Name: Vegan Tartar Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup vegan mayo; 1/4 cup finely chopped dill pickles; 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon capers (, minced); 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill; 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon minced shallots ((sub with 1/4 teaspoon onion powder)); 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic; 1/8 teaspoon sea salt (, more to taste); Fresh Cracked Pepper (to taste)

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It's so easy to make homemade Vegan Tartar Sauce and it tastes just like the classic version. It's creamy, tangy, slightly briny, and wonderfully aromatic thanks to the fresh dill. Pair it with your favorite seafood-inspired dishes, and enjoy a burst of flavor in every bite.

Side view of a spoon being dipped into a ramekin filled with vegan tartar sauce.

I prefer making my own dips and sauces whenever possible and this Vegan Tartar Sauces is one I make often. Its delicious flavor, ease of preparation, and adaptability make it a go-to condiment for enhancing a wide range of dishes.

It pairs exceptionally well with my vegan crab cakes, these vegan fish tacos, or these crabless vegan stuffed mushrooms but its adaptability means you can use it as a dip, dressing, or condiment for a wide range of foods, from crispy fries, sandwiches, veggies to wraps.

Making your own tartar sauce at home means you have control over the quality and freshness of the ingredients. Plus, you can whip it up in minutes with common kitchen staples.

Ingredients and Common Replacements

Now, if you're missing any of these ingredients or want to get creative, here are some common replacements:

Ingredients to make the sauce spread out on a table.

Vegan Mayo: You can use store-bought or my oil-free vegan mayo recipe. If you use the homemade version, just reduce the lemon juice, vinegar, and salt. You can add more when the tartar sauce is fully combined.
Dill Pickles: If you're out of dill pickles, try using sweet pickles for a unique twist on the classic tartar sauce flavor. Dill relish will work too.
Capers: Don't have capers on hand? Minced green olives will work or pickled jalapeños can add a spicy kick.
Fresh Dill: While fresh dill is preferred for that burst of freshness, dried dill can be used in a pinch.
Dijon Mustard: Yellow mustard can be a substitute if you don't have Dijon mustard.
Shallots: You can also use a ¼ teaspoon of onion powder.

How to make Vegan Tartar Sauce

You can whip this up fast! Just add everything to a bowl, combine and chill. Here's what it looks like:

Three process photos showing how to make sauce in a glass mixing bowl.

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Adjust flavors as needed. Chill for 30 minutes in the fridge to thicken and marinate. Stir before serving.

Storing Recommendations

Vegan tartar sauce is incredibly easy to make and store. After preparing it, simply transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it. It can last for up to a week in the fridge, but I bet it won't stay there for long once you discover all the tasty dishes it complements!

Expert Tips

To ensure your tartar sauce is a success every time, here are some expert tips:

Chill Out: For the best flavor, let your tartar sauce chill in the refrigerator for at least 20-30 minutes to an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Adjust to Taste: Feel free to tweak the ingredient proportions to suit your preferences. Want it tangier? Add more lemon juice, but not too much, or the sauce will become too thin. Craving more dill? Up the dill quantity.
Serve it Up: Beyond vegan crab cakes, try this sauce with other dishes like vegan fish sticks, and potato wedges, or even as a dipping sauce for your favorite veggies.

Variations

Vegan tartar sauce is incredibly versatile, and you can customize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations to consider:

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
Fresh Herbs: Experiment with different fresh herbs like basil, parsley, cilantro, chives, or tarragon for a unique herbal infusion.
Flavor: For a sweeter touch and to balance the tanginess, mix in a ½ teaspoon of agave nectar or maple syrup.
Lighten It Up: Replace half the mayo with some vegan sour cream or unsweetened vegan green yogurt.

Overhead view of tartar sauce in a white ramekin with a spoon on the side.

More dips and sauces to try

Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and sharing your feedback in the comment section below. It would make my day!

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