Homemade Dill Tartar Sauce Recipe for Fish and Seafood Dips Recipe
Introduction
This quick and easy dill tartar sauce is a step above store-bought versions, bursting with fresh flavors from dill pickles and fresh dill. It’s perfect as a creamy dip for fish fingers, fish and chips, or any seafood dish you love.

Ingredients
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- ½ cup Dill Pickles, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Dill, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Onion, minced through a garlic press
- Pinch of Black Pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Thinly slice and finely dice ½ cup of dill pickles into small cubes.
- Step 2: Finely chop 1 tablespoon of fresh dill.
- Step 3: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chopped pickles, fresh dill, lemon juice, and sugar.
- Step 4: Using a garlic press, mince the onion directly into the bowl, including the onion juices.
- Step 5: Stir everything well with a spoon until fully mixed.
- Step 6: Serve immediately or refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld together. Enjoy your homemade tartar sauce!
Tips & Variations
- For a tangier flavor, add an extra teaspoon of lemon juice or a splash of white vinegar.
- Use sweet pickles instead of dill pickles for a milder, sweeter taste.
- If fresh dill is unavailable, substitute with 1 teaspoon dried dill weed, but reduce it slightly as dried herbs are more potent.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- For a chunkier sauce, chop the pickles coarsely instead of finely dicing.
Storage
Store the tartar sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before serving after refrigeration, give it a good stir as some separation may occur. This sauce is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this tartar sauce ahead of time?
Yes, making it a few hours or even a day in advance helps the flavors blend beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to use.
What can I use this tartar sauce for besides fish?
It’s also great as a dip for veggies, a sandwich spread, or a flavorful addition to potato or egg salads.
PrintHomemade Dill Tartar Sauce Recipe for Fish and Seafood Dips Recipe
A quick and easy homemade dill tartar sauce featuring creamy mayonnaise, tangy dill pickles, fresh dill, and zesty lemon juice. Perfect as a dip for fish fingers, fish and chips, or any seafood dish, this flavorful sauce is a fresh alternative to store-bought versions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 cup (serves 6-8) 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dill Tartar Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- ½ cup Dill Pickles, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Dill, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Onion, minced through a garlic press
- Pinch of Black Pepper
Instructions
- Chop Pickles: Thinly slice and dice ½ cup of dill pickles into small cubes, ensuring they are finely chopped to blend well in the sauce.
- Prepare Dill: Finely chop one tablespoon of fresh dill to add brightness and herbaceous flavor to the tartar sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, chopped dill pickles, fresh dill, lemon juice, and sugar. Then use a garlic press to mince the onion and squeeze the onion juices into the bowl, integrating all flavors.
- Mix Thoroughly: Using a spoon, stir all ingredients together until fully combined and evenly mixed to create a creamy and well-blended tartar sauce.
- Serve or Refrigerate: Use the tartar sauce right away for immediate freshness or refrigerate it to allow the flavors to meld together for a more intense taste. Enjoy as a delicious dip for your favorite fried or grilled seafood.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of sugar based on your desired sweetness.
- For a tangier sauce, increase the lemon juice slightly.
- Use fresh dill for the best flavor; dried dill will alter the taste.
- This sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Great accompaniment to fish fingers, fish and chips, or as a sandwich spread.
Keywords: dill tartar sauce, homemade tartar sauce, tartar sauce recipe, fish dip, seafood sauce, easy tartar sauce

