Name: Homemade Tartar Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise; 1⁄4 cup sour cream; 1⁄4 cup finely chopped dill pickles; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon capers (optional); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste

If you’ve only ever had tartar sauce from a bottle, get ready to meet its more flavorful, fresher cousin: homemade tartar sauce. It’s creamy, zesty, and loaded with just the right mix of tang and crunch. Once you make your own, there’s no going back. It takes just minutes to whip up and is perfect for transforming everyday meals into something extra special.

This easy-to-make condiment elevates everything from fish sticks to crab cakes. You control the texture, flavor, and freshness. And the best part? You likely already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Tartar Sauce

Homemade tartar sauce is miles ahead of the jarred kind. It’s brighter thanks to fresh lemon juice, crunchier from the addition of pickles, and creamier with the right balance of mayo and sour cream. It’s incredibly versatile, too, working as a dip, spread, or drizzle for a wide variety of dishes. Plus, it comes together in under 10 minutes!

What Kind of Pickles Should I Use?

The best pickles for tartar sauce are classic dill pickles or cornichons. Avoid sweet pickles or bread-and-butter styles as their sugary flavor can throw off the savory balance. Finely chopped pickles are best—you want them to blend smoothly with the creamy base while still adding pops of acidity and crunch.

Ingredients for the Homemade Tartar Sauce

A great tartar sauce needs just a handful of key ingredients that you probably already have in your fridge or pantry. Each one brings its own magic to the mix.

Mayonnaise: The creamy base that binds everything together and gives the sauce its signature richness.
Sour Cream: Adds a slight tang and smooth consistency, making the sauce feel lighter on the palate.
Dill Pickles: Finely chopped for texture and acidity—the unmistakable crunch makes each bite interesting.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens everything and adds that essential citrus zing.
Dijon Mustard: Adds depth and a subtle sharpness that cuts through the creaminess.
Capers: Optional but highly recommended for a salty, briny pop.
Fresh Dill: Lends a fresh, herby note that balances the richness.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, bringing out the full flavor of the other ingredients.

How To Make the Homemade Tartar Sauce

Step 1: Mix the Base

In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise and sour cream. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Add the Crunch

Stir in the finely chopped dill pickles, making sure they’re evenly distributed.

Step 3: Flavor Boost

Add the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, capers, and fresh dill. Mix well.

Step 4: Season

Taste the mixture and season with salt and pepper as needed. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.

How to Serve and Store Homemade Tartar Sauce

This recipe makes enough tartar sauce to serve 6 to 8 people, depending on how you’re using it. It works beautifully with fried fish, grilled shrimp, roasted veggies, or even as a sandwich spread.

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 1 week. Stir before serving each time as natural separation may occur.

What to Serve With Tartar Sauce?

Classic Fish and Chips

You can’t beat this pairing. The crispiness of battered fish with cool, tangy tartar sauce is a match made in food heaven.

Crab Cakes

Spoon it right over or serve on the side for dipping. It complements the sweetness of the crab perfectly.

Fried Green Tomatoes

Tartar sauce gives a creamy counterpoint to the crunchy coating and tart flavor of the tomatoes.

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Brushed on or used for dipping, this adds a cool zing to hot-off-the-grill seafood.

Veggie Sandwiches

Use it in place of mayo for a more exciting layer of flavor.

Fish Tacos

Drizzle it on top of crispy fish tacos instead of crema or salsa.

French Fries

Try swapping your usual ketchup for tartar sauce as a rich and creamy dipping choice.

Roasted Potatoes

Give roasted baby potatoes a little upgrade with a side of this herby dip.

Want More Sauce and Dip Ideas?

If you love this homemade tartar sauce, try exploring these other flavor-packed creations:

Creamy Cajun Cream Sauce for bold Southern-style dishes.
Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce for a lighter twist on cream sauce.
Classic Caprese Salad Recipe if you’re after fresh herbs and acidity in another form.
Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl which features creamy sauces that pair well with protein.
Irresistible Grilled Salmon where tartar sauce could absolutely be a welcome condiment.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can come back to it whenever the craving hits.

And if you make this tartar sauce, I’d love to hear how it went. Did you tweak the herbs or add a new ingredient? Maybe a dash of hot sauce? Share your spin in the comments below.

Explore more small-batch, flavor-forward sauces and condiments on Janet Dishes on Pinterest.