This Homemade Tartar Sauce is creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor from chopped dill pickles, fresh dill, and a little lemon juice. It takes just 5 minutes to mix together with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. It’s the perfect dipping sauce for fried fish, fish sticks, or seafood.
I like making my own tartar sauce because I can adjust it exactly how I want. I add plenty of dill pickles for that little crunch, and the fresh dill gives it so much flavor. It’s one of those easy recipes that’s worth keeping on hand whenever fish is on the menu!
About The Ingredients
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the tartar sauce. I use real mayonnaise for the best flavor and texture.
- Dill Pickles: Add tangy flavor and a little crunch. Chop them finely so you get some in every bite.
- White Onion: Adds a little bite without overpowering the sauce.
- Fresh Dill: Gives the sauce its fresh, classic flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances the creamy mayonnaise.
- Sugar: Just a little helps balance the tanginess.
- Black Pepper: Adds a touch of seasoning.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
How to Make Homemade Tartar Sauce
Combine the ingredients: Add the mayonnaise, finely chopped dill pickles, white onion, fresh dill, lemon juice, sugar, and black pepper to a mixing bowl.
Mix until creamy: Stir everything together until well combined and the pickles and dill are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
Serve or chill: Use immediately, or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors blend and the sauce thicken slightly.
Tips I Found Helpful
Chop the pickles finely: Smaller pieces blend better with the mayonnaise and give you a little crunch in every bite.
Let it chill: You can serve this tartar sauce immediately, but refrigerating it for 2 hours gives the flavors time to blend.
Adjust the onion: If you’re not a fan of raw onion, leave it out. I like the extra flavor it adds.
Try sweet pickles: Swap the dill pickles for sweet pickles if you prefer a sweeter tartar sauce.
Storage
Store homemade tartar sauce in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Give it a quick stir before serving. Do not freeze, as the mayonnaise-based sauce can separate when thawed.
More Condiment Recipes
Homemade Tartar Sauce
This creamy Homemade Tartar Sauce takes just 5 minutes to make with mayonnaise, dill pickles, fresh dill, and lemon juice. Perfect for dipping fried fish, fish sticks, and seafood!
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups real mayonnaise
- 1 cup finely chopped dill pickles
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped white onion
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Add the mayonnaise, finely chopped dill pickles, white onion, fresh dill, lemon juice, sugar, and black pepper to a mixing bowl.
- Stir until everything is well combined and the pickles and dill are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
- Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Notes
- Finely chop the pickles for the best texture.
- Leave out the onion if preferred.
- Sweet pickles can be used instead of dill pickles for a sweeter sauce.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Do not freeze.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
16Serving Size:
2 tbspAmount Per Serving: Calories: 9Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 84mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g
