There is something deeply satisfying about making tartar sauce from scratch. This creamy, tangy condiment has been a staple alongside seafood for generations, and while the store-bought version is convenient, homemade tartar sauce delivers a freshness that jars simply cannot match. It is one of those small culinary upgrades that can elevate an entire meal, turning fried fish, shrimp, or even a simple fish sandwich into something far more memorable.
What makes tartar sauce so special is its balance of flavors. At its core, it combines the richness of mayonnaise with the bright tang of pickles or capers, a hint of acidity from lemon juice or vinegar, and subtle herbal notes from fresh dill or parsley. These elements work together to create a condiment that is creamy yet sharp, refreshing yet indulgent. The texture is just as important as the flavor, with bits of chopped pickle or onion providing a pleasant contrast to the smooth base.
One of the greatest advantages of making tartar sauce at home is the freedom to adjust it to your own taste. Love pickles? Add a little more. Prefer a milder tang? Ease up on the lemon juice. Want a bolder flavor? Include minced garlic or a dash of mustard. This flexibility means you can create a version that perfectly complements whatever dish you are serving, from classic fish and chips to baked salmon or even grilled vegetables.
Freshness is the key factor that sets homemade tartar sauce apart. The herbs taste brighter, the acidity feels livelier, and the overall flavor is cleaner. Since you are making it in small batches, you can avoid preservatives and control the salt content, making it both tastier and a bit healthier than most store-bought options.
Tartar sauce also happens to be incredibly versatile. While it is most often paired with seafood, it can serve as a dip for fries, a spread for sandwiches, or even a topping for roasted potatoes. It is one of those quiet kitchen heroes that proves how a good sauce can transform everyday dishes into something worth savoring. Once you experience how quick and rewarding it is to make, you may never go back to the pre-made kind again.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise Preferably homemade for best flavor
- 2 tablespoons pickles Finely chopped, use dill pickles for authenticity
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice Freshly squeezed preferred
- 1 tablespoon capers Chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill Chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Freshly ground
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chopped pickles, lemon juice, capers, Dijon mustard, and fresh dill.
- Stir well until all ingredients are fully mixed together.
- Season with salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve cold as a condiment with seafood dishes.
Nutrition
It’s okay, but I think it needs more lemon juice. Mine tasted a bit bland.
Bland? I don’t know what you talking about, this sauce is flavor bomb! Must be your making skills!
I think you’re right! It could definitely use a bit more lemon to brighten it up. I usually add more to mine too.
This is the best tartar sauce I’ve ever made! So fresh and tangy, I loved it!
Soo good! The homemade mayo made a huge difference! Can’t go back now!
I not like dill, so I used sweet pickles instead. It was… interesting??
How is this from scratch? Mayonnaise is store-bought. Doesn’t count!
Yum! I used it with fish and chips, went great together! Gonna make again!
Just OK, tasted better on the second day, but not worth making again.
Good recipe overall. I used fresh dill from my garden, taste so much better than dried. 👍
This was awesome! I added a bit more lemon juice for extra zing. Perfect with my fried fish.
This tartar sauce was delicious! Perfect with my fried fish, just the right tang.
Mmm, made this for my fish tacos. Big hit with the family! Will def make again.
Hmmm, I don’t know about making tartar sauce from scratch. It seems simpler to just grab a bottle from the store. How much different can it really be?
Glad to hear it was a hit! Tartar sauce really adds a nice touch to fish tacos. Definitely gonna try this recipe myself!
Not sure about this. I used store-bought mayo because I ain’t got time to make my own. It tasted weird.
Nah, store-bought mayo is fine. Who has time to make their own? Tastes good enough for me! 😄
Using store-bought mayo can really change the taste of recipes, I get it! It’s worth giving homemade a try when you have the time. You’ll see the difference!
Delish! Reminds me of the tartar sauce my grandma used to make. So glad I found this recipe!
I think this should be easier, it’s just mayo and pickles! Why bother making it from scratch? Canned stuff is fine.
Added some garlic powder to the mix and it was fire! 🔥
Yikes! This was way too sour for my taste! Can’t recommend it. 🙁
I totally agree! I found it really tangy too. Maybe less lemon next time? 🤔
Sour? Really? I thought it was perfect! Maybe your lemon was too strong? 🤷♂️
The recipe is good but capers are too salty for me. Next time, I might skip them.
This is NOT how you make tartar sauce! What happened to the ketchup?
Just ok. My friend said it was too much mustard or something. I dunno, but I’m gonna stick to the jar stuff.
I get what you mean! I’ve seen people go too heavy on the mustard too. Just stick with what you are comfortable with, right?
Can I use sweet pickles instead of dill? Don’t have dill, just curious.
No capers in my fridge so I skipped them. Not sure what they add but it was fine!
Skipping the capers? That’s brave! They do give a nice briny flavor, but I’m glad it worked out for you anyway!
Lemon juice? Did you mean lemonade? Seems weird but I tried it and loved it!
My wife said it was too sour. I guess fresh ingredients can be a hit or miss!
I think fresh ingredients usually taste best! Maybe just use less lemon juice next time?
Too sour? Sounds like someone don’t know how to cook! Just follow the recipe better, maybe?
I used relish instead of chopped pickles since I was out. Still turned out great, I think!
Using relish is a genius idea! Flavors can be so similar sometimes. Glad it turned out good for you!
5 stars for being quick and yummy! My kids loved it with their fish sticks.
I’m glad your kids enjoyed it! Tartar sauce is so versatile. I love using it with fries too!
Quick? Really? Seems a bit complicated for just some sauce. Might just stick to store-bought.
I don’t see what the big deal is… tastes like glorified mayonnaise to me.
It tastes like… umm, something! I guess it’s okay but not what I expected. Just ok.
Honestly, I prefer just ketchup. This seems too complicated for some sauce!
I get it, ketchup is easy! But this tartar sauce has so much more flavor. It’s worth the try!
Easy to make but it took a lot longer for me to mix than I thought…
I found it super quick! Maybe just need to use a bigger bowl next time?
I added garlic powder and it was sooo good! This recipe is a keeper! 🙌
Just okay. My kids didn’t like it at all. They prefer the store-bought stuff. 😩
This tartar sauce is amazing! So easy to make and way better than store-bought!
I wasn’t sure about using dill pickles, but it turned out really good. I love it!
Really? I dunno about pickles in sauce… Seems weird. But I guess it works for some folks.
I was skeptical about the dill pickles too, but you nailed it! It’s a perfect kick for the sauce. Great job!
It was too salty for me, maybe I did something wrong? But the flavor was alright. Just okay.
So easy to make! But I used store-bought mayo and it tasted kinda off. Not sure if it’s better homemade. 🤔
Kinda skeptical about adding capers, but it turned out okay. Not my favorite tho.
I hear you! Capers can be hit or miss. I usually skip them too, but my partner loves them. Glad it turned out okay!
This tartar sauce is the bomb! I used it with fried fish and it was perfect! Highly recommend! 😋
Really? I found it a bit too tangy for my taste. Maybe I did something wrong? 🤔
I totally agree! This sauce kicks store-bought stuff to the curb! 👏
Can you use sweet pickles instead? My husband likes them better but not sure it will be the same.