Easy Tartar Sauce is so easy, and yet so delicious! You will want to have fish as often as possible because of the ease and taste of the tartar sauce. In fact, it works great with my Baja Fish Tacos! You can also use this as an alternative tartar sauce recipe for my Fish and Chips.
Tartar Sauce Ingredients and Substitutions
Just like the name of this tartar sauce says, it is EASY! Again, I am not exaggerating about that–it is only three ingredients!
- Dill Pickle Relish: We prefer Mt Olive Simply Relish Deli Dill Style. This dill pickle relish has thicker chunks, it’s easier to drain, and it holds up better than other versions. Some, like Vlassic, are mushy, hard to drain, and produce a more watery final tartar sauce. Yes, you can use Sweet Relish if you prefer. Some folks have even mentioned they prefer homemade or zucchini relishes!
- Miracle Whip: Miracle whip is what we have always used. Mayo is a substitute, and you can choose whichever brand you prefer. (Folks insist Dukes is the best!) You could even try my amazing Homemade Mayo!
- Red Onion: I like to make sure my onions are finely diced. If you only have white, sweet, or yellow onion on hand those will work in a pinch. Chives might even work!
Tartar Sauce Variations
When you start with an easy recipe like this, it is really easy to customize. Feel free to add these and see what is your favorite.
- Lemon Juice for a little acid
- Horseradish
- OldBay Seasoning
- Ranch Dressing
- Capers and/or their juice
- Red Wine Vinegar
- Salt & Pepper
How to Make Easy Tartar Sauce
Have I mentioned how easy this tartar sauce is? The recipe is equal parts relish, miracle whip, and onion.
How Many Does This Serve?
This will make enough for a family of 8 who really likes tartar sauce or 12 people who consume average portions.
I know my recipe states 1 cup of each ingredient, but you can just as easily use one 15-ounce container relish, a 15-ounce container miracle whip, and about 2 medium red onions, chopped. Any equation works as long as it is equal parts of each ingredient. So, it can be customized for 2 people or 100 people!
Is Tartar Sauce just for Fish?
Absolutely not! One of my favorite uses for tartar sauce is to dip my french fries into it. When you have your fish and chips, have extra tartar sauce on hand for the fries, for sure! You can also use it on most seafood, particularly fried seafood like shrimp, clams, and oysters. Get creative and add some ketchup to your Easy Tartar Sauce to spread on your burger. What does it taste like to you???
More Sandwiches
Easy Tartar Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup dill pickle relish, drained
- 1 cup miracle whip or mayonnaise
- 1 cup finely diced red onion
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a bowl and stir well to combine. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until ready to serve.
- Store covered in a refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Did you make this recipe?
Thank you for making my recipe! You took pictures, right? Well go ahead and post them on Instagram! Be sure to mention me @iambaker and use the hashtag #YouAreBaker.
I use real mayonnaise and add a bit of garlic powder & fresh squeezed lemon….YUM!
I have been making this basic recipe for about 65 years! My uncle—who was a restaurant cook taught me this recipe when I was quite young! Tastes MUCH better than the junk you get at the grocery store!!!
Do you add any other ingredients?
I love to use Miracle Whip in everything calling for mayo, mayo tastes greasy to me. Your recipes sounds delish, I also love the additions of horseradish, red wine vinegar and I will try the Old Bay seasoning . Thanks and keep up the good work .
I love Miracle Whip and always use it when mayo is called for. Mayo tastes greasy to me. Your addition of dill relish, horseradish, red wine vinegar and Old Bay are great. Keep up the good work, and take care.
My mom always used sweet pickle relish , lemon juice , onion, Miracle Whip. Just for another variation.. but I love it the way yours is❤️
I have never used Miracle Whip only Cains Mayo, now you all got my interest. ty recipe does look good.
I too use Miracle Whip. Recently I ran across a pickle relish with just a hint of heat and am a convert. The pickle relish is by Wickles, it’s simply called Wicles Original Relish. It just elevates the flavor. I love it and have had MANY compliments in dishes I make calling for pickles or relish.
I use TEXAS SUNDOWN SEASONINGS for my tartar sauce. It’s all Natural, with Sea Salt includes 8 Herbs & Spices! It’s available @ Brookshire Brothers & Amazon!💫
I use rehydrated minced onion – dry onion mixed with equal part of water and wait ten minutes. No, cutting, chopping, etc. needed.
I always make my own I make the relish too so no need to add extra onion so easy and everyone loves it P.S. lol Hellman’s all the way