Creamy, zesty, and bursting with bright flavor, this Homemade Tartar Sauce is honestly a game changer for seafood night and beyond! Just a handful of simple ingredients come together in minutes to create a sauce that’s 100x more delicious than anything you’ll squeeze out of a bottle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- So Much Flavor: Every spoonful is packed with tangy pickles, fresh dill, bright lemon, and that creamy, dreamy base—so much better than store-bought!
- Quick & Easy: Less than 10 minutes from fridge to table—perfect if you need a last-minute dip or sandwich spread.
- Customizable: You can tweak every part—make it zestier, herby, or as crunchy as you want. It’s all about your taste buds!
- Versatile Uses: Absolutely fabulous with seafood, but also fantastic on burgers, fries, and even veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Homemade Tartar Sauce so special is the way just a handful of kitchen staples transform into something so crave-worthy. Each ingredient plays a starring role: from the creamy base to the briny pickles and herbal pop from dill—nothing is extra, but every bit brings something important to the bowl.
- Mayonnaise: The rich, velvety foundation that binds everything together; use a good-quality mayo like Hellman’s for the very best flavor.
- Finely Chopped Dill Pickles: These add irresistible tang and crunch—make sure to chop them small so they mix smoothly into the sauce.
- Dill Pickle Relish: A spoonful of relish amps up the classic tartar flavor and ensures no bite is lacking in pickle goodness.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: For a hit of brightness that wakes up the creamy base and balances the richness.
- Fresh Dill: Herbs add depth and that signature tartar freshness—don’t skip if you can help it!
- Dijon Mustard: Adds the perfect subtle zing to round out the sauce and heighten its complexity.
- Green Onion: Super finely sliced, it brings a hint of sharpness and a gentle bite.
- Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper: These are your finishing touches—season to taste to make all the flavors pop.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to riff on this Homemade Tartar Sauce recipe! It’s incredibly adaptable, so whether you want to keep it classic or give it your own twist, there are tons of easy ways to make it fit your preferences and pantry.
- Sweeter Sauce: Stir in a teaspoon of sweet pickle relish for a hint of sweetness if you stray from the strictly savory side.
- Extra Lemon Kick: Add some lemon zest or a splash more lemon juice for a punchier, tangier sauce.
- Spicy Version: Mix in a dash of hot sauce or a spoon of horseradish if you’re craving heat.
- No Onion: Simply leave out the green onion if you want a smoother, more mellow dip.
- Herb Swap: Try chopped parsley or chives in place of dill for a different fresh herb flavor.
How to Make Homemade Tartar Sauce
Step 1: Chop & Prep the Fresh Ingredients
Start by finely chopping your dill pickles, fresh dill, and green onion. The smaller you chop, the smoother your tartar sauce will be. Measure out your mayonnaise, pickle relish, and Dijon mustard so you’re ready to stir everything together in a snap.
Step 2: Mix Until Creamy
Grab a medium bowl and combine the mayonnaise, chopped pickles, dill pickle relish, fresh dill, green onion, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Stir until the mixture is thoroughly creamy and the pickles and herbs are dispersed evenly—watch the colors swirl together!
Step 3: Season to Taste
Add a good pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, giving it a final mix. Taste and adjust as needed—sometimes a little extra lemon or dill is exactly what’s needed.
Step 4: Let It Rest (Optional but Wonderful)
If you have the time, cover the sauce and let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors in your Homemade Tartar Sauce to meld together, making it even more flavorful and irresistible. If you’re short on time, it’s fabulous straight from the bowl!
Pro Tips for Making Homemade Tartar Sauce
- Pickle Power: Use crunchy, cold dill pickles for unbeatable texture—avoid bread-and-butter pickles, which will make the sauce sweet and limp.
- Mayo Matters: The quality of your mayonnaise really shines through here, so pick your favorite full-fat brand for the richest sauce.
- Herb Freshness: Fresh dill adds unbeatable flavor but start with less and add more to taste—dill can be assertive!
- Rest for the Best: If you can, chill the finished sauce for 30 minutes for that harmonious, restaurant-style flavor you get in the best seafood spots.
How to Serve Homemade Tartar Sauce
Garnishes
Garnish your Homemade Tartar Sauce with a little extra fresh dill or a sprinkle of minced green onion for a pop of color and that fresh-from-the-garden aroma. Even a wedge of lemon on the side brightens up the whole dish and signals zingy flavor ahead!
Side Dishes
This classic sauce is the dream companion for crispy fish fillets, shrimp, and crab cakes—but don’t stop there! It’s delicious as a dip for fries, potato wedges, or even crisp roasted veggies. Spread it in a fish sandwich or spoon it on a burger for a fun, tangy twist.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or family dinners, transfer your Homemade Tartar Sauce to a small, pretty bowl or ramekin nestled on an ice bed—perfect for dipping at a seafood bar. Try dolloping it in mini glass jars or serving individual portions on appetizer spoons for an upscale touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Homemade Tartar Sauce stores beautifully in the fridge. Just keep it in an airtight jar or container and it’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to a week, ready to elevate your meals on a moment’s notice.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this sauce—the mayo base doesn’t thaw well and can separate, losing its luscious texture. Whip up just what you need, and enjoy it fresh for best results!
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat tartar sauce! If it’s been in the fridge, just give it a quick stir before serving. Cold, creamy, and captivating—that’s exactly how it’s meant to be enjoyed.
FAQs
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Can I use sweet pickles instead of dill pickles?
Yes, you can substitute sweet pickles or sweet relish for a unique twist, but keep in mind it will give your Homemade Tartar Sauce a noticeably sweeter flavor profile. If you prefer the classic, savory zing, stick with dill pickles.
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How long does Homemade Tartar Sauce keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it’ll stay delicious for up to one week in the refrigerator. Always use clean utensils to avoid introducing bacteria and preserve the sauce’s fresh, bright taste.
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Is this tartar sauce gluten-free?
Yes—Homemade Tartar Sauce is naturally gluten-free if all your individual ingredients (especially the mayo and mustard) are certified gluten-free. Always double-check labels if you’re sensitive or serving someone with dietary restrictions.
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Can I make Homemade Tartar Sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead is encouraged—the flavors will develop and deepen while it chills. Just cover and refrigerate for up to a day before serving for maximum taste.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Homemade Tartar Sauce, you’ll be hooked on how easy and utterly crave-worthy it is. It’s such a small touch, but trust me—it absolutely transforms any fish dish or sandwich. Give it a try, and watch your meals (and your taste buds!) light up with homemade flavor.
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
A simple and flavorful recipe for Homemade Tartar Sauce that pairs perfectly with seafood dishes. Creamy and tangy, this sauce is easy to make and elevates any meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise – I recommend Hellman’s
- 1/2 cup finely chopped dill pickles
- 1/4 cup dill pickle relish (see notes)
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- 2 teaspoons roughly chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- Kosher salt & ground black pepper, as needed
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, stir together all the ingredients until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If you have time, cover the tartar sauce and place it in the fridge to rest for 30 minutes. This will help all the flavors come together. If you’re in a rush, feel free to serve it immediately – it will still be delicious!
Notes
- For the dill pickle relish, you can substitute with finely chopped dill pickles if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 94 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 224mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 6mg
