This recipe for homemade Dill Tartar Sauce has been a family favorite of ours for years and years, and if that's not enough, it's ready in 5 minutes or less! Grab your spoon! You're going to love using this creamy seafood condiment on SO many things!!
Leave the grocery store brands of tartar sauce on the shelves. Once you discover how easy it is to make your own, you'll never purchase those other sauces again!
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Tartar sauce with dill, sweet relish, and Old Bay seasoning is especially tasty when served alongside my homemade Fried Tilapia. It's the perfect cool and creamy addition to a hot, crunchy golden fish fillet.
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The ingredient list:
*Please note that the exact measurements along with a new "shop the recipe" feature from Instacart is available in the printable recipe card.
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Ingredient information
DILL WEED - This ingredient brings a fresh, bright flavor to this tartar sauce. Since dill is a common ingredient in many seafood recipes, it's also the perfect addition to this homemade seafood sauce. You'll see.
MAYONNAISE - Feel free to use your favorite brand of store-bought mayonnaise for this recipe. However, if you choose to use something like Miracle Whip (which has added sugar), I suggest cutting back on the amount of sweet pickle relish called for in the printable recipe.
SWEET RELISH - I like a slight touch of sweetness in my tartar sauce to counterpart and balance the creamy mayonnaise. If you prefer your tartar sauce to be more salty and savory, feel free to cut back on the amount of sweet relish used in this recipe. Always remember to taste as you go, starting with a small amount in the beginning and adjusting as you go. See substitution suggestions below.
DRIED ONION - This ingredient gives the tartar sauce a slight hit of onion flavor without being too intense or overwhelming. The onions will reconstitute and soften as the sauce sits and chills, and the ingredients can get to know each other better.
DIJON MUSTARD - Adding just a touch of acid to balance and brighten the result. This is an ingredient you don't want to leave behind. Taste as you go and add more if it suits you. See below for substitution suggestions.
OLD BAY SEAFOOD SEASONING - I like a slight touch of Old Bay seasoning whenever I make something that accompanies fish or seafood. It is a nice finishing touch to this tartar sauce and one that will take your sauce from good to "Mmmm, what is the ingredient that makes your homemade sauce so different and delicious?" - Feel free to use your favorite brand of seafood seasoning.
How long will homemade tartar sauce last
Since this particular recipe uses store-bought mayonnaise, it will keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 months if stored in an airtight container.
However, if you plan to use homemade mayonnaise for this recipe, please note that the storage time in the refrigerator decreases significantly to only five to seven days due to the use of raw, unpasteurized eggs.
Substitution suggestions
Although I never have, I'm sure vegan mayonnaise will work well in this recipe.
If you want to make an eggless, mayonnaise-free tartar sauce, I suggest using plain Greek yogurt or sour cream as the base. The end product will be tangier than mayonnaise but still cool and creamy.
Feel free to substitute dill pickle relish for the sweet in this tartar sauce for a more pronounced vinegary and tangy dill flavor.
Not a fan of dill weed? No worries. Swap out the dill for fresh parsley, chopped cilantro, fennel fronds, or even tarragon.
If you'd prefer to use freshly mined onion instead of dried onion, that's no problem. I suggest adding a finely minced red or sweet onion to taste. Of course, you can forgo the onion if that is your preference.
As far as the Old Bay Seafood seasoning, feel free to omit it altogether or switch it out with your favorite seafood seasoning blend. Remember that a little goes a long way, so I only added a slight touch to this recipe. It's a subtleness that doesn't hit you over the head. It whispers quietly in the background. Feel free to adjust the amount you use depending on your preference.
Lastly, the Dijon mustard is the ingredient that brings the sauce together regarding brightness and balance. If you'd like to substitute another type of mustard, feel free to do so, but use it sparingly. Certain mustards can sometimes take over a dish, and that's all you will taste. You don't want that. Dry mustard will also work. Remember to taste as you go.
Tartar sauce add-in suggestions
- capers, chopped or whole
- lemon zest
- orange zest
- lime zest
- shallots, minced
- parsley, chopped
- celery seed
- minced celery
- mashed avocado
- chopped cilantro
- ground coriander
- lemon pepper
FAQs
Yes it does. Since this particular recipe is store-bought mayonnaise-based tartar sauce, you need to treat it just as you do mayonnaise in your refrigerator. Store this in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. *See the above information if using homemade mayonnaise.
Yes. You'll want to use more of the fresh herb to achieve the best flavor because dried herbs are more intense in flavor.
As written, this recipe makes approximately 2 cups of dill tartar sauce. You can easily decrease or increase the recipe to make less or more as you require.
In a word. No.
That said, you most likely won't eat it directly with a spoon (at least, I don't recommend it), so use it sparingly to control the calorie count.
How to make dill tartar sauce
It seriously couldn't be easier, and that's why it only takes 5 minutes or less.
Place all the ingredients into a medium-sized bowl and stir until thoroughly combined. Spoon the mixture into an airtight container with a lid, and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Serving suggestions
-I like to use this tartar sauce on so many different things. It may sound odd, but I like to use it as a replacement for cocktail sauce when eating cooked shrimp.
-I also like to dip French fries and roasted baby potatoes in it for an extra decadent treat.
-Of course, don't forget to use it with any fish (fried, baked, broiled), as it makes a delicious accompaniment, especially to salmon and tuna.
-Use it as a sandwich spread, no matter what sandwich you make.
-Use it as the base for a potato or pasta salad, or stir it into mashed potatoes.
-Stir it into egg salad, chicken salad, or tuna salad.
-Use it as a dip for coated chicken tenders or fish sticks.
-You can even thin the sauce by adding milk or water and make an unexpected dressing for a greens salad if you wish.
-And while we're at it, why not top your baked potato with dill tartar sauce?
There. I'll bet you didn't see all those ideas coming - or maybe you did! LOL
How many extra ways will YOU use this homemade condiment?
Recipes for using dill tartar sauce
Hungry for a Friday night fish fry but want to avoid paying restaurant prices? My Homemade Fried Tilapia recipe is crispy, crunchy, and utterly delicious.
These Roasted Baby Potatoes are creamy in the center and golden brown and crispy on the outside. Pair all that deliciousness with dill tartar sauce, and you have the perfect side dish or even a fun and unusual party appetizer!! YUM!!
Here's a super simple way to make delicious fish at home. Air Fryer Potato Crusted Cod is light and flavorful and will be on the dinner table in 20 minutes.
⭐If you've made this recipe, or are excited to make this recipe, I'd appreciate it if you'd take a moment to leave it a star rating on the recipe card, along with a comment if you're so inclined. Thank you. 🙂
Printable Recipe Card
Homemade Dill Tartar Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cups mayonnaise your favorite variety
- 2 teaspoons dried dill weed
- 2½ tablespoons sweet pickle relish or to taste
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dehydrated onion
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ⅛ teaspoon Old Bay seafood seasoning or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon coarse salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients into a large mixing bowl and stir well to combine. Refrigerate for 1 hour for best flavor.
Notes
Nutrition
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I hope that you've enjoyed my recipe for homemade tartar sauce as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!!
Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you'll come back and visit me often. There is always room for you around my table!
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Jenn says
This is simply wonderful Renee - thanks for the recipe! I've been wanting to make my own tartar sauce forever now.
Renée says
My pleasure, Jenn!
Take good care,
Renee
Michelle says
This turned out great and tasted super fresh! Served it with some breaded cod we cooked in the air fryer. Highly recommend!
Renée says
Glad to hear it. Thanks for letting me know!
Take care,
Renee
Josie Smith says
I will definitely try this recipe Renee, using fresh dill and my garlic dill mustard.
Renée says
Niiice! Fresh dill is one of my favorites, but I don't always have it on hand.
Enjoy, Josie!