Forget about the bland store-bought tartar sauce. We’ve got the ultimate recipe that will make you fall in love with tartar sauce all over again. I’ll share my secret family recipe that has been passed down for generations.

Are you tired of the same old, uninspiring tartar sauce that comes in a jar? Do you find yourself contemplating if it’s even worth adding to your seafood? If so, get ready to have your taste buds reawakened. I have the ultimate recipe for tartar sauce that will make you fall in love with this condiment all over again. Passed down through generations in my family, this secret ingredient makes ALL the difference!
The Secret Ingredient
Want to know what takes tartar sauce from ordinary to extraordinary? It’s fresh Dill! Incorporating dill into your tartar sauce recipe adds a unique flavor profile that perfectly complements seafood dishes. It provides a fresh, tangy taste that is not too overpowering, making it an excellent herb for this sauce.

Here are the must-have ingredients for your homemade tartar sauce:
- Mayonnaise – Use a quality mayonnaise without any added flavors.
- Dill Pickles – Finely chop dill pickles for a tangy flavor and crunchy texture. You can substitute sweet pickle relish.
- Fresh Dill – This is the secret ingredient! Fresh dill adds
- Lemon Juice – Use fresh lemon juice to add a zesty and citrusy flavor.
- Salt and Pepper – For the final touch, season with salt and pepper to taste.
The Dill adds a subtle sweetness and earthy citrus flavor that complements and brings out the flavors of seafood. You may also notice that most tartar sauce recipes use Dill pickles, specifically for this reason.

Storage and Uses
Storage: Keep your homemade tartar sauce fresh and delicious by storing it properly. It’s best to keep it refrigerated in an airtight container and consume within a week. This will ensure that your tartar sauce stays fresh and free of bacteria.
Serving: When it comes to serving, tartar sauce is a versatile condiment that can complement a variety of dishes. It pairs perfectly with seafood like:
HOMEMADE TARTAR SAUCE RECIPE
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How to make Tartar sauce
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
Description
Forget about the generic store-bought tartar sauce. We’ve got the ultimate recipe that will make you fall in love with tartar sauce all over again.Â
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Mayonnaise
- ÂĽ Cup Dill pickles, finely chopped (or relish)
- 1 Tbsp. Fresh Dill, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, pickles, dill and lemon juice
- Add salt and pepper to taste and stir to combine
- Store in airtight container in refrigerator
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
Just like my mom makes it! You HAVE TO add the dill.