This Homemade Tartar Sauce is creamy, tangy, and full of sweet pickle flavor with just a hint of onion. It's the perfect dip for fried fish, seafood, or even crispy fries when you want something quick and delicious without heading to the store.
I started making this recipe because I wanted a sweet style tartar sauce to go with my Gluten Free Fish Sticks, and I couldn't find a sugar-free sweet relish at the store.
Growing up, my mom always made her own tartar sauce, sometimes with dill relish and sometimes with sweet. My favorite version was always the sweet relish mixed with a little finely chopped onion and mayonnaise. That's what inspired this sugar-free version, and now it's the only tartar sauce I want with fish!
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Why You'll Love This Homemade Tartar Sauce
Just a few ingredients: You probably already have everything you need.
Customizable: Add more onion, leave it out, or switch up the relish.
So much better than store bought: Creamy, sweet, tangy, and fresh tasting.
Key Ingredients
Mayonnaise: I use store bought mayo, Hellmann's is my go-to because it's what I've always used and trust. But if you prefer avocado oil mayo or make your own that's fine too.
Sweet Relish: This gives the sauce its signature flavor. I like using no-sugar added bread and butter pickles, chopped finely if I don't have relish on hand.
Onion: A small amount of finely diced onion adds just the right bites. It can be left out if you prefer a smoother sauce.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use dill relish in place of sweet relish, and stir in a pinch of your favorite sweetener if you want that classic sweet flavor.
Swap onion for chives for a milder taste.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice if you like a slightly brighter, tangier tartar sauce.
Variations
Spicy Tartar Sauce: Stir in a little hot sauce or horseradish for a kick.
Dill Tartar Sauce: Use dill pickles and a little fresh or dried dill.
Garlic Tartar Sauce: Add a small minced garlic clove or a dash of garlic powder for more savory depth.
Top Tips
- Finely dice the onion and pickles for the best texture.
- Chill the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors come together.
- Use a clean spoon every time to help the sauce last longer in the fridge.
Storage
Store homemade tartar sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If it separates or gets watery, just give it a good stir before using.
Serve With...
This sweet tartar sauce is a classic match for fried of baked seafood. We love it with Crispy Fried Shrimp, Baked Haddock, or Gluten Free Fish Sticks. It also makes a great dip for roasted radishes, zucchini fries or even as a spread on my Beer Batter Fish Sliders.
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Homemade Tartar Sauce with Sweet Relish
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Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sugar free pickles chopped
- 1 tablespoon sugar free pickle juice
- 1 tablespoon onion finely diced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice fresh squeezed
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together well. Store in refrigerator until ready to use.
Sybil Sparks says
We make our own tarter sauce at home mainly because of cost and size of dish needed for that day but we make our own cucumber relish and squash relish that we sub. for the pickles and dried onion flakes because my grandchildren do not like the texture of onion and it works great. Also the relish goes into deviled eggs, potato salad, on hot dogs, soup beans and other dishes and is cheaper in the long run. Could you make a keto recipe for relish? Thank you.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Sybil, yes, I will make sure that is something we get done!
Barbara B says
HI, Shelby,
Just so that you know, Mt. Olive makes a sugar free sweet pickle relish, I usually find it in Walmart or Shop-rite here in New Jersey. It is sweetened with Sucralose, which some may not like; however, I missed my pickle relish on a burger or hot dog. Now, I can make a little tartar sauce for fish as well. Yummy !
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Barbara, thanks for letting me know! I will check it out next time I head to Walmart. 🙂
Linda Loosli says
This looks just like what Grandma used to make! You have the best recipes, thanks for sharing your yummy recipes with all of us!!
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Linda, thank you so much! I'm happy your enjoying the recipes!