Why you’ll love this homemade tartar sauce
The first time I had a really good, homemade tartar sauce changed my life, and I truly think this recipe will change yours. I’ve always been a big fan of making my own condiments – homemade cocktail sauce and dairy free ranch dressing, but homemade tartar sauce might be the best condiment you can make for yourself.
This recipe is bright and tangy, and packed with so much flavor from fresh chives, capers and dill pickle relish. It only takes about 5 minutes to make so you can whip it up anytime you need it with ingredients you probably already have on hand (minus the chives, at least). Plus, it’s naturally dairy free!
We love to serve this tartar sauce with my favorite fish cakes or even frozen fish sticks! It would also be great with crab cakes or fried shrimp!
More sauce and condiment recipes: thousand island dressing / bang bang sauce / taco salad dressing / romesco sauce
Ingredient notes:
- Mayonnaise – Use your favorite brand of mayonnaise. We typically use Hellman’s. If you would like to make this recipe egg free, just swap out your favorite vegan mayo.
- Capers – The capers add a nice umami to the sauce, but if you can’t find them, the could maybe be left out.
- Chives – I don’t recommend substituting the chives. They have such a distinct, mild flavor that really makes this sauce pop, but if you can’t find them, green onion or a finely diced shallot could work.
- Dill pickle relish – Don’t substitute sweet relish. You really need the dill if you want your sauce to taste like traditional tartar sauce.
- Lemon juice – If you don’t have lemon on hand, another acid, such as lime juice or vinegar, should work. If you use vinegar, you may want to only use 1 teaspoon.
- Dijon or whole grain mustard – Either works perfectly. I like whole grain for a little texture.
Making changes to a recipe can result in recipe failure. Any substitutions listed below are simple changes that I believe will work in this recipe, but results are not guaranteed.
Melissa’s tips + tricks:
- Stir gently. Only stir your ingredients together until just combined. Over-mixing can break down the mayonnaise and make your sauce thin and watery.
- Let it rest. If you have time, refrigerate the tartar sauce for 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to develop and taste even better.
- Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container. With store bought mayo and fresh herbs, your tartar sauce should last up to 2 weeks in the fridge!
Frequently asked questions
Does tartar sauce have dairy?
Traditional tartar sauce is naturally dairy free. It’s made with mayonnaise, pickles, and other flavorful ingredients – not usually dairy. However, you should always check labels at the store or inquire about ingredients at a restaurant, as some may add unexpected dairy ingredients.
Can I freeze tartar sauce?
No, tartar sauce doesn’t freeze well because mayonnaise separates when frozen and thawed, but this recipe will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
More condiment recipes you’ll love: dairy free blue cheese dressing / no cook homemade pizza sauce / dairy free pesto sauce / spicy sushi sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish - or chopped dill pickles
- 2 tablespoons capers - smashed
- 1 ½ tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoon dill pickle juice
- 2 teaspoons whole grain or Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon coarse salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Make the sauce. Add the sauce ingredients to a medium mixing bowl. Gently stir to combine being careful not to overmix (or the sauce will become thin).
- Let it rest. For best flavor, refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop. If needed, adjust seasoning with salt & pepper, before serving.
- How to store: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks (with store bought mayo and fresh ingredients).
