Tartar Sauce Recipe With Relish: Zesty Condiment for Seafood Lovers

This creamy, tangy sauce transforms any seafood dish with its perfect balance of flavors. I’ve refined this recipe over years of testing to ensure it complements fried fish, crab cakes, or shrimp without overpowering them.

The secret lies in the combination of smooth mayonnaise, zesty relish, and a hint of acidity for brightness. It comes together in 5 minutes with ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Ingredients for Tartar Sauce Recipe with Relish

A handful of pantry staples and fresh herbs create this bright, creamy seafood condiment.

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The mayonnaise base is critical—Duke’s or Hellmann’s provide the best texture and flavor. For the relish, Bread & Butter or Sweet Pickle Relish works best, though dill relish can be used for a tangier profile. Fresh dill from the produce section (or a well-stocked herb garden) offers superior aroma compared to dried. Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s carry excellent capers in the olive bar section.

No fresh dill? Dried dill at one-third the amount works in a pinch. Swap lemon juice for white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar if that’s what you have. For a lighter version, Greek yogurt can replace half the mayo, though texture will be slightly thicker. Capers can be omitted entirely, but they add a briny depth that’s hard to replicate.

This sauce keeps in an airtight container for 1 week in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays for up to 3 months. The flavors meld and deepen after a few hours, so make it ahead if possible.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Tartar Sauce With Relish

Master the technique for a perfectly balanced, restaurant-quality condiment every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetable Components

Finely chop the 0.25 cup Dill Pickles and finely mince the 2 tbsp Yellow Onion until both are reduced to small, uniform pieces. I recommend using a chef’s knife for precision—this ensures even distribution throughout the sauce without overpowering any single bite.

Drain the 0.5 cup Sweet Relish thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer to remove excess liquid, which could thin the final product. Press gently with a spoon to extract as much moisture as possible while keeping the relish intact. This step prevents a watery consistency in your finished sauce.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the 1.5 cups Mayonnaise, 1.5 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice, 1 tsp Dijon Mustard, and 0.5 tsp Worcestershire Sauce until fully homogeneous. The acid from the lemon juice will slightly thicken the mayonnaise base while adding brightness.

At this stage, the mixture should appear smooth and slightly glossy. The Dijon mustard adds depth without overpowering, while the Worcestershire contributes a subtle umami backbone that enhances the overall flavor profile.

Step 3: Incorporate Herbs and Briny Elements

Add the prepared 0.5 cup Sweet Relish, 0.25 cup Dill Pickles, 2 tbsp Yellow Onion, 1 tbsp Fresh Dill, and 1 tbsp Capers to the wet mixture. Fold everything together gently with a silicone spatula to maintain the integrity of the chopped ingredients.

The capers and pickles provide the signature briny tang that defines this sauce, while the fresh dill adds a bright, herbaceous note. Distribute these elements evenly to ensure every spoonful delivers the full spectrum of flavors.

Step 4: Season and Rest for Optimal Flavor

Stir in the 0.25 tsp Kosher Salt and 0.25 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed. I always recommend starting with the full amount of salt, as the briny components may require less additional seasoning than expected.

Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. The ideal consistency should coat the back of a spoon without running off immediately.

Health Benefits of These Flavors

Heart-Healthy Fats

The mayonnaise base provides healthy fats from egg yolks and oil, which support cell function and nutrient absorption. While calorie-dense, these fats help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K from your seafood. I always opt for olive oil-based mayo for extra benefits. 💪

Probiotic Boost

Both dill pickles and capers are fermented, offering natural probiotics that support gut health. A single serving contains live cultures that may improve digestion and immune function. The relish adds a touch of prebiotic fiber too.

Vitamin C Source

Fresh lemon juice and yellow onion contribute a meaningful dose of vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune health and skin vitality. The 1.5 tbsp lemon juice provides about 10% of your daily needs per serving.

Low in Sugar

Despite its sweetness, this sauce contains minimal added sugars. Most come naturally from the sweet relish, with about 2g per tablespoon. It’s a smart alternative to store-bought versions that often pack 5g or more of sugar per serving.

Rich in Antioxidants

Fresh dill and capers are packed with antioxidants that combat oxidative stress. These compounds help neutralize free radicals, potentially reducing inflammation. I notice the fresh herbs make the sauce taste brighter and more vibrant. ✨

Moderate Sodium

While briny ingredients like pickles and capers contribute sodium, the total per serving is reasonable at about 120mg. For comparison, many commercial tartar sauces contain 200mg or more. Adjust the kosher salt to your preference.

Frequently Asked Questions