Make creamy and flavorful homemade tartar sauce in minutes with simple ingredients like mayonnaise, pickles, and fresh dill. This easy tartar sauce recipe is perfect for fried fish, shrimp, seafood, sandwiches, and dips. Quick to prepare, fridge-friendly, and packed with classic tangy flavor, it’s a must-have for seafood lovers and home cooks looking for a fresh, easy condiment.

Ingredients (Serves 8)

¾ cup mayonnaise (olive oil mayo works great)
¼ cup light or regular sour cream
¼ cup diced pickles or pickle relish (bread and butter, sweet, or dill)
1 tablespoon grated white or yellow onion
2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill
Juice of ½ lemon
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, pickles, grated onion, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Mix until smooth and well combined.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Storage

Transfer the tartar sauce to an airtight container or a small mason jar.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For best quality, consume within 2 weeks.

Notes

Mayonnaise: Regular or olive oil mayonnaise works best. Olive oil mayo offers lower fat and calories without compromising flavor.
Sour cream: Both light and regular sour cream work well; flavor differences are minimal.
Pickles: Use diced bread and butter, sweet, or dill pickles. Diced pickle chips can also be used in place of relish. Bread and butter pickles add a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavor.
Onion: Grate your onion to infuse flavor without leaving crunchy bits.
Dill: Fresh or dried dill provides the classic herb flavor that pairs perfectly with seafood.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy, tangy, and full of flavor — perfect for seafood or as a sandwich spread.
Quick to make with simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
Easily customizable to match your taste preferences.

Tips

Chill the sauce for at least an hour before serving for the best flavor.
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a bright, zesty taste.
Grating the onion avoids chunks and gives a smooth texture.

Variations and Substitutions

Mayonnaise: Swap for Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version.
Pickles: Try adding capers for a briny kick.
Herbs: Substitute dill with parsley or tarragon for a different twist.

FAQs

Q: How long does tartar sauce last?
A: Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it lasts 1 week, but it’s best within 2 weeks.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare a few hours in advance; the flavors improve after chilling.

Q: Can I freeze tartar sauce?
A: Freezing is not recommended, as it can affect the texture of mayonnaise and sour cream.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with fried or baked fish, shrimp, or seafood.
Use as a dip for fries, chicken tenders, or vegetable sticks.
Spread on sandwiches or burgers for added flavor.