4-Ingredient Tartar Sauce Recipe

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This 4-ingredient tartar sauce is so easy to make. And this delicious sauce good for so much more than just fishsticks! Believe me. Use it as a sandwich spread or a dipping sauce. You’re going to fall in love with this easy tartar sauce and all the new ways you’ll find to use this creamy condiment.

Hand dipping a fish stick into a bowl of tartar sauce.

Why This Recipe Works

This creamy tartar sauce has only 4 ingredients and is such a simple sauce to make. Plus, when you make your own tartar sauce instead of grabbing a jar at the grocery store you know what’s in it. That’s probably my favorite part of homemade sauce, no preservatives or hidden ingredients.

Of course the lemon and dill flavor components are the perfect companion to your favorite seafood dishes, but if you thought this easy aioli was only for fish sticks, you are in for a big surprise. Tartar sauce is so versatile and goes with a lot of dishes that might surprise you.

This lemony-dill dip is so fresh-tasting and is great with everything from fresh or breaded vegetables and it is amazing with french fries or on a baked potato. You can thank me for that last one later.

Recipe Ingredients

You only need a few basic ingredients to make this easy tartar sauce recipe. And the results are so much better than store-bought sauce.

Dill, relish, a lemon and mayo on a white wood table.

Mayonnaise – full-fat mayo is recommended for flavor, but low-fat can also be used.
Relish – you can replace the sweet relish with chopped dill pickles or dill relish for a less sweet flavor
Lemon juice – use fresh lemon juice for the best results!
Dill – 1 Tbsp fresh dill chopped or 1 teaspoon dried.
Salt – any variety, to taste.

How to Make 4-Ingredient Tartar Sauce

Step 1

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, relish, lemon juice, dill and salt (if using).

All tartar sauce ingredients in an orange mixing bowl, ready to be mixed together.

Mix well.

Step 2

Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 3

Serve chilled, with fish or chicken.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Mayonnaise Substitution Options

Greek yogurt
Sour cream
Hummus
Mashed avocado
Silken or soft tofu – firm and extra firm tofu will not work in this recipe

Recipe Notes and Optional Ingredients

Additional spices and simple ingredients can be added depending on your family’s taste, what you’re serving it with, and what you have on hand. Here are just a few ideas to get you started.

Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a bigger umami flavor. Great with steaks and beef dishes.
Add some black pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, to spice things up a bit.
Three words: Old Bay Seasoning.
Add a little finely minced shallots or garlic for a little extra pungency.
If you don’t like dill, you can substitute some finely chopped fresh parsley.
Add some dijon mustard or mustard powder.
Use eggless or vegan mayo to make this an egg free option.

Looking down on a plate of fish sticks, fries and a bowl of tartar sauce.

What Goes with Tartar Sauce

The obvious answer for what goes with tartar sauce is breaded fish sticks or fish fillets. But tartar sauce is so much more versatile than that. This lemony dill sauce is great for chicken, shrimp, even french fries. Here are just a few of my favorite ways to use it.

Fried walleye
Grilled Shrimp
Salmon
Crab cakes or salmon cakes
Grilled or baked chicken
Chicken sandwich
Chicken tenders
Chicken nuggets
Air fryer French fries
Baked Potato
Dip for fresh or roasted broccoli or other vegetables

How to Store Leftover Tartar Sauce

Store remaining tartar sauce in a well-sealed airtight container or small mason jar in your refrigerator. Stored properly, leftover tartar sauce will be good for up to 5 days.

You can even save a little time by making this a day or even 2 ahead of time. Plus, the flavors really get a chance to develop if you make it the night before.

FAQs About Tartar Sauce

Who created tartar sauce?

Although its earliest origins are unknown, the French are credited with creating the modern version of tartar sauce we are familiar with.

What is tartar sauce good for?

The lemon and dill combination of tartar sauce is most often associated with fish. But tartar sauce is also great with chicken, steak (steak tartare), and even baked potatoes and french fries.

Side view of a hand dipping a fish stick into a bowl of tartar sauce.

More Easy Sauce Recipes

If you love this easy tartar sauce, here are a few more easy homemade sauce recipes you’re sure to enjoy.