Tartar Sauce

Prep: 10 min Serves: 1 Cuisine: American

Tartar sauce is a creamy, tangy condiment that perfectly complements seafood dishes, especially fried fish. With its blend of mayonnaise, cream cheese, and zesty pickles, this sauce brings a delightful balance of flavors. It's ideal for casual dinners or gatherings, adding a flavorful touch to any platter.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 c. real mayonnaise
  • 2 Tbsp. milk
  • 1 tsp. finely chopped onions
  • 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese
  • 2 tsp. sweet pickle relish
  • 1/2 tsp. chopped capers

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients until well blended.
  2. Makes 1 1/2 cups sauce.

Tips & Substitutions

For a tangier flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a dash of Worcestershire sauce. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can enhance the taste, making it fresher. This tartar sauce pairs beautifully with fried fish or as a dip alongside Chex Muddy Buddies for an unexpected twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this tartar sauce alongside crispy fried fish, shrimp, or even as a spread on sandwiches for added creaminess. It also works well as a dip for fresh vegetables or chips. Consider pairing it with Twice-Baked Potatoes for a delightful meal. This versatile sauce complements many dishes, making it a staple in your kitchen.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover tartar sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors may deepen as it sits, making it even tastier. Avoid freezing the sauce, as the texture can change once thawed. When ready to use, simply stir well before serving to recombine the ingredients.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Tartar Sauce contains roughly 1980 calories, with 10g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 213g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (43% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2401mg per serving (104% of the Daily Value).

1980 kcal 99% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.1g 20% DV
Total Fat 212.9g 100% DV
Carbs 16.1g 6% DV
Fiber 1.1g 4% DV
Sugar 10.6g 21% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2400.5mg 100% DV
Potassium 210.3mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 108.6mg 36% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 384.8mcg 43% DV
Vitamin C 2.9mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0.8mcg 4% DV
Calcium 155.7mg 12% DV
Iron 3.1mg 17% DV
Diet fit Low-carb
Contains Milk Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this tartar sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance can enhance the flavors as they meld together. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Give it a good stir before serving to ensure a smooth consistency.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

If you want a lighter option, you can substitute the cream cheese with sour cream or Greek yogurt. This will change the flavor slightly but still yield a creamy texture. Just adjust the other ingredients to balance the taste.

Is there a vegetarian version of tartar sauce?

Yes, this tartar sauce is already vegetarian-friendly! You can enhance it by adding more chopped vegetables like bell peppers or cucumber for crunch. This allows for a unique twist while still keeping it aligned with vegetarian recipes.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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