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

Description

This homemade tartar sauce is creamy, tangy, and loaded with fresh flavors! It’s the perfect condiment for seafood dishes or as a tasty dipping sauce. Made with simple ingredients like mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, pickles, and capers, this sauce is incredibly easy to whip up and can be customized to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Base
2/3 cup mayonnaise
1/3 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)

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients
Add the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, pickles, capers, parsley, chives, and lemon juice into a mixing bowl. Mix everything together thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
Refrigerate for Best Flavor
For the best flavor, refrigerate the tartar sauce for at least 2 hours. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you’re in a hurry, the sauce can be served immediately, though the flavor may not be as developed.
Optional Adjustments
Chop the pickles and capers finely for a smoother sauce or leave them chunkier for added texture. You can also boost the flavor by incorporating some lemon zest, Old Bay seasoning, or freshly ground black pepper.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks, making it a convenient make-ahead option.

Notes

If you don’t have capers, substitute them with additional pickles or relish.
For an extra tangy flavor, add Dijon mustard, vinegar, or even a dash of cocktail sauce.
Sweet pickles or bread-and-butter pickles can be used instead of dill pickles.
Add a touch of cayenne pepper for some heat or onion powder for a less crunchy onion flavor.
The sauce pairs especially well with fried fish, seafood, or even as a dip for vegetables.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 70
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 190mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 5.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 1.5g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0.5g
Cholesterol: 3mg