This homemade Whole30 tartar sauce is easy to make, and a much healthier version made sugar-free and dairy-free. It’s also a keto and paleo homemade sauce option that is a tasty addition to all of your fish recipes!
Fish Frenzy
Alright, I’m not going to lie to you. Back in my “before paleo” days, your girl here loved a fish fillet from Micky D’s. Or two. And if we go back even further, I can pretty much guarantee you that I wasn’t a child to ever turn down a fish stick. Or 5.
Something that always accompanied those two things was the tartar sauce. A bit tangy, a bit dill-y (I made that word up), every bit necessary for dunking or slathering. There’s not really a “clean” and healthy version on the market, which means that for having it available for your Whole30 you’re going to be making it yourself.
The good news here is that it’s incredibly easy and quick to do. It takes maybe 5 minutes. Maybe. Not a ton of ingredients, and you’ll have an extra reason to eat that “heart-healthy” fish your doc keeps telling you that you should. Joking, mostly. But really we do know all about how good fish is for your body.. and your brain. So whip up that tartar sauce and get to it!
How To Make Homemade Tartar Sauce
You’re going to need some mayo to begin with. You can make it yourself really easily, or use Primal Kitchen’s Whole30 Approved (keto, paleo, etc.) mayo. It’s pretty much in every store now, or you can get it online from Amazon, Thrive Market, or their website. (PALEOBAILEY saves you 10% off on their website).
The other odds and ends you’ll need for this super simple Whole30 tartar sauce is either dill relish, or finely chopped dill pickles. Either one works, this is just dependent on what you have available. If you can’t find dill relish without sugar or additives, or if you just already have dill pickles at home, a nice fine dice will be a-okay. You’ll also need some dill, whole grain mustard (my favorite ever is the Thrive Market brand, plus it’s only like 2 bucks), lemon juice, garlic powder and onion powder.
From there the hard work is pretty much over, as now you’ll just need to mix it up! It’ll need to be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. My favorite for sauces and dressings are small weck jelly jars, but any sort of storage container works great. I advise to not freeze, however, because the mayo separates. You still can, of course, but once it thaws you need to re-emulsify with an immersion blender or in a food processor.
Other Homemade Sauces You’ll Love
Whole30 Southwest Ranch Dressing
40 Whole30 Homemade Sauces & Dressings
PrintWhole30 Tartar Sauce: Paleo, Keto, Sugar-Free
This homemade Whole30 tartar sauce is easy to make, and a much healthier version made sugar-free and dairy-free. It’s also a keto and paleo homemade sauce option that is a tasty addition to all of your fish recipes!
- Prep Time: 5
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1/2 cup 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayo (Primal Kitchen brand or homemade)
- 3 tablespoons dill relish or finely diced dill pickles
- 1.5 tablespoons fresh dill, or 1.5 teaspoons dried dill
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper as desired
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients into a bowl and stir well.
- Add any salt and pepper as needed, or additional dill relish or pickles for a chunkier tartar sauce.
- Place in an airtight container and refrigerate at least a half hour prior to serving to allow the flavors to meld together .
- Serve, or store in the refrigerator.
This Whole30 homemade tartar sauce post may contain some links that are affiliate links, though products are ones I use personally and recommend. When you purchase anything using my links, it costs you absolutely nothing extra, but it does give wholekitchensink.com a little financial support which helps to keep this blog running. Thank you for your continued support, both with your dollars and your interest.
free whole30 ebook
sign up for my newsletter and receive my 20 best Whole30 recipes!
By using this form you agree with this site's privacy policy.
Heather says
This is delicious!!! This sauce is easy to make and we didn’t miss the sugar at all! I will definitely make this again! Really good sauce!
Lou says
I used vegan mayo, made with avocado oil and it was delicious!
paleobailey says
That sounds great – so happy you enjoyed!! Thank you so much for giving it a try, and taking the time to leave a review!
Pam says
I can’t say enough about this recipe… Quick to make, simple ingredients and Soooo delicious! I no longer buy store bought brands that get thrown away. This is my every time go to recipe.
Thank you so much for sharing it with us.
paleobailey says
I’m SO glad to hear this!! Thank you so much, Pam!
Shelby says
I love tartar sauce. I’m new to paleo/Whole30, and this tartar sauce is one of the best I’ve ever had. The fact that it is healthy doesn’t even matter. It’s delicious and I love the slightly chunky texture. It’s hands down better than any store bought tartar sauce.
paleobailey says
Thank you so, so much!! I’m so glad to hear this!!
chelsea kendrick says
This us truly delicious! I paired with almond flour dredged cod! This has such great flavor and I am a tartar FAN. Hahaha! Thank you!
Christina says
Bailey this is perfect. Thank you for a quick recipe!!! I ate it w crab and roasted Brussels sprouts. Great w the Brussels too!!
paleobailey says
I’m so thrilled to hear this! I’m going to have to try it with roasted brussels now, too. Sounds delicious!! Thank you so much for taking the time to come back and leave a review! <3 - B
Whit says
I made this sauce with homemade avocado-oil mayo and diced up dill pickles and it was hands down the best tartar sauce I’ve ever had. So glad we found this recipe and it’s just a plus that it’s Whole30 compliant!
paleobailey says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!! Thank you so much for giving it a try, and taking the time to leave a review! It’s so appreciated!
Julianne F. says
I’ve tried all Whole30 tartar sauces on the internet and this is by far the best. Love it. Thank you!!
paleobailey says
Ah! Love to hear this! Thank you so, so much!
Annie says
I love this tartar sauce! It’s the only one I use. After tasting this dill (I use dill pickles) sauce, I don’t like sweet tartar sauces any more. Thanks for the recipe!
Meredith Burkhart says
Really loved this recipe. How long can you store the tartar sauce in a jar, in the fridge? Thanks so much!
Cristina Lopez says
I really liked it and more importantly my husband liked it and he is finicky. We will have it with our fish tomorrow.
paleobailey says
I’m so glad to hear this! Thank you so much for coming back and letting me know <3 - B
Char says
Best tartar sauce I’ve ever had. Definitely a keeper!
paleobailey says
I’m SO glad to hear this! Thank you!!
Char says
OMG. This was the best tartar sauce I’ve ever had. Definitely a keeper!