Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Homemade tartar sauce is a simple and delicious condiment that pairs perfectly with seafood dishes. This creamy, tangy sauce is quick to make and can elevate any meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup minced dill pickles
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Add all of the ingredients to a small mixing bowl and stir well to combine.
- Step 2: Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or more before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a tangier flavor, add a teaspoon of capers or a dash of Dijon mustard.
- Use sweet or dill pickles depending on your taste preference.
- Fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce better than bottled lemon juice.
Storage
Store the tartar sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Stir before use and serve chilled. If it thickens too much, you can thin it slightly with a little water or lemon juice.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make tartar sauce without fresh dill?
Yes, you can substitute dried dill in smaller amounts, but fresh dill provides the best flavor and brightness.
What dishes go well with tartar sauce?
Tartar sauce is classic with fried fish, shrimp, crab cakes, and even as a dip for fries or vegetables.
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Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: Approximately 1 cup 1x
Description
This homemade tartar sauce is a creamy, tangy condiment perfect for pairing with seafood dishes. Made from mayonnaise, minced dill pickles, fresh dill, lemon juice, and onion powder, it offers a fresh and flavorful alternative to store-bought versions. Easy to prepare and customizable, it’s perfect for enhancing fish fries, crab cakes, or even as a dipping sauce for fries and veggies.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup minced dill pickles
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add all of the ingredients to a small mixing bowl and stir well to combine, ensuring the pickles and dill are evenly distributed throughout the mayonnaise base.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate the tartar sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and develop a richer taste.
- Store Properly: Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and store it tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 10 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Notes
- For a chunkier texture, use diced pickles instead of minced.
- Adjust lemon juice to taste for more or less tanginess.
- Fresh dill can be substituted with dried dill, but reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon.
- Best served chilled alongside fried or grilled seafood.
- Ensure proper refrigeration to keep the sauce fresh and safe to eat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: tartar sauce, homemade tartar sauce, seafood sauce, mayonnaise sauce, easy sauce recipe, condiment recipe

