- โ cup diced dill pickles
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
- ยฝ teaspoon salt
- ยผ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, add 1 cup mayonnaise, juice from half a lemon, โ cup diced dill pickles, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, 2 tablespoons dried minced onion, ยฝ teaspoon salt, and ยผ teaspoon pepper.
- Stir it all together to combine. Serve immediately or chill.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Thank you so much for sharing. I made some today and OMG it is delicious! Will never buy store bought tartar sauce again!
DELICIOUS and SO EASY to make – THANK YOU!
Delicious on salmon cakes! Easy and fast to make. I combined 1/2 dill pickles and 1/2 capers for the 1/3 cup dill pickles.
Can you substitute mayonnaise for sour cream?
Easy to make. I had all the ingredients on hand. Delicious and my husband loved it
easy & delicious