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Lemon-Dill Tartar Sauce

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  • #9438

Good tartar sauce is all about balance. The richness of the mayo is crucial for topping off fish or dipping onion rings, and the lemon juice and fresh dill gives it some zip.


serves/makes:
  
ready in:
  under 30 minutes

ingredients

1 1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon dill pickle relish
1 teaspoon chopped capers
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

directions

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Use immediately or cover the bowl and refrigerate for up to 1 week.

recipe tips


For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of mayonnaise.

Add the lemon juice to taste to adjust the acidity.

Try different herbs like tarragon or chives for different variations.

Add a pinch of sugar or honey for a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.

Allow the tartar sauce to sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor (especially if using dried dill in place of fresh).

Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick to the tartar sauce.

common recipe questions


What can I substitute for dill pickle relish?

You can substitute dill pickle relish with chopped dill pickles for a similar flavor and texture in the tartar sauce.

Can I omit the capers?

Capers can be omitted, they add a briny flavor but you could add more dill pickle relish to compensate for it.

Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?

Fresh dill adds a bright, herby flavor to the tartar sauce but dried dill work work also. Add 1 teaspoon of dried dill in place of the fresh dill.

Can I freeze tartar sauce?

Tartar sauce is not recommended for freezing as the texture of the mayo can change.

tools needed


Mixing Bowl: For combining all the ingredients to make the tartar sauce. Make sure the bowl is large enough to allow room to mix the ingredients well.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: For measuring ingredients such as mayonnaise, lemon juice, and mustard.

Spoon or Whisk: To thoroughly mix the ingredients together in the mixing bowl.

Storage Container: If not using the sauce immediately, a covered container is needed for refrigerating the sauce to keep it fresh for up to one week.

what goes with it?


Onion Rings: Dip crispy french fried onion rings into the tartar sauce for a yummy appetizer. The tangy flavor perfectly complements the sweet, crunchy taste of the onion.

Crab Cakes: Serve the lemon-dill tartar sauce alongside pan fried crab cakes for a tasty pairing. The acidity of the sauce enhances the sweetness of the crab.

Baked Potatoes: Use the tartar sauce as a topping for baked potatoes. It brings a creamy, zesty element - a step above plain sour cream as a topping.

Fish and Chips: Pair the tartar sauce with traditional fish and chips for a pub-style meal.


nutrition data

99 calories, 12 grams fat, 0 grams carbohydrates, 0 grams protein per tablespoon. This recipe is low in sodium. This recipe is low in carbs.
Show full nutritional data (including Weight Watcher's Points ®, cholesterol, sodium, vitamins, and diabetic exchanges)


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reviews & comments

  1. Guest Foodie

    Although I never measure, I've been making my Tarter Sauce this way forever. I sometimes use half Mayo & half Greek Yogurt. Delicious either way.

  2. Guest Foodie

    I would prefer to use half the amount of mayo and substitute sour cream for the rest. Then double the minced pickle, lemon juice, and half again as many capers... once those adjustments were made it was delicious!

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