Vegan Tartar Sauce

Craving that creamy, tangy kick of classic tartar sauce but want to eat plant-based? Luckily, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or fun to enjoy this condiment. This easy vegan tartar sauce recipe whips up into a version that eaters of any diet will love! Try it on veggie burgers, crispy tofu nuggets, vegan crab cakes, and even as a veggie dip! This vibrant combination of vegan mayo, tangy pickles and capers, and dill brings massive flavor and takes just minutes to whip up.

Ingredients in vegan tartar sauce

This vegan tartar sauce recipe is built on vegan mayo, so it’s quick and simple to whip up. All you need is a high quality vegan mayo brand. Brands can vary a lot in flavor and texture, so make sure to find a great brand you love. Another idea is homemade vegan mayo (try this homemade mayo from vegan recipe developer Jessica in the Kitchen). Here are the ingredients you’ll need for a vegan tartar sauce:

Vegan mayonnaise Shallot Capers Dill relish or finely minced dill pickle Sugar Dried dill Salt, if desired

How to make tartar sauce

Tartar sauce is a mayonnaise-based sauce that’s often served with seafood. It’s common in the US, UK, South Africa, Australia and around the world. The exact origin is unknown, but it’s very similar to remoulade sauce, which was invented in France in the 17th century (they can be used interchangeably, so you can call this vegan remoulade, too). Tartar sauce is simple to make: you’ll simply mix together a few easy ingredients. Here’s how to make tartar sauce (or jump right to the recipe for exact quantities):

Chop the fresh ingredients: Finely chop the shallot and capers. Mix: Mix them with the dill relish, sugar, dill, and mayonnaise. Taste and additional salt if desired.

Storage info

This vegan tartar sauce tastes so similar to the real thing! Depending on the mayo brand, the flavor sometimes intensifies over time. We like making it in a small batch (reflected in the recipe below). Leftovers last up to 1 week refrigerated.

Ways to serve vegan tartar sauce

There are so many ways to serve vegan tartar sauce! It works as a dip for vegan crab cakes, a spread for sandwiches and burgers, or just with veggies. Here are a few great ways to use it:

Vegan crab cakes: Use as a dipping sauce for vegan crab cakes. Veggie burgers: Spread onto vegan black bean burgers. French fries: It’s a fantastic dip for ultimate baked French fries, avocado fries, or sweet potato fries. Vegetables: Or, dip veggies like crispy breaded cauliflower or roasted broccoli. Sandwiches: Spread it on a vegan breakfast sandwich or a sandwich with Lion’s Mane mushrooms. Crudites: Serve vegan tartar sauce with carrot sticks, celery, cucumbers, and bell pepper strips.

More vegan sauces

Let us know how you plan to use this vegan tartar sauce in the comments below! Here are a few more vegan sauces to try:

Mix up all purpose Vegan Cashew Sauce Whiz up Vegan Alfredo Sauce Try Easy Vegan Pesto or Vegan BBQ Sauce Make bright green Creamy Cilantro Sauce Try Avocado Mayo or Tahini Sauce