This website may contain affiliate links and advertising so that we can provide recipes to you. Read my disclosure policy.

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!

Small bowl of homemade tartar sauce.

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!

– Kristina

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 wonโ€™t 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

Overhead shot of labeled 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.

  1. Add:ย In a medium-sized bowl, add the mayo, lemon juice, dill pickles, dill, dried minced onion, salt, and black pepper.
  2. 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.

Someone dipping a fish stick into a bowl of tartar sauce.

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!

Pin this now to find it later

Pin It

Tartar Sauce Recipe

5 from 5 votes
By: Alyssa Rivers
This homemade tartar sauce is briny, tangy, and creamy in all the right ways. There is no cooking, no junky ingredients, and it's ready in minutes.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4

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

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 391kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 42gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 25gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 743mgPotassium: 68mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 75IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 0.2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Seafood
Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!

About Alyssa Rivers

Alyssa Rivers is the author of 'The Tried and True Cookbook', a professional food photographer and experienced recipe-developer. Having a passion for cooking, her tried and true recipes have been featured on Good Morning America, Today Food, Buzzfeed and more.

More Ideas

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




6 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Thank you so much for sharing. I made some today and OMG it is delicious! Will never buy store bought tartar sauce again!

  2. 5 stars
    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.