Make your own better-than-store-bought Easy Vegan Tartar Sauce in 5 minutes with 6 simple ingredients. Creamy, tangy, and perfect for all your vegan 'fishy' foods, sandwiches, and more!
This homemade sauce isn't just tasty, it's also a fun way to play with flavors and make your meals unique. And when you pair it with my delicious Beer-Battered Vegan Fish, you're in for a treat!
Take your meals to the next level with this awesome sauce. Whether you're dunking crispy fries, pouring it over roasted veggies, or smearing it on a veggie burger, you're gonna love it!
Want more vegan sauce recipes? Check out my Vegan Caesar Dressing, Lemon Tahini Dressing, Vegan Aioli, and Vegan Cashew Alfredo Sauce recipes to add a burst of flavor to your dishes.
Jump to:
🌟 Why you'll love this recipe
- Versatile: This recipe is incredibly versatile, perfect for pairing with a variety of dishes including vegan 'fishy' foods, sandwiches, and more.
- Quick and Easy: With just 5 minutes of preparation time and 6 simple ingredients, you can whip up this delicious tartar sauce in no time.
- Creamy and Tangy: The combination of creamy texture and tangy flavor creates a perfect balance that enhances the taste of any dish it accompanies.
- Homemade Goodness: Making your own tartar sauce ensures freshness and allows you to control the quality of ingredients, surpassing store-bought options effortlessly.
- Endless Possibilities: Whether you're dunking fries, drizzling over veggies, or smearing it on a veggie burger, this sauce adds a burst of deliciousness to every bite.
🧾 Ingredient notes
Vegan Mayonnaise: While you can easily buy it ready-made, homemade mayo is a game-changer. It's tastier, healthier, and much cheaper to make at home. Plus, you have full control over the ingredients.
Dill Pickles: For this recipe, it's best to use dill pickles for their tangy flavor and crisp texture.
I personally prefer using these pickles because they add a perfect balance of acidity and crunch to the tartar sauce.
However, if you prefer, you can also use other types of pickles according to your taste preferences.
Onion: Any type of onion can be used for this sauce, but I use yellow onion for its mild yet flavorful taste. Feel free to use your preferred type of onion, though.
Dried Dill: I prefer using dried dill because it's more convenient and I can always have it in my pantry. However, if you prefer, you can use fresh dill instead.
If you want to substitute dried dill with fresh dill, you can replace 1 teaspoon of dried dill with approximately 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill.
Lemon Juice: If you're looking for an alternative to lemon juice, consider using lime juice, apple cider vinegar, or white wine vinegar.
These options offer similar acidity levels and can impart a tangy flavor to the sauce. Additionally, you can also use pickle juice for a unique twist on the tartar sauce.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
📋 Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of hot sauce or a few drops of sriracha for a spicy twist to the vegan tartar sauce.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in additional fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or chives for a more aromatic and fresh version.
- Garlicky Twist: Incorporate finely chopped garlic or a dash of garlic powder to enhance the flavor and add a hint of warmth.
- Creamy Avocado: Include mashed ripe avocado for a creamier tartar sauce with an extra smooth and fruity flavor.
- Sweet Relish: Add a touch of chopped sweet pickles or a splash of their juice to balance the acidity with a hint of sweetness.
🔪 Instructions
Step 1. Place all the ingredients in a jar or a bowl.
Step 2. Whisk until well combined. For optimal flavor, refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes. However, if you're in a hurry, you can serve it immediately.
💭 Expert tips
- Finely Chop Ingredients: For the best consistency, chop the onion and pickles very finely. However, feel free to adjust the chopping based on how chunky you prefer your sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasonings gradually. Increase lemon juice for tanginess, but don't overdo it to avoid thinning the sauce. Add more dill if desired.
- Consistency Control: If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of water or Non-Dairy Milk. If it's too thin, add more mayo to achieve the desired thickness.
- Flavor Infusion: Chill the sauce in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2-3 hours or overnight before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Lighter Option: To reduce calories, swap half of the mayo for a non-dairy yogurt like Soy Yogurt or Coconut Yogurt. This creates a lighter sauce without compromising flavor.
❓Recipe FAQs
It can typically last in the refrigerator for about 5 to 7 days when stored in an airtight container.
It's essential to keep it refrigerated at all times and to check for any signs of spoilage before consuming. If the sauce develops an off smell or unusual appearance, it's best to discard it.
While you technically can freeze it, it's not recommended due to the mayonnaise base.
Freezing may cause the sauce to separate and become watery upon thawing, resulting in a less desirable texture. Additionally, the flavor may also be affected.
It's best to consume this sauce fresh or store it in the refrigerator for short-term use.
If you do choose to freeze it, make sure to thaw it slowly in the fridge and whisk it well before serving to try to restore its texture.
Yes, you can make it soy-free by using any soy-free vegan mayo.
You can serve it with a variety of dishes! It pairs perfectly with fishy vegan options like my Beer-Battered Vegan Fish, adding a creamy and tangy complement to the dish.
Additionally, it's fantastic with Tempura Vegetables, adding a burst of flavor to the crispy coating.
For a plant-based twist on classic comfort foods, try pairing it with a Vegan Burger or serving it alongside veggies such as Fried Cauliflower, Roasted Broccoli, or Vegan Zucchini Fritters.
And let's not forget about potatoes! Whether it's Baked French fries, Baked Sweet Potato Fries, or Potato Wedges.
Yes, you can! The best way to store it is in an airtight container in the fridge.
Make sure the container is well-sealed to prevent air from entering, as exposure to air can cause the sauce to spoil more quickly.
When stored properly, vegan tartar sauce can typically last in the fridge for about 5 to 7 days.
Before using any leftover sauce, give it a quick stir to recombine the ingredients and refresh the flavors.
Did you like this recipe? Please leave a rating and comment below!
📖 Recipe
Easy Vegan Tartar Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 1 cup dill pickles, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a jar or a bowl.
- Whisk until well combined.
- For optimal flavor, refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes. However, if you're in a hurry, you can serve it immediately.
Notes
- Finely Chop Ingredients: For the best consistency, chop the onion and pickles very finely. However, feel free to adjust the chopping based on how chunky you prefer your sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasonings gradually. Increase lemon juice for tanginess, but don't overdo it to avoid thinning the sauce. Add more dill if desired.
- Consistency Control: If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of water or Non-Dairy Milk. If it's too thin, add more mayo to achieve the desired thickness.
- Flavor Infusion: Chill the sauce in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2-3 hours or overnight before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Lighter Option: To reduce calories, swap half of the mayo for a non-dairy yogurt like Soy Yogurt or Coconut Yogurt. This creates a lighter sauce without compromising flavor.
Kate says
This is the best homemade tartar sauce I’ve ever made. Thank you!
Iosune says
Hi Kate! Thanks a lot 🙂 So glad you liked it!