Tartar sauce reminds me of weekends by the coast with my family, enjoying fish and chips. I didn't realize how much better it could be until I made my own tartar sauce recipe.

Recipe

That's why I started working on my own homemade tartar sauce recipe using ingredients I already had in the kitchen.

I kept it simple, mayonnaise for creaminess, a touch of Dijon mustard for a gentle kick, lemon juice for brightness, and plenty of chopped dill.

Of course, finely diced gherkins and capers give it that punchy bite you expect from a good tartar sauce recipe.

After a few tries, I found the perfect balance. It only takes a bit of chopping and mixing, and once chilled, it's ready to bring any dish to life.

Whether it's spooned over crispy fish fillets, served alongside roasted potatoes, or spread on a sandwich, this easy tartar sauce recipe adds freshness and creaminess in every bite.

The Worcestershire sauce gives a subtle depth, while the fresh dill keeps it light and herby.

I always chop the gherkins and capers finely so the texture stays smooth and every mouthful is balanced.

It's one of those quick tartar sauce recipes I like to make ahead for weekend dinners or small gatherings.

A spoonful can make the simplest meal taste more special, and it keeps beautifully in the fridge, ready to enjoy all week.

Jump to:

⭐Why You'll Love This Tartar Sauce Recipe
🧾Tartar Sauce Ingredients
👩🏻‍🍳How to Make Tartar Sauce
🍽 What to Serve with Tartar Sauce
💭Tips for Recipe Success
🍛More Sauce Recipes to Try!
🍛More Appetizer Recipes!
📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

⭐Why You'll Love This Tartar Sauce Recipe

Full of Fresh Flavor: The combo of dill, lemon, and gherkin makes this sauce bright and refreshing.
Quick to Make: Just a few minutes of chopping and mixing; no cooking required.
Easy to Customize: This tartar sauce recipe can be easily tweaked, you can add more lemon, mustard, or dill depending on your taste.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It tastes even better after resting in the fridge for a while.
Great with so Many Dishes: Fish, fries, crab cakes, sandwiches; you name it.

🧾Tartar Sauce Ingredients

Here's what you need to make this Tartar Sauce recipe:

Mayonnaise: This is the creamy base that brings everything together in this tartar sauce recipe. I stick with classic full-fat mayo for the richest, smoothest texture, so it makes the sauce feel luxurious without being heavy.
Pickled Gherkin: I use just one small gherkin; it's the perfect amount to add a little crunch and tang without overwhelming the sauce. I always chop it finely so it blends in smoothly.
Capers: These little gems add a bold, briny flavor that really lifts the sauce. I chop them super fine so they're in every bite without being overpowering.
Fresh Dill: I always go for fresh dill here; it gives the sauce a clean, herby flavor that dried dill just can't match, because it's one of my favorite touches.
Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon brightens everything up because I love how it cuts through the richness and gives the sauce that fresh, zesty kick.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a subtle depth that rounds everything out. It's one of those background flavors that you don't really notice, but you'd miss if it wasn't there.
Dijon Mustard: I add just a touch for a gentle warmth and tang. It pairs so nicely with the dill and lemon, giving the sauce a little edge.
Salt: Just enough to bring all the flavors together. I like to add a little, taste, and adjust if needed; it depends on how salty the capers are.
Black Pepper: A small sprinkle adds a bit of warmth and ties the flavors together. I always add it last, then taste and adjust.

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

👩🏻‍🍳How to Make Tartar Sauce

These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.

1. In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, chopped gherkin, capers, fresh dill, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper

2. Mix everything until well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed with more salt, lemon juice, or black pepper.

3. For best result, cover the sauce and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to blend the flavors. I am sure you will enjoy trying this tartar sauce recipe.

🍽 What to Serve with Tartar Sauce

Forget the store-bought stuff, try homemade tartar sauce with your favorite Lemon Pepper Chicken, Chicken Kiev, Crispy Fried Chicken, or Crab Cake.

It's also a must-have with my Tuna Croquettes, Chicken Croquettes, or Potato Croquettes.

I love pairing tartar sauce with potatoes. It's fantastic with Bubble Potato Pillow, Crispy Smashed Potatoes, Air Fryer Potato Wedges, or even Potato Tacos.

💭Tips for Recipe Success

Dry off the Capers and Gherkin before Chopping: I like to pat them with a paper towel first; it keeps the sauce from turning watery and helps the flavors stay concentrated.

Use a Glass or Ceramic Bowl: I've noticed the sauce tastes fresher when mixed in a non-metal bowl, especially with lemon juice in the mix.

Make it a Day Ahead: I actually prefer making this tartar sauce recipe the night before; it gives the flavors more time to blend, and it's one less thing to prep the day of serving.

Try it as a Dip for Veggies: It's not just for fish! I've used it as a dip for cucumber slices and roasted potatoes, and it works surprisingly well.

Use the Leftover Sauce as a Sandwich Spread: The next day, I love spreading a little on a chicken or tuna sandwich; it brings in a tangy, herby twist that's really satisfying.

Store It in a Jar: I like to keep the leftover tartar sauce in a small glass jar with a tight lid; it stays fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge, and the flavors keep getting better each day.