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Easy Homemade Tartar Sauce with Pickle Relish photo

Homemade Tartar Sauce with Pickle Relish

This Homemade Tartar Sauce is SO DELICIOUS! Creamy and tangy, it's the perfect dip for seafood, fries, and more!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup mayonnaise (such as Hellmann's or Duke's for creaminess)
  • ½ cup sweet and/or dill pickle relish (lightly but not completely drained)
  • 1 tablespoon grated yellow or sweet onion (I use Vidalia for its sweetness)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped brined non-pareil capers (drained)
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (for a subtle kick)
  • 1 to 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (to taste)
  • 1 to 3 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (added to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional, added to taste)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, add 1 cup of mayonnaise. This creamy base will set the stage for all the delicious flavors to come.
  2. Stir in ½ cup of sweet and/or dill pickle relish. Make sure it’s lightly drained but still has a bit of liquid to keep the sauce moist.
  3. Add 1 tablespoon of grated onion, 1 tablespoon of chopped brined capers, and ½ teaspoon of Dijon mustard. These ingredients will enhance the tartar sauce with layers of flavor.
  4. Chop 1 to 1 tablespoon of fresh dill and add it to the mixture. Then squeeze in 1 to 3 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, adjusting to your taste preference.
  5. If desired, stir in 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar to balance the flavors. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Using a whisk or spoon, mix all the ingredients together until well combined and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
  7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the tartar sauce to an airtight container. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve with your favorite seafood or as a sandwich spread!

Notes

  • Swap half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
  • Use red onion instead of yellow for a bolder flavor.
  • Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a unique flavor.