Tartar Sauce Recipe with Dill
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This homemade tartar sauce recipe with dill is a creamy condiment that brings fresh flavor and versatility to your table. With simple ingredients like mayonnaise, dill pickles, and a touch of fresh lemon juice, it’s perfect for seafood recipes, from crispy fish fillets to crab cakes, and makes a delicious dip for french fries.

Why You’ll Love This Tartar Sauce Recipe
- Great for Meal Prep: Store it in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for a couple of days, making it ideal for busy weeknight meals or gatherings.
- Burst of Fresh Dill: Fresh dill and dill pickles make this sauce irresistible and perfect for enhancing fish sandwiches, crab cakes, and salmon burgers.
- Easy & Quick: All you need is a small mixing bowl and a few minutes to whisk everything together for a tartar sauce with the best flavor.
- Versatile: Use it as a sandwich spread, a dipping sauce for crispy oven fries, or as a perfect companion for your favorite fish dishes.
- Adjustable Ingredients: This recipe is a base that lets you experiment with optional ingredients like a hint of garlic powder, dried dill, or even a bit of dill pickle relish.
If you like this recipe, be sure to check out:
- Easy Baked Salmon – A delicious baked salmon recipe made with just a few ingredients.
- Best Teriyaki Sauce -This Best Teriyaki Sauce recipe is a tangy marinade I use for making beef and chicken teriyaki or fish.

Ingredients for easy homemade tartar sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mayonnaise
- Dill pickles finely chopped
- Fresh dill finely chopped
- Lemon juice

How to make this easy tartar sauce recipe
- In a medium-size bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, pickles, dill and lemon juice
- Add salt and pepper to taste and stir to combine
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator

Save The Recipe!
Tips for the Best Tartar Sauce Results
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh dill, lemon juice, and finely chopped pickles are key to creating a vibrant, fresh taste.
- Choose the Right Mayonnaise: A light mayo or a classic mayonnaise base works best to achieve that creamy texture without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Chill Before Serving: For optimal flavor, allow the sauce to sit in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours. This lets the flavors meld and creates the perfect consistency for dipping.
- Add Extra Ingredients: For additional flavor, consider an extra squeeze of lemon or a hint of Dijon mustard. A dash of Worcestershire sauce or a bit of dill pickle juice also adds a twist.
- Adjust to Taste: If you prefer a sweeter tartar sauce, add a touch of sweet pickle relish. For tanginess, a splash of pickle juice or lemon juice does the trick.
Substitutions and Variations
- Creamy Additions: For a smoother texture, mix in a bit of sour cream or plain yogurt. This works well if using the tartar sauce as a dipping sauce for sides like crispy oven fries or homemade fish sticks.
- Mayonnaise Alternatives: Swap out classic mayo for a lighter version, Miracle Whip, or even plain Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier sauce.
- Dill Variations: If fresh dill isn’t on hand, dried dill or dill weed can be used, though you may need less as it’s more concentrated.
- Add a Hint of Spice: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a sprinkle of black pepper, a pinch of onion powder, or some finely chopped red onion for extra zest.
- Sweet or Dill Pickles: You can use sweet pickles or dill relish, depending on your flavor preference. Sweet relish gives a hint of sweetness, while dill pickle relish keeps it tangy.
FAQs About Homemade Tartar Sauce
This tartar sauce stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It’s ideal for meal prep when making seafood recipes over several days.
Yes, you can replace dill pickles with sweet pickles, butter pickles, or dill relish. For a different flavor, try chopped red onion or a hint of garlic powder.
This homemade dill tartar sauce is versatile and goes wonderfully with fish sandwiches, salmon cakes, crab cakes, fish fillets, and even homemade fish sticks.
Absolutely. To make a tangy, creamy salad dressing, thin out the sauce with a bit of extra lemon juice or even a splash of pickle juice for a delicious twist on traditional salad dressings.
For added depth, try a few drops of Worcestershire sauce, a hint of dijon mustard, or finely chopped fresh parsley for a bright, herby flavor.
More yummy homemade sauces
- Easy Tartar Sauce Recipe – A perfect side sauce for fish or seafood.
- Homemade Teriyaki Sauce – An AMAZING homemade teriyaki sauce recipe!
- Easy Homemade Steak Marinade – my favorite marinade for beef steaks.
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Tartar Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup dill pickles finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. In a medium-size bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, pickles, dill and lemon juic
- 2. Add salt and pepper to taste and stir to combine
- 3. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator
Nutrition
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I love a good tartar sauce. It reminds me of summer and being together with people. Both nice thoughts for right now! Plus I love dill seasoning.
Dill is one of my favorites too!
Delicious!!!
This Tartar Sauce recipe sounds delightful. I love a good tartar sauce.
Visiting today from Funtastic Friday #63,64&65
Thank you! We love it!