Homemade Tartar Sauce
There’s something special about making your own condiments, and this is especially true for Homemade Tartar Sauce. I remember the first time I decided to whip up a batch of this creamy delight; it was a sunny afternoon, and the smell of fresh herbs filled my kitchen. I had just finished frying some crispy fish for lunch, and I wanted to create a perfect dipping sauce to complement it. That’s when I stumbled upon the idea of making my own tartar sauce, packed with flavor and freshness. The store-bought versions just couldn’t compare to the bright and zesty taste of a homemade batch!
By crafting your own Homemade Tartar Sauce, you can customize it to suit your unique taste. Whether you prefer a little extra dill or a tangier kick from the capers, the beauty of this recipe is in its flexibility. It’s like painting a masterpiece on a blank canvas; you can add flavors that resonate with your palate, making it truly your own. Plus, there’s an undeniable satisfaction that comes from serving something homemade, especially to family and friends. They’ll be asking for your delicious secret, and you can proudly share that you made it from scratch!
This tartar sauce is not just for fish; it pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, from crispy vegetables to savory fried snacks. The combination of Greek yogurt, mayo, and those delightful herbs creates a creamy texture that clings beautifully to whatever you’re dipping. So the next time you’re in the mood for a crunchy, savory treat, remember to whip up a batch of this Homemade Tartar Sauce and elevate your meal to a whole new level. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
Recipe Snapshot
60 mins
0 mins
0 mins
Medium
70 kcal
1 g
Keto, Gluten-Free, AIP
6 g
Blender, Whisk, Food Processor, Chef’s Knife
Why This Homemade Tartar Sauce Stands Out
It’s Incredibly Easy to Make
One of the best parts about this Homemade Tartar Sauce is its simplicity. You can whisk it together in just a few minutes with minimal effort and a handful of ingredients. There’s no need to stand over a hot stove or spend hours preparing. Just gather your ingredients, and you’re ready to go!
Customizable to Your Taste
This recipe is versatile and allows you to adjust the flavors to fit your preferences. If you love dill, add more! If you want a little heat, throw in some hot sauce. You’re in charge of crafting your ideal sauce, and that’s part of the fun.
Freshness You Can Taste
Unlike store-bought versions, this homemade tartar sauce is bursting with freshness. The use of Greek yogurt adds a creamy texture while keeping it light and flavorful. You can taste the difference, and your meals will benefit from that vibrant flavor!
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, preparing a picnic, or looking for a tasty dip for your fish and chips, this Homemade Tartar Sauce fits the bill perfectly. Its bright flavors make it an excellent addition to any meal, and you’ll find yourself making it time and again.
Healthier Than Store-Bought
Many commercial tartar sauces contain preservatives and artificial ingredients that you wouldn’t want in your food. By making your own, you can ensure that you’re using wholesome ingredients, allowing you to enjoy your meals without any guilt!
Recipe Ingredients for Homemade Tartar Sauce

When it comes to making a delicious Homemade Tartar Sauce, the choice of ingredients is crucial. Each element plays a specific role, adding depth and character to the sauce. The key players include the creamy base of Greek yogurt and mayo, complemented by the tang of dill pickle relish and the distinctive flavors of dill weed and capers. Together, they create a harmonious blend that enhances your favorite dishes.
- 2/3 cup plain Greek Yogurt: This is the main base that provides creaminess without overwhelming richness.
- 1/3 cup mayo: Adds a rich, creamy texture and balances the tanginess of the yogurt.
- 1/2 tsp. dill weed: This dried herb imparts a fresh, slightly sweet flavor that’s quintessential to the tartar sauce.
- 2 T capers, drained and finely chopped: These little burst of briny flavor elevate the sauce and provide a unique taste.
- 3 T dill pickle relish: Adds sweetness and crunch, creating a delightful contrast in texture.
- 1/2 tsp. Beau Monde Seasoning: A special seasoning blend that adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
Cooking Method for Homemade Tartar Sauce

Making Homemade Tartar Sauce is a simple and fun process. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can put this together, providing you with a fresh and delightful dip perfect for any meal. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a creamy, tangy sauce that everyone will love.
- Start by measuring out Greek yogurt and mayo into a mixing bowl. I like to use a medium-sized bowl for this, as it gives you enough space to whisk everything together without making a mess. The combination of these two ingredients forms the base of your Homemade Tartar Sauce, so ensure you get the proportions right. Whisk them together until smooth and creamy.
- Next, it’s time to add the dried dill weed. This is where you’ll start to notice the fragrant aroma filling your kitchen. Just sprinkle it in and whisk it all together. You’ll see the color change slightly as the herbs mix into the base.
- Now, grab your capers. Make sure they’re well-drained and finely chopped before adding them to the mixture. As you fold them in, you’ll notice the sauce taking on a delightful texture with little bursts of flavor. The capers will add a salty, briny flavor that balances out the creaminess.
- Next up, it’s time for the dill pickle relish. This ingredient not only adds sweetness but also a delightful crunch. Gently fold it into the mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. At this stage, taste a little bit of the sauce. You might find that you want to adjust the amount of relish based on your personal preference.
- Finally, sprinkle in the Beau Monde Seasoning. This seasoning blend is the secret weapon that takes your tartar sauce to the next level. Stir it in well, allowing its flavors to meld with the rest of the ingredients. Taste again and adjust any seasoning if needed.
- Once you’re satisfied with the flavor, transfer your Homemade Tartar Sauce into an airtight container. It’s best if you allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This resting period allows all the flavors to develop and intensify.
- When you’re ready to serve, give the sauce a good stir. You’ll find that it’s thickened slightly and is now ready for your favorite fish, fried vegetables, or anything else you desire!
- Enjoy your Homemade Tartar Sauce with a side of crispy fries or dolloped generously on a fish sandwich. You’ll love how this simple recipe elevates your meals!
- The leftovers can be stored in the fridge for about a week. Just ensure you keep it in a sealed container to maintain its freshness.
Things Worth Knowing
- Consistency Matters: Make sure your ingredients are well-mixed to achieve a uniform consistency. If using an immersion blender, blend just until combined to avoid over-processing.
- Flavor Balancing: Always taste as you go. Adjust the seasoning and flavors based on your preference, especially with the capers and relish.
- Resting Time: Allowing the sauce to chill in the fridge not only enhances the flavors but also thickens the sauce, making it more robust.
- Ingredient Quality: Using high-quality ingredients, especially the yogurt and mayo, can significantly improve the final flavor of your tartar sauce.
Variations to Try

There’s plenty of room to get creative with your Homemade Tartar Sauce. Try these variations to make it your own!
- Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a different flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños to give your sauce a bit of heat.
- Lemon Zest: Incorporating some fresh lemon zest can brighten the flavors and add a lovely citrus note.
- Smoky Flavor: A pinch of smoked paprika can introduce a delicious smoky element to your tartar sauce.
- Avocado Twist: Substitute half of the yogurt for mashed avocado for a creamy, nutritious twist.
- Sweet Twist: If you like a sweeter tartar sauce, consider adding a touch of honey or agave syrup.
Serve This Homemade Tartar Sauce With
When it comes to serving Homemade Tartar Sauce, the options are endless! This versatile sauce complements a wide array of dishes, making it a fantastic addition to your meals. Here are some great ideas:
- Fish and Chips: The classic pairing! Enjoy your crispy fried fish with a generous dollop of tartar sauce.
- Crab Cakes: A spoonful of this sauce enhances the flavor of crab cakes beautifully, adding a creamy and tangy contrast.
- Vegetable Fritters: Try it with your favorite veggie fritters for a fresh twist.
- Sandwiches: Use the sauce as a spread for fish sandwiches or even as a dip for shrimp po’boys.
- Picnics: It’s perfect for picnics! Bring it along with fried chicken or veggie platters for a refreshing dip.
- Seafood Platter: Serve it alongside a seafood platter, featuring shrimp, oysters, and crab for a delightful experience.
- Storage Tip: Keep leftover tartar sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it’ll stay fresh for about a week.
- Seasonal Pairing: This sauce works well alongside summer dishes, making it a great addition to your barbecue or picnic spreads!
FAQ
Conclusion
The beauty of Homemade Tartar Sauce lies in its fresh flavors and the satisfaction of crafting something delicious from scratch. It’s an easy recipe that can elevate your meals and impress your guests. I encourage you to give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!

Homemade Tartar Sauce
Equipment
- Blender
- Whisk
- Food Processor
- Chef's Knife
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup plain Greek Yogurt
- 1/3 cup mayo
- 1/2 tsp. dill weed
- 2 T capers, drained and finely chopped
- 3 T dill pickle relish
- 1/2 tsp. Beau Monde Seasoning
Instructions
- Start by measuring out Greek yogurt and mayo into a mixing bowl. I like to use a medium-sized bowl for this, as it gives you enough space to whisk everything together without making a mess. The combination of these two ingredients forms the base of your Homemade Tartar Sauce, so ensure you get the proportions right. Whisk them together until smooth and creamy.
- Next, it’s time to add the dried dill weed. This is where you’ll start to notice the fragrant aroma filling your kitchen. Just sprinkle it in and whisk it all together. You’ll see the color change slightly as the herbs mix into the base.
- Now, grab your capers. Make sure they’re well-drained and finely chopped before adding them to the mixture. As you fold them in, you’ll notice the sauce taking on a delightful texture with little bursts of flavor. The capers will add a salty, briny flavor that balances out the creaminess.
- Next up, it’s time for the dill pickle relish. This ingredient not only adds sweetness but also a delightful crunch. Gently fold it into the mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. At this stage, taste a little bit of the sauce. You might find that you want to adjust the amount of relish based on your personal preference.
- Finally, sprinkle in the Beau Monde Seasoning. This seasoning blend is the secret weapon that takes your tartar sauce to the next level. Stir it in well, allowing its flavors to meld with the rest of the ingredients. Taste again and adjust any seasoning if needed.
- Once you’re satisfied with the flavor, transfer your Homemade Tartar Sauce into an airtight container. It’s best if you allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This resting period allows all the flavors to develop and intensify.
- When you’re ready to serve, give the sauce a good stir. You’ll find that it’s thickened slightly and is now ready for your favorite fish, fried vegetables, or anything else you desire!
- Enjoy your Homemade Tartar Sauce with a side of crispy fries or dolloped generously on a fish sandwich. You’ll love how this simple recipe elevates your meals!
- The leftovers can be stored in the fridge for about a week. Just ensure you keep it in a sealed container to maintain its freshness.


