Easy Homemade Tartar Sauce

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This Easy Homemade Tartar Sauce is the creamy, tangy dip your seafood has been craving. It blends bright lemon, fresh dill, and crisp pickles into a mayo-based sauce that’s far superior to any store-bought jar. It’s fast, fresh, and ridiculously easy to make—perfect for dipping, dolloping, or drizzling.

Whether you’re frying up fish sticks for a weeknight dinner or serving crispy zucchini fries at a party, this tartar sauce adds the perfect punch of flavor. Once you try this homemade version, you may never go back to the bottled stuff.

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What Makes This Tartar Sauce So Good?

The secret is in the freshness. Most store-bought tartar sauces rely on sugar and preservatives to hold flavor. This one gets its zip from a splash of lemon juice and plenty of chopped dill pickles. Plus, adding fresh dill takes the flavor from ordinary to unforgettable.

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Ingredients for the Easy Homemade Tartar Sauce

• Mayonnaise: The rich, creamy base that holds it all together. Use high-quality mayo for best results.
• Dill Pickles: Adds that signature briny crunch. Use finely chopped pickles or pickle relish.
• Fresh Dill: Gives a clean, herbaceous pop that complements seafood beautifully.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens everything up and balances the richness of the mayo.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds depth and a slight tang.
• Capers (optional): For extra brininess and a salty bite.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste, bringing all the flavors into harmony.

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How To Make the Easy Homemade Tartar Sauce

Step 1: Chop and Measure

Finely chop your dill pickles and fresh dill. Measure out your lemon juice, mayo, and mustard. If you’re using capers, chop those too.

Step 2: Mix It Up

In a mixing bowl, combine the mayo, pickles, dill, lemon juice, mustard, and capers (if using). Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Season to Taste

Add salt and pepper gradually, tasting as you go. Adjust lemon juice or mustard if you like it tangier.

Step 4: Chill Before Serving

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. It gets even better after a few hours.

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How to Serve and Store Tartar Sauce

This tartar sauce shines as a dip for crispy fish, but it’s also excellent with grilled shrimp, crab cakes, or roasted vegetables. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before each use as ingredients may settle.

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What to Serve With Easy Homemade Tartar Sauce?

Fried Fish or Fish Sticks

This is a classic pairing for a reason. Whether you make them from scratch or use frozen, the tangy sauce is the perfect complement.

Crab Cakes

The creamy texture of the sauce balances out the richness of the crab beautifully.

Zucchini Fries

These crispy, veggie-forward bites love a good dunk in tartar sauce.

Fried Green Tomatoes

For a Southern twist, pair this sauce with crispy fried green tomatoes.

Grilled Shrimp

A lighter option that benefits from the brightness of the lemon-dill flavor.

Roasted Potatoes

A surprisingly tasty match. Think of it as an herby alternative to aioli.

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Want More Dip & Sauce Ideas?

If you love this zesty tartar sauce, check out these other tasty favorites:

• Easy Marinated Mushrooms Recipe for a tangy bite.
• Shrimp Butter Spread Recipe when you’re craving something rich.
• Refreshing Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes for a cool, crunchy side.
• Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad to pair with your seafood platter.
• Garlic Ritz Snacks to dip, crunch, and repeat.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe added a dash of hot sauce or extra lemon zest? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen.com on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.

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