Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients: grate enough yellow or sweet onion to measure 1 tablespoon; chop enough fresh dill to measure 1/2 to 1 tablespoon; lightly drain the sweet and/or dill pickle relish so a little liquid remains; drain the brined non‑pareil capers.
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup lightly drained pickle relish, 1 tablespoon grated onion, 1 tablespoon drained chopped capers, and 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard.
- Add 1/2 tablespoon of the chopped fresh dill to the bowl and stir everything until evenly combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: add 1/2 to 3 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice to taste, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon granulated sugar if you want a touch of sweetness, and up to the remaining dill (to total 1/2 to 1 tablespoon). Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste — add salt sparingly because the relish and capers are already salty. Stir and re‑taste after each addition.
- Cover the tartar sauce and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (preferably 2–4 hours or overnight) to let the flavors meld.
- Store tightly covered in the refrigerator for 5–7 days. Serve chilled with your favorite seafood dishes or vegetables.
Notes
Notes
Relish:
Depending on how sweet vs. savory you like your Tartar Sauce, you can use all dill pickle relish, all sweet relish, or a 50/50 combination of the two (my family’s favorite).
Onions:
Sweet onion, like Vidalia, will add a milder onion flavor to the sauce. Yellow onion will be a bit sharper and more savory. Grate the onion on a microplane or the large holes of a box grater.
Dill, Lemon Juice, and Sugar:
I’ve given a range for these ingredients because the amount you need will vary based on the type of relish you’ve used (dill vs. sweet, as well as flavor variations between brands) and your personal sweetness/tanginess preferences.
Start with the smaller amounts listed of these ingredients and adjust as needed—it’s always easier to add more when seasoning than to take away!
Relish:
Depending on how sweet vs. savory you like your Tartar Sauce, you can use all dill pickle relish, all sweet relish, or a 50/50 combination of the two (my family’s favorite).
Onions:
Sweet onion, like Vidalia, will add a milder onion flavor to the sauce. Yellow onion will be a bit sharper and more savory. Grate the onion on a microplane or the large holes of a box grater.
Dill, Lemon Juice, and Sugar:
I’ve given a range for these ingredients because the amount you need will vary based on the type of relish you’ve used (dill vs. sweet, as well as flavor variations between brands) and your personal sweetness/tanginess preferences.
Start with the smaller amounts listed of these ingredients and adjust as needed—it’s always easier to add more when seasoning than to take away!