Dill Tartar Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Dill tartar sauce is a fresh and flavorful twist on the classic condiment, perfect for seafood dishes or as a tangy dip. With a blend of creamy mayonnaise, crunchy dill pickles, and bright fresh dill, it adds a delightful zing to every bite.

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 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. Using a garlic press, squeeze in the minced onion along with its juices.
- Step 4: Stir all ingredients together thoroughly until well combined.
- Step 5: Serve immediately or refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy as a sauce or dip!
Tips & Variations
- For a tangier flavor, use pickles with garlic or add a splash of pickle juice.
- Swap fresh dill for dried dill if fresh is unavailable, but use about one-third of the amount.
- Add a teaspoon of capers for an extra burst of briny flavor.
Storage
Store the dill tartar sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir well before serving if separated. This sauce is best enjoyed chilled and can be served cold directly from the fridge.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make dill tartar sauce ahead of time?
Yes, making it a few hours or a day ahead helps the flavors develop even more, making it taste better.
Is dill tartar sauce gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels if using store-bought mayonnaise or pickles to be sure.
PrintDill Tartar Sauce Recipe
This Dill Tartar Sauce is a creamy, tangy condiment made with mayonnaise, finely chopped dill pickles, fresh dill, and a hint of lemon juice and sugar. Perfect as a dip or accompaniment for seafood, sandwiches, and more, it combines fresh and zesty flavors with a crunchy texture from the pickles and a subtle onion bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup (serves 4-6) 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
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 using a garlic press
- pinch of Black Pepper
Instructions
- Chop Pickles: Thinly slice and dice ½ cup of dill pickles into small cubes to ensure they distribute evenly through the sauce and add a pleasant crunch.
- Prepare Dill: Finely chop one tablespoon of fresh dill, which will infuse the sauce with its signature herbaceous flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add 1 cup of mayonnaise, the chopped dill pickles, fresh dill, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Then, using a garlic press, mince 2 tablespoons of onion directly into the bowl along with the onion juices for enhanced flavor.
- Mix: Stir all the ingredients with a spoon until well combined, ensuring an even distribution of flavors and texture throughout the tartar sauce.
- Serve or Store: Use the tartar sauce immediately for the best freshness or refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh dill rather than dried for a brighter flavor.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Adjust sugar and lemon juice amounts according to your taste preference for sweetness and acidity.
- The minced onion adds a subtle sharpness; if preferred, use finely minced shallot instead for a milder flavor.
- This sauce pairs wonderfully with fried fish, crab cakes, or as a spread for sandwiches.
Keywords: Dill tartar sauce, tartar sauce recipe, homemade tartar sauce, dill pickles sauce, seafood sauce

