Homemade Tartar Sauce with Pickle Relish

Few condiments elevate a dish quite like a tangy, creamy tartar sauce. When it’s made from scratch, the flavors are fresh, vibrant, and infinitely customizable. This Homemade Tartar Sauce with Pickle Relish recipe is no exception—it’s the perfect balance of creamy mayonnaise, zesty pickles, briny capers, and a hint of fresh dill and lemon. Whether you’re pairing it with crispy fish, seafood, or even as a dipping sauce for chicken nuggets, this sauce adds a bright, flavorful punch that store-bought versions simply can’t match. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up in just minutes using everyday ingredients.

Top Reasons to Make Homemade Tartar Sauce with Pickle Relish

• Freshness that shines: Homemade tartar sauce tastes noticeably fresher and more vibrant than anything you can buy pre-made.
• Customize to your liking: Adjust the amount of pickle relish, lemon juice, or dill to create your perfect flavor profile.
• Simple ingredients: You likely already have everything on hand—mayonnaise, pickle relish, onion, capers, mustard, lemon, and herbs.
• Versatile use: This sauce is excellent on fried or grilled fish, seafood, sandwiches, and even as a dip for appetizers like Air Fryer Pickle Brined Chicken Nuggets.
• Quick and easy: Ready in under 10 minutes with no cooking required.

What You’ll Gather

• 1 cup mayonnaise (such as Hellmann’s or Duke’s) – the creamy base that brings everything together.
• ½ to ¾ cup sweet and/or dill pickle relish (lightly drained, leaving a little liquid) – adds the signature tang and texture.
• 1 tablespoon grated yellow or sweet onion (Vidalia onions work wonderfully) – gives a subtle bite and natural sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon chopped brined non-pareil capers (drained) – boosts the briny, savory notes.
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard – adds a gentle sharpness to balance the sauce.
• 1 to 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill – for a fresh, herbaceous twist.
• ½ to 3 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (added to taste) – brightens the entire sauce with citrus zing.
• Up to 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional, added to taste) – balances acidity and rounds out flavors.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste) – essential seasoning to bring everything to life.

Toolbox for This Recipe

• Mixing bowl: A medium-sized bowl to combine all ingredients effortlessly.
• Measuring spoons and cups: For precision with your ingredients.
• Grater or microplane: To finely grate the onion for smooth texture.
• Knife and cutting board: For chopping fresh dill and capers.
• Spoon or small whisk: To thoroughly mix your sauce until creamy and uniform.

Directions: Homemade Tartar Sauce with Pickle Relish

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by draining your pickle relish lightly—leave just a bit of liquid for flavor, but avoid making the sauce too watery. Grate the yellow or sweet onion finely using a microplane or the small side of a box grater. Chop the brined non-pareil capers and fresh dill finely so they distribute evenly throughout the sauce. Squeeze fresh lemon juice and set aside.

Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, add 1 cup of mayonnaise, followed by ½ to ¾ cup of the lightly drained pickle relish. Add the grated onion and chopped capers. Stir gently to combine these foundational flavors.

Step 3: Add the Flavor Enhancers

Mix in ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 to 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill, and ½ to 3 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice—starting with less and adding more to taste. If you prefer a slight sweetness to balance the acidity, add up to 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar.

Step 4: Season and Adjust

Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix well and taste. Adjust any ingredient to your preference, whether it’s more lemon juice for brightness, more pickle relish for tang, or a pinch more sugar for balance.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, refrigerate your Homemade Tartar Sauce with Pickle Relish for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled alongside fried fish, seafood, or as a tangy dip for dishes like Summer Squash Zucchini Pickle Relish Dogs.

Dairy-Free/Gluten-Free Swaps

• Use a dairy-free mayonnaise alternative made from avocado oil or olive oil to keep it creamy without dairy.
• Ensure your pickle relish and capers are gluten-free by checking labels, as some brands add preservatives containing gluten.
• All other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it safe for most dietary needs.

Chef’s Rationale

This Homemade Tartar Sauce with Pickle Relish balances acidity, creaminess, and herbaceousness. Mayonnaise forms a rich, smooth base, while the pickle relish contributes crunch and tang. Grated onion provides subtle sweetness and complexity without overpowering the other flavors. Capers add a salty, briny depth, enhancing the overall taste profile. Dijon mustard introduces mild sharpness that cuts through the richness. Fresh dill and lemon juice brighten the sauce, making it refreshing and perfect for seafood pairings. The optional sugar smooths harsh edges, balancing the tartness. Seasoning with salt and pepper brings all elements together harmoniously.

Keep-It-Fresh Plan

• Store your Homemade Tartar Sauce with Pickle Relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It stays fresh for up to one week, making it perfect to prepare ahead for meals or gatherings.
• Always use a clean spoon to scoop out the sauce to prevent contamination.
• If the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration, stir in a teaspoon of water or lemon juice to loosen it before serving.

Common Questions

Can I use sweet pickle relish only, or should I mix it with dill?

You can absolutely use just sweet pickle relish if you prefer a sweeter, milder tartar sauce. Mixing sweet and dill pickle relish provides a more complex flavor with both tangy and sweet notes, but it’s entirely up to your taste preferences.

How long does homemade tartar sauce keep in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this tartar sauce will keep fresh for up to one week. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before using.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, chilling the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving helps the flavors meld beautifully. It can be made up to a day in advance for best results.

What can I substitute for fresh dill if I don’t have any?

If fresh dill isn’t available, you can substitute with dried dill, using about one-third the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, fresh parsley or chives can add a fresh herbal note, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Quick Weeknight Wins

• Pair this Homemade Tartar Sauce with crispy Air Fryer Pickle Brined Chicken Nuggets for a quick and delicious dinner.
• Use it as a topping for grilled fish tacos or pan-seared seafood for added zest and creaminess.
• Spread it on sandwiches or burgers to replace mayonnaise for a tangy twist.
• Serve alongside roasted or fried vegetables as a flavorful dipping sauce.

The Takeaway

Making your own Homemade Tartar Sauce with Pickle Relish is a game-changer for elevating everyday meals. It’s fresh, easy, and infinitely adaptable to your taste. The combination of mayo, pickle relish, onion, capers, mustard, dill, and lemon juice creates a perfectly balanced condiment that complements fish, seafood, and more. With minimal prep and everyday ingredients, this sauce brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen. Whether you’re dipping, spreading, or spooning it over your favorite dishes, this tartar sauce will quickly become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

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