There’s nothing quite like a dollop of homemade tartar sauce to take your crispy fish, shrimp, or fries to the next level.
This version is creamy, zesty, and full of flavor—made with real dill pickles, fresh lemon juice, and just the right balance of sweetness and tang.
Once you try this fresh take, you may never go back to store-bought again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
5-minute recipe – Quick and no cooking required
Customizable flavor – Adjust lemon, herbs, or pickles to taste
Better than store-bought – Fresher, bolder, and preservative-free
Pairs with everything – From fish sticks to crab cakes and burgers
Stays fresh in the fridge – Make ahead for the week
Only 7 simple ingredients – Most are pantry or fridge staples
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Here’s what brings this creamy tartar sauce to life:
Mayonnaise – The creamy base that holds everything together
Dill Pickles – Finely chopped for crunch and tang
Fresh Dill or Parsley – Brightens the flavor with herbal freshness
Lemon Juice – Adds zippy acidity
Sugar – Just a hint to balance the tang
Black Pepper – For subtle heat
Onion (optional) – Adds depth and savory bite
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use real dill pickles – Avoid sweet relish for a true savory flavor
Finely chop your ingredients – Keeps the texture smooth and spreadable
Fresh herbs are best, but frozen dill or parsley will also work
Let it chill – Flavors meld and improve after 30 minutes in the fridge
Adjust to taste – Add more lemon juice or pickles if you like it tangier
How to Make Homemade Tartar Sauce
Step 1 – Prep Your Ingredients
Finely chop 1 cup of dill pickles and 2 tablespoons of onion (if using).
Mince 1 tablespoon of fresh dill or parsley, and measure the remaining ingredients.
Step 2 – Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, add:
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup chopped dill pickles
1 tablespoon chopped dill or parsley
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon sugar
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons onion (optional)
Step 3 – Stir & Adjust
Stir everything together until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust if needed:
More lemon juice for extra zing
More pickles for extra crunch
A dash of salt if desired (may not be necessary depending on your mayo and pickles)
Step 4 – Chill Before Serving
Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled.
What to Serve It With
Tartar sauce is incredibly versatile! Try it with:
Fried fish or fish sticks – A classic combo
Crab cakes or salmon patties
Fried shrimp or scallops
Grilled or baked white fish – Like cod, halibut, or tilapia
French fries or sweet potato fries
Sandwiches and burgers – Especially fish sandwiches
Fish tacos – As a creamy topping
Variations / Substitutions
Swap herbs – Use chives, parsley, or even tarragon instead of dill
Add mustard – A small spoonful of Dijon or yellow mustard for extra bite
Make it spicy – Stir in a little hot sauce, horseradish, or cayenne
Make it vegan – Use vegan mayo as the base
Add capers – For a briny boost
Use Greek yogurt – For a lighter version with a tangy twist
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week
Not freezer-friendly: Mayo-based sauces don’t freeze well
Make-ahead: Best flavor develops after 1–2 hours in the fridge
Stir before serving: It may separate slightly as it sits
FAQs
Can I make tartar sauce without pickles?
You can substitute chopped capers, green olives, or relish—but pickles are classic!
Is there a difference between dill and sweet tartar sauce?
Yes! This version uses dill pickles, which keep the flavor savory and zesty. S
weet versions use relish and taste milder.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
Yes. Use 1 teaspoon dried dill in place of fresh or frozen herbs.
How do I make it healthier?
Swap half or all of the mayo for Greek yogurt or a light mayo alternative.
What kind of mayonnaise is best?
Use a full-fat real mayo (like Hellmann’s or Duke’s) for best texture and flavor.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. It tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
What if my tartar sauce is too thick?
Stir in a teaspoon of lemon juice or pickle juice to thin it slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Tartar Sauce with Dill is proof that the simplest recipes often taste the best.
With a creamy texture, a pop of lemon, and a hint of sweetness, it’s the perfect companion to anything from fish and chips to shrimp tacos.
Once you try it fresh, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for store-bought.
