Delicious homemade tartar sauce is made with Greek yogurt. It's easy to make, keeps well in the fridge, and pairs well with many seafood dishes.
Tartar sauce is a very flavorful mayonnaise-based sauce, traditionally served with seafood. I love this sauce, but I actually prefer my homemade version, which is made with creamy Greek yogurt.
Since we eat a lot of seafood, I make it quite often - about every other week. It keeps well in the fridge for several days, which is another big plus of this recipe.
Can you make a homemade tartar sauce with Greek yogurt?
Absolutely! I always make it this way. I think it’s just as tasty as using mayonnaise.
If you prefer to use mayonnaise, I suggest you use avocado oil mayo. My favorite brand is Sir Kensington's. However, any brand you like will work in this recipe, as long as it's full-fat.
Another tasty option is to use sour cream. I haven't tried that, but if Greek yogurt works, then sour cream would work too, and would likely be even tastier.
The ingredients you'll need
You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this tasty homemade sauce. The exact measurements are included in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:
Greek yogurt: I use plain full-fat yogurt. You definitely want it to be Greek, or it won't be thick enough. And I don't recommend low-fat yogurt - it's not as flavorful.
Dijon mustard: This classic French mustard is creamier and less vinegary than yellow mustard. I highly recommend using it in this recipe. It does make a difference.
Kosher salt and black pepper: If using fine salt, you should reduce the amount you use, or the sauce could end up too salty.
Spices: I use dried dill and cayenne pepper. Please make sure the spices you use are fresh. A stale spice can easily ruin a dish, and I'm speaking from experience!
Diced dill pickles and diced capers: For the best texture, you definitely want a small dice here, not a rough chop.
Note that since I use Greek yogurt, which is naturally tart, I find that there’s no need to add lemon juice or vinegar to this recipe.
How to make homemade tartar sauce
It's so easy! Scroll down to the recipe card for the detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps:
1. Simply mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. Cover the mixture and chill it for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Give the sauce one more stir before serving.
How to use this sauce?
This flavorful sauce is wonderful with any seafood dish. I usually serve it with crab cakes, tuna cakes, and salmon patties.
It also pairs beautifully with simply boiled shrimp, in lieu of cocktail sauce. And it goes really well with keto fried fish. So as you can see, you have quite a few options for using this homemade tartar sauce! It never lasts long in our house.
How long can I keep it?
It keeps quite well actually, though not as long as a commercial sauce, of course. You can keep it in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to 7 days. Just make sure you stir it again before using it.
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Homemade Tartar Sauce
INGREDIENTS
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (I use Fage 5%)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Pinch Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- Pinch black pepper
- Pinch dried dill
- Pinch cayenne (optional)
- 1 tablespoon finely diced dill pickles
- 1 tablespoon finely diced capers
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a small bowl, with a small spatula, mix the yogurt with the mustard, salt, pepper, dill and cayenne if using.
- Fold in the pickles and capers.
- Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes, to allow flavors to meld.
- Give it another stir before serving.
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Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. 