Forget about store bought, once you make this homemade tartar sauce recipe you will never buy it again.
Try serving this with shrimp, french fries, fish sticks or even these mini crab cakes.
My family calls me the condiment queen. I love to dip my food in a sauces like ketchup, BBQ sauce, ranch and especially this tartar sauce from scratch. It has so much flavor without all of the preservatives that dip from the store contains.
What is it?
This classic dipping sauce is the perfect thing to use, especially with fried foods. The name comes from the French sauce tartare and it’s essentially an aioli or mayonnaise based sauce.
What is it made of?
- Mayonnaise – The base to this delicious sauce. I like to use full fat but low fat would also work.
- Pickles – Diced, crunchy pickles add a nice dill flavor. If you prefer sweet, you could substitute pickle relish.
- Lemon juice – Balances out the everything with a nice bright flavor.
- Capers – Add a unique flavor and texture.
- Optional : Ground black pepper or horseradish
How to make
Scroll down for full printable recipe, ingredients and video.
- Stir: Mix all of the ingredients together and be sure to let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour to let the flavors come together.
Recipe tips
- Make sure to chop the pickles really small.
- Don’t have fresh parsley, substitute for 1/4 teaspoon of dried or use fresh dill.
- Allow to sit in the refrigerator before serving to ensure the flavors come together.
How long does it last?
This recipe will last for about a week if you keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir when ready to eat.
What are the best pickles to use?
I really like the taste of classic dill pickles. They have the perfect amount of tang that works well with this recipe. You could use gherkins, pickle relish or bread and butter pickles for a little sweetness.
More recipes to enjoy
If you are a condiment fan like me, be sure to give these recipes a try.
- Chick-Fil-A sauce tastes just like the restaurants. Great for chicken, fries and burgers.
- Teriyaki sauce is great to use for homemade chicken stir fry.
- Pico de Gallo is a fresh and flavorful combination of tomatoes, onions an spices.
***Make this recipe? Feel free to leave a comment and rating below.
Tartar Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup chopped dill pickle or pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice
- 1 tablespoon drained capers
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Mix together mayonnaise, pickles, pickle juice, capers, lemon juice and parsley.
- Optional, add 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper.
Video
Nutrition
Sharon Minnick
I already make my own tarter sauce but how long can you keep your recipe in fridge?
heather
It will stay good for about a week if kept in an airtight container or jar.
Laura
Yummy! I made this today and used it with my salmon patties! Thank you!
Daynia
I’m not a fish lover but I will be sure to share this recipe with my mom and fiance’
Catalina
wow! It’s so easy to make this tartar sauce at home! I will make it today!
Lynndee
Tartar sauce is one of my son’s fave sauces ever. I haven’t tried preparing it myself, though. Thank you for the recipe. Will try it sometime.
Pinja
Ooohh this sounds delicious. I pinned it so I can make it next week when we’re having fish. Thanks for the great recipe!
Marysa
This sounds yummy. I would have never thought to make my own tartar sauce, and it is nice to be able to customize it too.
Terri Steffes
Bingo! You gotta have the lemon juice. I had some once without it and it was so flat and flavorless.
Beth
I’ve never made tartar sauce before, but we love it. I’ll have to make this.
Amber Myers
This sounds tasty! I’ll have to make it when I prepare fish sticks for my daughter. She loves her seafood.
Rose Ann Sales
I love condiments too! I haven’t tried making a tartar sauce. Sounds very delicious.
Jen
I’ve had a major fish stick craving lately so this is perfect! Thanks for sharing!
Rog Willis
When my wife and I used to make our own tartar sauce, we just mixed dill relish (I made a little for myself with sweet relish!) and Hellman’s Mayonnaise! This is a great recipe!