Zesty Herb Tartar Sauce

Name: Zesty Herb Tartar Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp capers, finely chopped; 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tsp lemon zest

🕒 Prep: 10 min

🔥 Cook:

🍽 Serves: 12

★★★★★

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Zesty Herb Tartar Sauce is your new kitchen secret weapon. It's a refreshing twist on the classic with bright, tangy flavors that elevate any seafood dish. In just a few simple steps, you'll have a sauce that will leave everyone asking for the recipe!

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Ingredients for Zesty Herb Tartar Sauce

Mayonnaise forms the creamy base and provides richness. It helps all the flavors mingle together smoothly. Lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy note, while the lemon zest amplifies that fresh flavor. Capers bring a tangy, briny punch, giving the sauce a delightful complexity. Fresh dill and parsley provide an aromatic, fresh herbal touch. Dijon mustard adds a subtle kick of flavor and smooths out the tang. A sprinkle of garlic powder and onion powder gives depth without overpowering the other ingredients. Finally, a hint of black pepper and salt balances out all the flavors perfectly.

Tips & Tricks

Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. Dry herbs won’t pack the same punch.
For a chunkier texture, roughly chop the capers rather than finely chopping them.
If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This Zesty Herb Tartar Sauce is a match made in heaven with crispy fish fillets, shrimp, or crab cakes. Try it as a spread on sandwiches or as a dip for veggie sticks or fried pickles. It also works wonders as a salad dressing when thinned with a little extra lemon juice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?: While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon each of dried dill and parsley if needed.
How long does this tartar sauce last?: Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it should last for about a week.
Is there a way to make it less tangy?: If you prefer a milder flavor, start with half the lemon juice and zest, and add more to taste.

Zesty Herb Tartar Sauce Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a medium-sized bowl — something big enough to comfortably mix all the ingredients without making a mess. Add 1 cup of mayonnaise to the bowl. Pour in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Stir these together until they’re nicely combined; it should look smooth and creamy.

Next, it's time to add the flavor boosters. Finely chop 1 tablespoon of capers and toss them into the mix. Follow with 1 tablespoon of fresh dill and 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, both freshly chopped. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder. Stir everything together until the herbs and capers are evenly distributed throughout the mayonnaise base.

Grate the zest of a lemon to get 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and add it to the bowl. It’s amazing how much extra zing this little bit of zest adds. Finally, season with 1/4 teaspoon each of black pepper and salt. Give it all one last good mix until it's thoroughly combined.

Cover the bowl with some wrap and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial because it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. When ready to serve, make sure the sauce is chilled, which makes it even more refreshing.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to make with minimal ingredients.
Perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and herby flavors.
Versatile — pairs wonderfully with various seafood dishes.
Can be made ahead, saving you time on busy cooking days.

Ingredients

1 cup mayonnaise

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp capers, finely chopped

1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp lemon zest

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.

2. Stir in capers, dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder until well blended.