This Ina Garten Tartar Sauce recipe is creamy and tangy, which uses mayonnaise and pickles for classic flavor. It’s a quick, foolproof sauce that pairs perfectly with seafood and is ready in just 10 minutes.
Jump to RecipeIna Garten Tartar Sauce Recipe Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons dill pickles, finely chopped (or sweet pickles, if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon capers, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How To Make Ina Garten Tartar Sauce Recipe
- Chop pickles and capers: Finely chop both ingredients for a smooth texture.
- Mix the base: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
- Stir in extras: Add chopped pickles, capers, and parsley to the mixture.
- Season to taste: Adjust with salt and pepper.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld.

Recipe Tips
- Can I make this ahead? Yes, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
- Best pickles to use: Dill pickles are classic, but sweet pickles add a softer flavor.
- How to make it creamier: Use full-fat mayonnaise for the richest texture.
- Can I add more flavor? Try adding a pinch of garlic powder or fresh dill.
What To Serve With Ina Garten Tartar Sauce
This tartar sauce is perfect for seafood dishes and more:
- Fried fish or fish sticks
- Crab cakes
- Shrimp cocktail
- Fish sandwiches or burgers

How To Store Ina Garten Tartar Sauce
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Stir before serving.
Freeze: Not recommended, as mayonnaise-based sauces separate when frozen.
Ina Garten Tartar Sauce Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~90
- Fat: ~9g
- Carbohydrates: ~1g
- Protein: ~0g
- Sodium: ~120mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use Miracle Whip instead of mayonnaise?
Yes, but it will add sweetness and a tangier flavor compared to classic mayonnaise.
How do I thicken tartar sauce?
Add more chopped pickles or a little extra mayonnaise to adjust consistency.
Can I make this without capers?
Yes, simply omit them or replace with extra pickles for similar briny flavor.
Does tartar sauce need to be refrigerated?
Yes, always refrigerate to keep it fresh and safe to eat.
Try More Recipes:
- Ina Garten Balsamic Dressing Recipe
- Ina Garten Barefoot Contessa Green Goddess Dressing Recipe
- Ina Garten Marinara Sauce Recipe
Ina Garten Tartar Sauce Recipe
Course: SaucesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes90
kcalCreamy homemade tartar sauce with mayonnaise, pickles, and capers — perfect for seafood dishes.
Ingredients
-
1 cup mayonnaise
-
2 tablespoons dill pickles, finely chopped
-
1 tablespoon capers, finely chopped
-
1 tablespoon lemon juice
-
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
-
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Finely chop pickles and capers.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
- Stir in chopped pickles, capers, and parsley.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Chill 30 minutes before serving.
