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I’m always on a quest to reduce the number of half-used bottles of sauce in my fridge (the struggle is real…) Instead of buying every single sauce under the sun, I keep a few basic condiments on hand so I can make any other homemade sauce whenever I want and in whatever quantity I need. This Homemade Tartar Sauce is the perfect example. I don’t eat tartar sauce often, but when enjoying homemade fish sticks, it’s an absolute must! It takes just a few minutes to whip up, uses only six (or less!) pantry and fridge staples, and I can make any amount that I need with NO leftovers. #win
“Wow! This sauce is just awesome! I used to mix only mayo and relish to go with my fish sticks but this is much much better! Thank you for sharing all your ideas!”
Valérie
Easy Tartar Sauce Recipe
Tartar sauce is a rich and tangy mayonnaise-based sauce that pairs perfectly with fish and seafood, and honestly, it’s one of the easiest condiments to whip up at home. I lighten mine up some by mixing the mayonnaise with plain yogurt, then all you need is dill relish, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and a pinch of dried dill for flavor. If your fridge looks anything like mine, you probably have everything you need already!
Tartar Sauce
Servings 5 (about ¼ cup each)Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (see notes, $0.67)
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt (see notes, $0.53)
- 1/4 cup dill relish ($0.32)
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard ($0.02)
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice ($0.06)
- 1/2 tsp dried dill ($0.05)
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a bowl and stir to combine. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to five days.
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Notes
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe?Mention @budgetbytes or tag #budgetbytes on Instagram!How to Make Tartar Sauce – Step By Step Photos
Combine the ingredients: All you have to do to make tartar sauce is stir together ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup plain yogurt (or just do 1 cup total mayonnaise), ¼ cup dill relish, 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 Tbsp lemon juice, and ½ tsp dried dill.
Stir it all together and you’re good to go! You can store this sauce in the fridge for up to five days. If you prefer a thicker sauce, use Greek-style yogurt, or skip the yogurt and use all mayonnaise.
Serve with your favorite seafood, roasted vegetables, or even as a sandwich spread!
What Else Can I add?
This easy tartar sauce recipe is a great base that can then be modified to fit your taste buds or other ingredients you may have on hand. That’s just one reason why I love it! Try adding these ingredients to customize your sauce:
- Try adding a dash or two of hot sauce or a small spoonful of horseradish for some kick!
- Got leftover capers? Stir them in for some extra briney flavor.
- Finely diced red onion would add even more crunch and savory flavor.
- Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for some more umami.
- Add a tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley for more freshness.
How to Serve Tartar Sauce
Tartar sauce is obviously great with fish sticks, crab cakes, and salmon patties, but I also think it’s delicious with chicken nuggets, oven-baked steak fries, or classic tuna patties. And since it’s simply a lemon-dill flavored mayonnaise, I also use it as a spread on sandwiches and wraps for lunch!
How to Store
This homemade tartar sauce will last about 4–5 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. However, how long it’ll keep will depend on the freshness of the ingredients you use (especially the yogurt), so do keep that in mind.
This made more than I needed, so I mixed the leftover sauce with chopped hard-boiled eggs to make egg salad for sandwiches.
Excellent! I usef cashew yogurt and added about a tsp of chopped capers and a tbsp of chopped onion. Perfection! 👌🏽
Can u substitute yogurt with sour cream?
I think that would work just fine!
Simple, delicious, lower calorie and cheaper than the bottled tartar sauces from my supermarket despite the fact that mayo keeps getting more expensive. Of course, it’s not hard to make that, either. I followed Lois’ suggestion to add chopped capers–LOVE capers!
We love raw onion around here so whenever I make a quick “tartar” sauce, I always add very finely chopped onion… SO good.
Wow! This sauce is just awesome! I used to mix only mayo and relish to go with my fish sticks but this is much much better! Thank you for sharing all your ideas!
i used too much mustard in mine so it was a pale yellow :( but it still went really well with my “flounder fish sticks” instead of tilapia (because that is what i already had) great ‘lighter’ recipe for a sauce though!!
…I thought Tartar sauce was just mayo and pickles? I mean, if it looks like a tartar sauce, walks like a tartar sauce, and quacks like a tartar sauce…
I totally hear you on the Hellman’s! Mayo is the ONLY thing I refuse to buy generic. It truly is the best. and can’t wait to try this sauce! I have to work through some serious left-overs before I make something new.
I’d add some chopped capers as well. Sounds yummy!