Tartar Sauce
Creamy homemade tartar sauce is tangy, rich, and so much better than anything you can buy in a bottle! I use this easy vegan tartar sauce recipe as a dressing for vegan fish sticks, battered “fish” tacos, and more. It takes minutes to make with vegan mayo, pickle relish, lemon, and fresh dill.
Sometimes you need a little somethin’-somethin’ to take a dish to the next level. Well, this creamy, tangy vegan tartar sauce will do just that!
Tartar sauce is a classic condiment made with mayo, pickles or relish, and other seasonings for a flavourful kick. I use vegan mayonnaise for this homemade version, and it’s just as rich, creamy, and delicious as the original.
Although this sauce is usually associated with seafood, I use it for everything from dipping fries to adding a little pep to veggies, and even as an alternative to burger sauce.
Why Make This Tartar Sauce Recipe ASAP
- Fresh is best. Homemade tartar sauce is a revelation if you’ve only ever had the bottled kind. I love how the freshness of the lemon and pickles balances the richness of the mayo in this recipe.
- Quick. Homemade tartar sauce is simple to make, and it stores well in the fridge. Just stir everything together, and it’s ready to serve.
- 100% vegan. I make my tartar sauce recipe with plant-based mayo, and I always say that even folks who dislike traditional mayo should give this a try. The flavour is rich and creamy, but not “eggy”.
What Does Tartar Sauce Taste Like?
Tartar sauce has a tangy, rich flavor. It’s slightly sweet and sour from the mayonnaise and pickles, with an added herbal note from the dill. If you like aioli and other mayo-based dips and sauces, you’ll probably enjoy tartar sauce, too. If you prefer a less-rich sauce, give yogurt-based Greek tzatziki a try.
Notes on Ingredients
Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.
- Vegan mayo – Use homemade vegan mayo or your favourite store-bought variety.
- Lemon or lime juice – Lemon juice is a more traditional choice, but I like lime juice as well.
- Pickles or sweet relish – If you use pickles, you’ll need to chop them first, so relish can save you a step.
- Dill – Fresh dill takes this vegan tartar sauce to the next level. I also season it to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper.
What Is Vegan Mayonnaise Made Of?
There are different vegan mayo options available in stores. Most are made with a plant-based fat and an acid, like lemon juice or vinegar. Some vegan mayos use soy or tofu, and others get their creamy texture from aquafaba, or the liquid from chickpeas. Any vegan mayo will work in this recipe.
How to Make Homemade Tartar Sauce
Here’s how easy it is to make this classic vegan sauce recipe.
- Combine. Place all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Stir to combine.
- Season. Taste the tartar sauce and add more salt or adjust the ingredients as desired.
- Chill. Refrigerate the sauce until you’re ready to use it.
Expert Tips
- Use a vegan mayo you enjoy. It’s the main ingredient here! If it’s not something you’d eat on its own, don’t use it in your tartar sauce.
- Let it sit for a bit. If you have time, chill the tartar sauce for 30 minutes before you serve it. Although it’s not necessary, a little time in the fridge helps the flavours come together.
- Don’t skip the fresh dill. Dried dill is better than nothing, but fresh dill really elevates this tartar sauce recipe.
Ways to Use Tartar Sauce
Use this as a dip for shoestring fries, air fryer potato wedges, or baked carrot fries. It’s also delicious with vegan seafood recipes like vegan crab cakes, or use it to jazz up my easy grillable veggie burgers. You can even use it for dipping fresh veggies!
Quick Variations
To tweak the flavour of your vegan tartar sauce, try adding one or more of these ingredients:
- Chopped capers or thinly sliced green onions
- Your favourite hot sauce or Dijon mustard
- Grated red onion or shallots if you’re an onion lover
How to Store It
- Keep tartar sauce refrigerated. Store homemade tartar sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Stir well before using.
- Freeze it. While traditional tartar sauce cannot be frozen, vegan tartar sauce can be! Transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator, then stir before you use it.
More Vegan Sauces and Dips
- Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip
- Vegan Alfredo Sauce
- Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Beet Hummus
- Thai Peanut Sauce
Enjoy friends! If you make this vegan tartar sauce, please snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram. We’d also love it if you would leave a comment below and give the recipe a rating. Thanks so much!
Tartar Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup vegan mayonnaise, 112g
- 1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped pickles or sweet relish
- A pinch of salt, less than 1⁄4 teaspoon
- A pinch of pepper
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped dill
Instructions
- Stir all the ingredients together. Taste and add more salt or seasoning as preferred. Set in the fridge until you’re ready for it!
Notes
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.
Do you use sweet pickles or dill pickles
Hi JoAnn,
I usually use sweet pickles but dill also works here!