FREE PRINTABLE RECIPE
Get the Printable Recipe PDF (Free)
Enter your email and we’ll send you the ingredients + step-by-step instructions as a clean PDF you can save to your phone.
- ✅ Printable PDF (ingredients + steps)
- ✅ Save it to your phone (no long scrolling)
- ✅ Includes cook time + servings
- ✅ Easy to follow
FAQ
Where’s the full recipe?
It’s delivered as a printable PDF so you can save it and cook without scrolling.
I didn’t get the email.
Check Spam/Promotions and search your inbox for your site name. Then click Confirm to receive the PDF.
homemade tartar sauce recipe Dill-Pickle Cream with Lemon Zest
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: About 1.25 cups (10–12 servings) 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This homemade dill-pickle cream with lemon zest tartar sauce delivers a bright, creamy, and undeniably fresh flavor, instantly elevating any meal. It’s a quick, family-friendly condiment perfect for fish or chicken, transforming simple ingredients into something special.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise, good quality
- 0.25 cup finely chopped dill pickles (or cornichons)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 0.25 teaspoon sea salt, adjust to taste
- 0.125 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Finely chop the dill pickles and fresh dill. Zest your lemon, ensuring you only get the yellow part, then cut it in half and squeeze out the fresh juice into a small bowl.
- Combine Wet and Dry: In a medium mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, the finely chopped dill pickles, fresh dill, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Mix Thoroughly: Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly using a spatula or spoon until they are well combined and creamy with a uniform, pale green tint. If it looks too thick, stir in a teaspoon of pickle juice from the jar or a tiny splash of water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Chill to Meld Flavors: For the absolute best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or even an hour, to allow the vibrant flavors to meld beautifully, deepening the overall taste.
Notes
For healthier fats, use avocado oil or olive oil mayonnaise. Opt for organic fresh dill and lemons when possible. Consider unsweetened pickles to better control sugar. For a lighter sauce, swap half the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt. For dairy-free needs, use a good quality vegan mayonnaise. For extra tang, add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped capers. Fresh dill and firm, heavy lemons are paramount for flavor. For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce. For sweetness, stir in 0.5 teaspoon of honey or a pinch of sugar. A tiny dash of Worcestershire sauce adds umami. If too tart after chilling, add a pinch of sugar or honey. If not bright enough, stir in more lemon zest or fresh dill before serving.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (approx 30 g)
- Calories: 130 calories
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 12 mg