Easy Homemade Tartar Sauce is a creamy, tangy condiment for seafood and more. It comes together in minutes from simple pantry staples like mayonnaise and dill pickles, and tastes far better than most store-bought jars.
This homemade tartar sauce pairs beautifully with old-fashioned salmon patties and many other seafood dishes. Simple, fresh, and adaptable—scroll down for substitutions and tips.
⭐ Why Melinda Loves Easy Homemade Tartar Sauce
This tartar sauce is quick to make while your seafood cooks and is easy to customize. See substitutions below for ways to tweak flavor and texture.
You can make it fresh anytime—the ingredients are common kitchen staples and the sauce is ready to serve in about five minutes.
🥣 Ingredients to Have on Hand
Mayonnaise: Use a good-quality mayonnaise for the creamiest texture and best flavor. Regular mayonnaise works better here than sandwich spreads like Miracle Whip.
Dill pickles: Finely diced dill pickles give tartar sauce its signature tang and a little crunch. Chop whole pickles or spears into very small pieces.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the sauce—about 2 teaspoons is ideal. Keep extra lemons on hand to serve with your seafood.
Scroll to the recipe card for exact amounts and the complete ingredient list.
📖 Substitutions for Homemade Tartar Sauce
You can personalize tartar sauce with herbs, zest, or briny ingredients. Try two or three of the options below to create your preferred flavor profile:
- Old Bay Seasoning: Add about 1 teaspoon to enhance the seafood-friendly flavors.
- Fresh dill: One tablespoon of chopped fresh dill complements the pickles and adds bright herbaceous notes.
- Lemon zest: A teaspoon of zest adds extra brightness and a lively citrus aroma.
- Bread-and-butter pickles: Swap for dill pickles if you prefer a sweeter, spicier sauce.
- Capers: One tablespoon (rinsed and chopped) brings a salty, tangy punch that pairs well with dill pickles.
👩🏻🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
The method is straightforward—everything mixes together in one bowl. Two simple photos below show the process.
Step 1: Place the mayonnaise in a small bowl. Add the finely diced dill pickles and the diced onion. Squeeze in about 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice. Optionally add a pinch of salt.
Step 2: Stir to combine. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for an hour (or overnight) to let the flavors meld. The sauce keeps the flavors fresh and bright when chilled.
💭 Recipe FAQs
Yes. Bread-and-butter pickles make a sweeter, spicier tartar sauce—great if you prefer a milder dill flavor.
Relish can be used, but it often contains additional ingredients and will change the texture and flavor compared with freshly diced pickles.
🦐 What to Serve with Homemade Tartar Sauce
Seafood: Classic with fried cod, salmon patties, crispy shrimp, or grilled fish. A few lemon wedges and dollops of tartar sauce complete the plate.
French fries: Tartar sauce is an unexpected but delicious dip for fries—especially crisp, hot fries. In some parts of the Pacific Northwest, tartar sauce is commonly served with fries.
🥣 Leftovers and Storage
Store leftover tartar sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir well before serving if any separation occurs. Freezing is not recommended, as mayonnaise-based sauces can separate and change texture when thawed.
💭 Pro Tip
For the best flavor, make the tartar sauce a day ahead and chill it. The extra time lets the ingredients meld for a deeper, more balanced taste.
🍽 Other Tasty Sauces, Dips and Dressings
Easy Homemade Tartar Sauce is a classic, but you might also enjoy other homemade condiments and dips—pico de gallo, crab and shrimp dip, or a simple fry sauce are all excellent companions.
If you try this tartar sauce, please leave a star rating and a comment to share how it turned out.
Recipe
Easy Homemade Tartar Sauce
8
about 2 tablespoons per person
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup diced dill pickle (about 2 medium or 1 large pickle)
- 2–3 tablespoons diced onion, very fine
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes (plus extra for garnish)
- 1–2 teaspoons salt (optional)
Instructions
Dice Pickle and Onion
- Place 1 cup of mayonnaise in a small bowl. Dice the pickle into very small pieces and add to the bowl.
- Chop the onion finely (2–3 tablespoons depending on preference) and add to the bowl.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice to measure 2 teaspoons and add to the mixture.
Combine All Ingredients
- Add 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes and 1–2 teaspoons salt if desired. Stir until combined.
- Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for an hour or overnight to let flavors meld.
- Store covered in the refrigerator in an airtight container; it will stay fresh for about one week.
Notes
For deeper flavor, make the tartar sauce a day ahead and refrigerate to allow the flavors to blend.
Nutrition
Please note: nutrition details are estimated and intended as a rough guide.