Southern Tartar Sauce: A Tangy Classic with a Southern Twist
Introduction: The Charm of Southern-Style Condiments
Southern cuisine is known for its bold flavors, soulful ingredients, and an unapologetic love for comfort food. From crispy fried catfish to golden hush puppies, there’s one humble condiment that brings a dish together without stealing the spotlight: Southern Tartar Sauce. Unlike its more generic counterparts, this creamy and zesty version is loaded with personality—fresh herbs, tangy pickles, and a hint of Southern flair.
In this post, we’ll explore how to make this Southern-style tartar sauce at home, what sets it apart, what to pair it with, and why it deserves a spot in your fridge. Whether you’re planning a summer fish fry or just want a punchy dip for your fries, this sauce has you covered.
What Is Southern Tartar Sauce?
At its core, tartar sauce is a mayo-based condiment with pickles and herbs. But in the South, it gets an upgrade. Southern Tartar Sauce typically includes a bolder flavor profile—think Creole mustard, hot sauce, dill, fresh lemon, and sometimes even capers or chopped olives. It’s creamy, tangy, a little spicy, and absolutely made to pair with fried seafood.
This isn’t just a sauce—it’s a statement.
Ingredients That Make It Southern
1. Mayonnaise
The creamy base, and arguably the most essential ingredient. Southern cooks often go for full-fat mayo to ensure richness.
2. Dill Pickles or Relish
Forget sweet relish—Southern-style means sharp and tangy dill pickles, finely chopped. This adds crunch and a briny bite.
3. Creole Mustard
What sets this version apart. It brings a mild heat and slight graininess that adds depth.
4. Fresh Lemon Juice
For brightness. A generous squeeze helps balance the richness of the mayo.
5. Hot Sauce
Whether it’s Louisiana-style or homemade, a dash of hot sauce gives it that signature Southern heat.
6. Fresh Herbs
Chopped parsley and dill elevate the flavor. You can also toss in green onions or chives for extra zing.
7. Optional Add-Ins
Chopped capers, olives, or even a spoonful of horseradish if you like your sauce extra zesty.
How to Make Southern Tartar Sauce at Home
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles or relish
- 1 tablespoon Creole mustard (or Dijon as a backup)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon capers or chopped olives for added brine
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, dill pickles, and Creole mustard.
- Stir in lemon juice, hot sauce, and fresh herbs.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add optional ingredients if desired.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
This sauce will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Best Ways to Use Southern Tartar Sauce
Southern Tartar Sauce isn’t just for fish—though it’s spectacular with it. Here are some delicious ways to use it:
1. Fried Seafood
Whether it’s crispy-baked shrimp or homemade Louisiana crab cakes, this sauce is the perfect complement. Try it with Coconut Crusted Fish for a tropical twist that balances sweet and tangy flavors beautifully.
2. Fish Sandwiches and Burgers
A slather of Southern tartar on a flaky fish sandwich brings everything together. Pair it with toasted buns, lettuce, and tomato for a meal that sings with every bite.
3. Crab Cakes & Shellfish
If you’ve got a plate of Seafood Stuffed Shells or Crab Crunchies Snack, don’t hold back—this sauce was practically made for shellfish.
4. Seared or Baked Fish
Serve a dollop on top of pan-seared tilapia, salmon, or trout. For a more upscale dinner, it complements dishes like Asian Glazed Salmon or Parmesan Risotto with Lemon Butter Scallops.
5. Dipping Sauce for Appetizers
Great with Garlic Bread Ritz Bits or Goat Cheese Appetizer Spread. The creamy contrast works wonderfully with baked, fried, or cheesy starters.
Tips to Customize It
Not every Southern kitchen makes tartar sauce the same way. Here are a few tweaks you can try:
- Spicy Twist: Add finely chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
- Sweeter Version: A small dash of honey balances the tang, especially if you’re serving with spicy fried chicken.
- Herb-Forward: Add basil, cilantro, or tarragon for a more complex herbaceous note.
- Extra Creamy: Fold in a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra silkiness.
Pair It With: Recipes to Complete the Meal
Planning to make a full Southern-inspired dinner? Here’s how to build a spread that pairs beautifully with Southern Tartar Sauce:
- Main Dish: Stuffed Shrimp or Quick Blackened Shrimp
- Side: Wingstop-Style Cajun Corn or Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
- Bread: Garlic Bread Ritz Bits
- Dessert: Finish with a cooling treat like White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Balls or a fun Banana Split Dump Cake
Why Make It at Home?
Making your own Southern Tartar Sauce means full control over the flavor, texture, and freshness. You can skip the preservatives and adjust ingredients based on your taste buds and dietary needs.
Store-bought tartar sauces are often too sweet or too bland. Once you try the homemade Southern version, you’ll never want to go back. It’s bold, balanced, and incredibly versatile—just like the best Southern dishes.
Final Thoughts
Southern Tartar Sauce is more than just a condiment—it’s a Southern tradition. It brings zippy brightness to fried favorites, elevates simple fish dishes, and even doubles as a creative dip for snacks and starters. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a jar of this flavor-packed sauce anytime.
Looking for even more inspiration? Try it alongside Zesty Shrimp and Avocado Rice Bowls or spoon it over Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce for a delightful surf-and-sauce combo.
Whichever way you enjoy it, one thing’s for sure—Southern Tartar Sauce is a recipe that’ll find a permanent place in your kitchen.
