Can I use all mayonnaise instead of a mayo-yogurt combination?

Absolutely! Traditional tartar sauce uses all mayonnaise. The Greek yogurt in this recipe creates a lighter version with a subtle tang. If using all mayo, you might want to add a bit more lemon juice to compensate for the missing yogurt tanginess.

My tartar sauce seems too thick. How can I thin it out?

You can easily adjust the consistency by adding a teaspoon of water, lemon juice, or even a splash of pickle juice at a time until you reach your desired thickness. Just be careful not to make it too runny!

I don't have capers. What can I use instead?

If you don't have capers on hand, you can either increase the amount of pickles or try green olives for a similar briny flavor. Some people even use finely chopped cornichons as a substitute.

How can I make this tartar sauce healthier?

For a lighter version, you can use light mayonnaise and increase the ratio of Greek yogurt. For a completely mayo-free option, try using all Greek yogurt with a tablespoon of olive oil for richness.

Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe

Name: Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Base; ⅔ cup mayonnaise; ⅓ cup Greek yogurt; Add-ins; 1 cup chopped pickles; 3 teaspoons finely chopped capers; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley; 2 tablespoons chopped chives; Seasoning; 1–2 teaspoons lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)

This homemade tartar sauce transforms ordinary seafood into extraordinary meals with just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort. Creamy, tangy, and bursting with flavor, this sauce combines the richness of mayonnaise with the freshness of herbs and the briny pop of pickles and capers. Say goodbye to store-bought versions forever—this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste in just 15 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Better Than Store-Bought: The flavors are fresher, brighter, and more complex than anything you’ll find in a jar.
Customizable: Easily adjust the texture and flavor to suit your preferences—chunky or smooth, tangy or mild.
Quick and Simple: Takes just 15 minutes to prepare, with no cooking required. Just mix and enjoy!
Versatile: Perfect with everything from fish and chips to crab cakes, or even as a sandwich spread.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Actually improves with time as the flavors meld together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Mayonnaise: The creamy base that gives tartar sauce its distinctive richness. Use a good quality mayo for the best results.
Greek Yogurt: Adds tanginess while making the sauce lighter than versions made with only mayonnaise. Also contributes a pleasant creaminess.
Pickles: Provide the signature crunch and tang. Choose dill pickles for a classic flavor or bread and butter pickles for a hint of sweetness.
Capers: These tiny flavor bombs add a briny, salty kick that elevates the sauce from good to great.
Parsley: Brings freshness and a pop of color to balance the richness of the mayo and yogurt.
Chives: Offer a mild onion flavor without the harshness of raw onion.
Lemon Juice: Brightens everything up with its acidity, cutting through the richness of the mayo.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning elements that bring all the flavors together.
Old Bay Seasoning: Optional but highly recommended for that extra dimension, especially when serving with seafood.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Pickle Options

Swap out dill pickles for sweet pickles, bread and butter pickles, or even pickle relish depending on whether you prefer a more tangy or sweet profile.

Heat Levels

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick that complements seafood beautifully.

Herb Substitutions

No parsley? Try dill instead for a traditional Scandinavian twist, or use cilantro for a more vibrant, citrusy note.

Texture Adjustments

For a smoother sauce, finely mince all ingredients or give them a quick pulse in a food processor. For chunky lovers, keep your knife cuts larger.

Flavor Boosters

Try adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for depth, a splash of vinegar for extra tang, or even minced garlic for an aromatic punch.

How to Make Homemade Tartar Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Finely chop the pickles, capers, parsley, and chives. The size of your cuts will determine the final texture of your sauce, so chop according to your preference—smaller for smoother sauce, larger for chunkier.

Step 2: Combine Everything

In a medium bowl, add the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. Stir until completely smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Add Flavor Components

Add the chopped pickles, capers, parsley, and chives to the mayo-yogurt base. Squeeze in the lemon juice, starting with 1 teaspoon and tasting before adding more.

Step 4: Season to Taste

Sprinkle in some freshly ground black pepper and Old Bay seasoning if using. Taste the sauce before adding salt, as the pickles and capers already provide considerable saltiness.

Step 5: Rest and Refrigerate

For best results, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. This makes a significant difference in the depth of flavor.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Ingredient Prep: For the best texture, make sure your pickles, capers, and herbs are well-drained and patted dry before chopping. Excess moisture can make your sauce watery.
Flavor Development: Make this sauce a day ahead if possible—it gets even better after 24 hours in the refrigerator.
Chopping Technique: For capers, use the side of your knife to gently crush them before chopping to release more flavor.
Lemon Freshness: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled for the brightest flavor.
Seasoning Strategy: Start with less salt and add more after tasting, especially since capers and pickles already contain salt.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Tartar sauce is classically served with:

Fish and chips
Fried or grilled fish fillets
Crab cakes or fishcakes
Fried shrimp or calamari
Fish sandwiches

Beyond Seafood

Don’t limit yourself to fish! This versatile sauce works wonderfully as:

A spread for sandwiches or burgers
A dipping sauce for french fries or roasted potatoes
A dressing for potato salad or coleslaw
A topping for grilled vegetables

Presentation Ideas

Serve in a small ramekin alongside your main dish, garnished with a sprig of fresh parsley or a thin lemon slice for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store this tartar sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The flavor actually improves over the first few days!

Freezing

This sauce doesn’t freeze well due to the mayonnaise base, which can separate when thawed. It’s best to make fresh batches as needed.

Make Ahead Tips

This is an ideal make-ahead condiment. Prepare it up to 3 days before your meal for the most developed flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I use all mayonnaise instead of a mayo-yogurt combination?

Absolutely! Traditional tartar sauce uses all mayonnaise. The Greek yogurt in this recipe creates a lighter version with a subtle tang. If using all mayo, you might want to add a bit more lemon juice to compensate for the missing yogurt tanginess.
My tartar sauce seems too thick. How can I thin it out?

You can easily adjust the consistency by adding a teaspoon of water, lemon juice, or even a splash of pickle juice at a time until you reach your desired thickness. Just be careful not to make it too runny!
I don’t have capers. What can I use instead?

If you don’t have capers on hand, you can either increase the amount of pickles or try green olives for a similar briny flavor. Some people even use finely chopped cornichons as a substitute.
How can I make this tartar sauce healthier?

For a lighter version, you can use light mayonnaise and increase the ratio of Greek yogurt. For a completely mayo-free option, try using all Greek yogurt with a tablespoon of olive oil for richness.

Final Thoughts

This homemade tartar sauce might seem like a small detail in your meal preparation, but it’s often these little touches that elevate home cooking to memorable dining experiences. The beauty of making it yourself is that you control every aspect—from the chunkiness to the tang level. Once you’ve tasted this fresh, vibrant version, with its perfect balance of creamy and briny flavors, you’ll never reach for the store-bought kind again. Give it a try with your next seafood dinner, and watch how a simple condiment can transform your entire meal!