This Vegan Tartar Sauce is super easy and incredibly tasty! Imagine having a creamy, tangy sauce that you can whip up in minutes with ingredients you probably already have at home. Plus, it’s completely egg-free and dairy-free, so it’s perfect for anyone avoiding dairy or eggs due to a food allergy or intolerance. Whether you’re dipping, spreading, or drizzling, this sauce will take your meals to the next level. And the best part? It keeps well in the fridge for up to two weeks, so you’ll always have a delicious condiment ready to go!
Oriana’s Thoughts On The Recipe
This Homemade Vegan Tartar Sauce is one of my favorite sauces of all time! It’s a simple, no-fuss recipe that uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus, it’s so satisfying to whip up a sauce that’s both delicious and totally plant-based.
I’m a big fan of sauces that can elevate any dish, and this one does exactly that. It’s creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of zesty. Whether you’re serving it with your favorite vegan seafood, spreading it on a sandwich, or using it as a dip, it’s sure to impress.
Another thing I love about this recipe is how well it keeps. You can make a batch and store it in the fridge for up to two weeks. It’s perfect for meal prep or just having something tasty on hand to add a little something extra to your meals. Give it a try—I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do!
What I Love About This Recipe
A Breeze to Make with Kitchen Staples: One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge.
Creamy, Dreamy, and Full of Flavor: This sauce is the perfect balance of creamy and tangy, with just the right kick of flavor from the mustard and optional Tabasco sauce. It’s everything you want in a tartar sauce—smooth, rich, and bursting with taste.
Perfect Partner for Any Main Dish: Whether you’re enjoying eggless crispy fish sticks, a hearty veggie burger, or roasted vegetables, this tartar sauce is the perfect companion. Its tangy, savory flavor enhances whatever you’re pairing it with, taking your meal to the next level.
Egg-Free and Dairy-Free Delight: If you’re looking for a plant-based alternative to traditional tartar sauce, this recipe is a winner. It’s totally egg-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for vegans and those with food allergies. You won’t miss a thing, I promise!
Lasts Up to Two Weeks in the Fridge: One of the perks of making your own sauce is knowing exactly what goes into it, and how long it will last. This homemade tartar sauce keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to two weeks, so you can enjoy it whenever you need a flavor boost.
Potential Cons Of The Recipe
- Mayonnaise Base: If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, even the vegan kind, this recipe might not be for you.
- Limited Spice: While the sauce is flavorful, it’s not particularly spicy. If you’re looking for a tartar sauce with a strong kick, you might need to add more heat.
Tips To Mitigate These Cons
- Mayonnaise Alternative: You can use a mix of vegan yogurt for a lighter, less mayo-heavy base.
- Amp Up the Spice: Add more Tabasco or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like your sauces with a bit of heat.
Ingredients You’ll Need, Substitutions & Notes
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
- Vegan Mayonnaise: The base of your sauce, providing the creamy texture. You can use any store-bought vegan mayo or make your own if you prefer. Note: I like to use Hellmann’s Plant-Based Mayo.
- Sweet Pickle Relish: Adds sweetness and tang, balancing the flavors. Note: If you don’t have relish, finely chopped pickles or gherkins will work just as well.
- Minced White Onion: Brings a subtle sharpness and depth to the sauce. Note: You can substitute with shallots for a milder flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and a bit of acidity. Note: Lime juice can be used as an alternative.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a slight tang and depth of flavor. Note: If you don’t have Dijon, yellow mustard can be a substitute, but it will change the flavor slightly.
- Dried Dill: Dill is classic in tartar sauce, giving it a fresh, herby taste. Note: If you have fresh dill, use it! Just double the amount.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that bring all the flavors together. Adjust to taste.
- Tabasco Sauce (Optional): For those who like a little heat, Tabasco adds a nice kick. Feel free to omit if you prefer a milder sauce. Note: I always add 2 dashes and it’s not spicy at all, not even for the kids.
Process Overview: Step-by-Step Photos
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
Step 1 – Mix Everything Together
In a medium-sized bowl, add the vegan mayo, sweet pickle relish, onion, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, dill, salt, pepper, capers (if using), and hot sauce (if using). Stir it all together to combine.
Step 2 – Serve Or Store For Later
Serve immediately or chill.
Tip: I recommend letting the sauce chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, as this helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and fresh dill (if available) can make a big difference in flavor.
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing the sauce to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Adjust to Taste: Don’t be afraid to tweak the amounts of lemon juice, mustard, and spices to suit your personal preferences.
Food Allergy Swaps
- Soy-Free: If you need a soy-free version, make sure your vegan mayo is soy-free.
- Gluten-Free: Most ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check labels, especially on condiments like mustard and Tabasco sauce.
Variations & Additions
- Fresh Herbs: Mix in some fresh parsley or chives for a more vibrant taste.
- Zesty Kick: A dash of horseradish or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can give the sauce an extra zesty punch.
Serving Suggestions
This Vegan Tartar Sauce is perfect with all kinds of dishes! Serve it alongside eggless fish sticks, spread it on sandwiches, or use it as a dip for crispy fries or roasted veggies. It’s also great as a salad dressing when thinned with a bit of water or additional lemon juice.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
- Storing: Store the tartar sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Give it a good stir before serving as some separation may occur.
- Freezing: While this sauce can be frozen, it may change the texture slightly when thawed, so I do not recommend freezing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Fresh dill can add a wonderful burst of flavor. Just double the amount since fresh herbs are less concentrated than dried.
If you prefer something lighter, you can substitute vegan mayo with vegan yogurt. This will create a slightly different flavor but still delicious!
Yes! Feel free to add extra Tabasco, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even some finely chopped jalapeños to give the sauce a spicy kick.
If you notice any off smells, changes in color, or if it tastes strange, it’s best to discard the sauce. Always store it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh.
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Recipe Card 📖
Homemade Vegan Tartar Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup (230 g) vegan mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon (45 g) sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon minced white onion
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon capers, drained and finely chopped (optional)
- 2 to 3 dashes Tabasco sauce (optional)
Important
Don’t forget to check out the step-by-step photos above in the post—they’ll guide you through the process and make everything super clear!
Instructions
- In a medium sized bowl add the vegan mayo, sweet picklerelish, onion, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, dill, salt, pepper, capers(if using), and hot sauce (if using). Stir it all together to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill.Tip: I recommend letting the sauce chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, as this helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Soy-Free: If you need a soy-free version, make sure your vegan mayo is soy-free.
- Gluten-Free: Most ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check labels, especially on condiments like mustard and Tabasco sauce.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and fresh dill (if available) can make a big difference in flavor.
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing the sauce to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Adjust to Taste: Don’t be afraid to tweak the amounts of lemon juice, mustard, and spices to suit your personal preferences.
- Fresh Herbs: Mix in some fresh parsley or chives for a more vibrant taste.
- Zesty Kick: A dash of horseradish or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can give the sauce an extra zesty punch.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
