If there’s one sauce that can transform fried fish or a crispy batch of hushpuppies into a restaurant-worthy meal, it’s tartar sauce! This easy tartar sauce recipe bursts with creamy, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with seafood, veggies, or even a variety of sandwiches.

The best part? It’s so easy to whip up in 5 minutes that you’ll wonder why you ever bought it pre-made. Let’s make mealtime a bit more special with this recipe (and don’t worry—there’s no fancy equipment required).

A wooden bowl filled with creamy dip and a golden spoon, surrounded by fresh dill, lemon halves, baby carrots, and a bowl of fries on a marble surface. A whisk and a blue gingham cloth are partially visible.
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Growing up, our family spent summer vacation fishing for walleye on Lake Erie. I can still picture those sun-drenched afternoons on the water, and the best part was always bringing home our fresh catch for a fish fry. This homemade tartar sauce was the perfect companion to those crispy, golden fillets. Even now, every time I make it, it brings back those cherished memories of family, fishing, and laughter around the table.

This recipe comes together in just 5 minutes—just enough time to stir it up while your fish fries to perfection. It’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand: mayonnaise, sweet pickles, lemon juice, and fresh dill. It’s so fresh and vibrant, a far cry from the overly processed, store-bought versions.

I love how easy it is to customize too. If you’re like me and enjoy a little extra tang, just add a squeeze more lemon juice. Or if you like a sweet sauce, an extra pinch of sweet pickles does the trick. It’s versatile enough to pair with more than just fish—you can serve it with chicken tenders, roasted veggies, or anything fried.

If you love to learn more easy sauce recipes, check out my 5-Minute Fresh Basil Pesto Sauce, 5-Minute Homemade Honey Sriracha Sauce, and 3-Ingredient Creamy Homemade Aioli Sauce.

Ingredients You Will Need For Easy Tartar Sauce Recipe

All you need are 4 ingredients to make the perfect tartar sauce that’ll transform your meal into an unforgettable flavor experience.

  • Mayonnaise: For a creamier taste, choose traditional mayonnaise made with eggs. Avoid those that use preservatives or artificial flavors.
  • Sweet pickle relish: Look for a relish that uses natural ingredients with no preservatives. It should be finely chopped to blend seamlessly into your sauce.
  • Lemon juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the most vibrant flavor. Get it from a juicy lemon that’s plump and heavy.
  • Dill: Choose fresh dill to achieve a bright, aromatic flavor. It should be vibrant green with fragrant leaves.

📝 Note: You can find the full recipe with ingredients and measurements in the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Replace sweet pickle relish with dill relish for a more savory flavor.
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a tangier flavor and extra protein. If you’re vegan, use vegan mayo like avocado-based mayo.
  • For a zesty twist, add a bit of lemon zest or Dijon mustard.
  • Add extra flavor with some chopped capers for a briny punch or minced garlic for a savory kick. 
  • For a bit of crunch and sweetness, add finely diced onion or shallots.
  • Add a subtle smoky flavor with smoked paprika. If you want it spicy, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
  • I like to use dill, but you can experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley, tarragon, or chives.
  • Want it extra sweet? Drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup.
Can I make tartar sauce ahead of time?

Sure, you can, as long as you store it in an airtight container in the fridge! It actually tastes even better if you allow it to sit for a few hours or overnight, as the flavors have time to develop.

Why is my tartar sauce separating?

This sauce can separate if the mayo you used is too thin or you didn’t mix the ingredients properly. To achieve the best texture, use thick mayo and mix the sauce gently.

How To Make Tartar Sauce Recipe In 5 Minutes

Making tartar sauce requires no fancy equipment; just mixing, and voila—you’ve got the perfect creamy, tangy dip or spread ready.

In a medium bowl, combine mayo and sweet pickle relish (it’s where the magic happens—this combo provides that creamy, tangy base of your tartar sauce). Using a whisk, stir the ingredients together until well combined.

A bowl of creamy white sauce sits on a marble countertop. Surrounding it are a wooden bowl, half a lemon, a whisk, a green checkered cloth, and fresh dill sprigs. The setting suggests preparation of a fresh, homemade dressing.

Stir in your fresh lemon juice (make sure it’s strained out with any seeds) and sprinkle the chopped fresh dill into the bowl with mayo and relish. Finally, add salt and pepper to taste.

A bowl of creamy white dip sits on a marble countertop. Nearby are a whisk, a wooden plate, a checkered green cloth, dill sprigs, and a slice of lemon, suggesting a fresh and homemade cooking setup.

Once all the ingredients are in, stir to combine everything evenly. Taste it one last time to ensure that you get the flavor that you want. Add more salt if it’s bland, more relish to make it sweeter, and more lemon juice to make it tangier.

After mixing, serve immediately or chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to improve the taste. You can serve the tartar sauce as a dip for crispy fried seafood, fries, or veggies. This condiment also works as a spread for sandwiches or seafood salad dressing.

A bowl of creamy sauce garnished with dill is surrounded by a whisk, a cut lemon, a wooden bowl, and a green checkered cloth on a marble countertop. Fresh dill is scattered nearby.

Gina’s Tips For Recipe Success

  • Use a rich and creamy mayo to make a good base for your tartar sauce.
  • Make sure to chop the ingredients finely to help distribute the flavors evenly throughout the sauce and make it smoother.
  • Taste as you go. This allows you to adjust the flavors (like adding more relish, lemon, or seasoning) in the way you like it.
  • If your sauce comes out too runny, add a bit more mayo. If it’s too thick, add a bit of lemon juice.
  • To infuse the flavors, refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving.
A bowl of creamy white sauce garnished with fresh dill, placed on a marble surface. A lemon half, a checkered cloth, and some dill sprigs are around the bowl.

Leftover Tips

Tartar sauce tastes the best when it’s fresh, so transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator as soon as possible. You can keep the sauce for up to 5 days in the fridge. I like to label the container with the date I made it to keep track of the time.

When you’re ready to serve, stir the sauce to help redistribute the ingredients and transform it back to its original creamy consistency.

⚖️ Need a big batch to feed a crowd? You can easily change the number of servings in the recipe card below by tapping 2x or 3x. The ingredient measurements will automatically double or triple. You can then tap print and there you have it, a recipe for a crowd.

Do you have a question about the recipe? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!

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A bowl of creamy white sauce garnished with fresh dill on a marble surface. A whisk, a wooden bowl, and a halved lemon are partially visible around the bowl. A green checkered cloth is on the side.

Homemade Creamy Tartar Sauce Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Tartar sauce is a must-have condiment for seafood lovers, and this easy homemade recipe delivers creamy, tangy flavor in just minutes. Made with simple ingredients like mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, fresh dill, and a splash of lemon juice, it’s the perfect companion for fried fish, shrimp, or even sandwiches. Forget the store-bought version—this quick recipe is fresher, tastier, and so simple to make.

Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.

Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine the vegan mayo and pickle relish.
    1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and chopped fresh dill.
    1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons fresh dill
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    Salt and pepper
  • Stir until everything is well combined.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

Gina’s Tips For Recipe Success
  • Use a rich and creamy mayo to make a good base for your tartar sauce.
  • Make sure to chop the ingredients finely to help distribute the flavors evenly throughout the sauce and make it smoother.
  • Taste as you go. This allows you to adjust the flavors (like adding more relish, lemon, or seasoning) in the way you like it.
  • If your sauce comes out too runny, add a bit more mayo. If it’s too thick, add a bit of lemon juice.
  • To infuse the flavors, refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 196kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 0.3g, Fat: 21g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 12mg, Sodium: 208mg, Potassium: 9mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 72IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 3mg, Iron: 0.1mg
Author: Gina Dickson
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