Old-Fashioned Southern Tartar Sauce Recipe With Dill And Sweet Relish

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This old-fashioned southern tartar sauce recipe is tangy, balanced, and full of the kind of fresh-made flavor you expect at a good seafood counter. It’s made with simple, humble ingredients that complement each other perfectly.

If you enjoy making your own condiments, you will want to try my savory homemade teriyaki sauce, simple ginger scallion sauce, and stone ground mustard dip next.

A plate of golden fried battered cod bites with lemon wedges, leafy greens, and a cup of old fashioned southern tartar sauce. A pile of more cod bites sits on brown paper, next to a wooden fork and red napkin.

Let’s talk about this recipe

I wanted an old-fashioned tartar sauce that reflected the bold, flavorful southern versions I’ve loved for years, but with a twist I learned to appreciate eating at seafood restaurants in New England. There they often use both dill and sweet relish in their tartar sauce, and that pairing works really well when it’s done right.

The easiest way to get that exact flavor combination to my own kitchen table was to make it myself. Truth is, my version will hit the spot no matter which part of the country your favorite tartar sauce comes from. And if you like to spice things up now and then, you’ll want to try my Cajun tartar sauce version too.

If you’re looking to expand your from-scratch staples, this recipe is also included in my homemade condiment recipes roundup, where everything is collected in one place.

What makes this recipe so good?

Balanced tangy flavor comes from combining dill and sweet relish, instead of relying on just one note.
Old-fashioned simplicity keeps the ingredient list short while still delivering a sauce with real character.
Southern-inspired richness gives this tartar sauce the boldness seafood dishes actually need.
Easy homemade approach lets you control texture, flavor balance, and ingredient quality from the start.
Versatile consistency works just as well as a spread on sandwiches as it does spooned alongside grilled or fried seafood.

Ingredients you’ll need

Nine labeled bowls and ingredients on a wooden surface: sweet relish, mayonnaise, dried dill, lemon juice, dill relish, salt, garlic cloves, chopped onion, and pepper.

Mayonnaise: This is the backbone of the sauce, so use one you truly like. My homemade mayonnaise has a fresher flavor, and it makes a richly flavored base for this sauce.
Relishes: Using both dill relish and sweet relish to make this dish is what sets the sauce apart from other versions. Look for relishes that have good crunch and clean flavor for best results, avoid those that are too syrupy or have a mushy texture.

See recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Make it your own

Chopped pickles, instead of relish, work very well for this sauce if you want more texture in each bite.
Use Fresh dill to give the sauce a brighter, herb-forward flavor, especially during summer market season when it’s readily available at farm markets and stands.
Adjust the dill ratio to create a sauce with a sharper citrus tang and a deeper, grassy undertone.
Extra relish gives the sauce more texture, with sweet relish softening the tang and dill relish increasing it.
The amount of onion can easily be adjusted to suit your personal preference.

How to make old-fashioned southern tartar sauce

Mayonnaise, lemon juice, pressed garlic, sweet relish, dill relish, salt, pepper, and chopped onion in a white bowl.

Creamy white sauce with herbs visible in it in a white bowl.

Step 1: Put all of the ingredients into a small bowl.

Step 2: Whisk everything together until smooth and fully combined.

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Recipe FAQs

What makes southern tartar sauce different from regular tartar sauce?

Southern versions tend to be bolder and more flavorful, often relying on fewer ingredients with a touch more sweetness.

Can I use store-bought mayonnaise for tartar sauce?

Yes, but using homemade mayonnaise gives the sauce a richer flavor and smoother texture.

Why use both dill and sweet relish?

The combination creates a melody of flavor — tangy, slightly sweet, and savory all at once, instead of one-note flavor.

Can I use fresh dill instead of dried?

Fresh dill works beautifully and adds brightness, especially when it’s in season at local markets.

Serving ideas

This tartar sauce is just as good with grilled, baked, or broiled seafood as it is with anything crispy and fried. Spoon it alongside fish, shrimp, and crab cakes, where its tangy balance adds crave-worthy contrast without overpowering the natural flavor of the seafood. It also works beautifully on fish sandwiches, bringing extra flavor to every bite.

If you enjoy serving seafood meals with a fresh garden salad, pairing them with something like creamy Thousand Island, savory honey mustard, or a simple herby Italian dressing rounds out the table nicely. Beyond seafood, this sauce earns a place on the table as an everyday condiment too. Use it as a dip for fries, onion rings, and potato wedges, or add a dollop to seafood salads to brighten them up.

A bowl of creamy tartar sauce sits on a plate next to golden-brown fried fish pieces and lemon wedges, with more fried food and a red napkin visible in the background.

Diane Gail’s tips for success

Use quality mayonnaise: The better the base, the better the finished sauce will taste.
Balance the relishes: Adjust the ratio until the tang and sweetness feel right to your palate.
Whisk thoroughly: Proper mixing creates a smooth, cohesive sauce instead of streaky pockets of flavor.
Taste before serving: A quick taste lets you fine-tune the balance before it hits the table.
Keep it simple: This sauce shines when it stays true to its humble, old-fashioned roots.

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Chicago Mild Sauce Recipe
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Old Fashioned Ketchup Recipe
Simple Dill Dressing Recipe
Balsamic Mustard Dressing Recipe
Handmade BBQ Sauce from Scratch

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Creamy white old-fashioned southern tartar sauce in a small bowl, with herbs visible in it.

Old-Fashioned Southern Tartar Sauce Recipe

This old-fashioned southern tartar sauce is tangy, balanced, and made with simple ingredients that let the flavor shine. Using both dill and sweet relish creates a classic seafood counter taste that works just as well with grilled fish as it does with fried.

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Prep Time: 5

Total Time: 5

Servings: servings

Calories: 104kcal

Author: Diane Gail

US Customary – Metric

Ingredients

▢ 1/2 cup mayonnaise
▢ 1 1/2 tablespoon dill relish
▢ 1 1/2 tablespoon sweet relish
▢ 2 tablespoons finely diced yellow onion
▢ 1 tablespoon lemon juice
▢ 2 large garlic cloves pressed
▢ 1 teaspoon dried dill
▢ 1/4 teaspoon salt
▢ 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

Combine: Add all ingredients to a small bowl.
Whisk: Whisk until smooth and fully combined, making sure everything is evenly distributed.

Notes

Use quality mayonnaise: A well-made mayonnaise creates a richer, smoother base and improves the overall flavor of the sauce.
Balance the relishes: Adjust the ratio slightly if you prefer more tang from dill or more softness from sweet relish.
Whisk thoroughly: Proper mixing ensures even flavor and prevents pockets of relish in the finished sauce.
Taste before serving: A quick taste lets you fine-tune the balance before bringing it to the table.
Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and generally use within 5–7 days for best flavor and texture.