Creamy homemade tartar sauce is tangy, rich, and so much better than anything you can buy in a bottle! This easy vegan tartar sauce recipe comes together in just a few minutes.
Sometimes you need a little somethin’-somethin’ to take a dish to the next level. Well, this creamy, tangy tartar sauce will do just that!
Tartar sauce is a classic condiment made with mayo, pickles or relish, and other seasonings for a flavourful kick. Although tartar sauce is usually associated with seafood, the flavours here work with all kinds of dishes. You can use this tartar sauce for my vegan fish recipes like Vegan Fish Sticks or Crispy Beer-Battered Vegan Fish Tacos , but also for dipping fries and adding a little pep to veggies!
What Does Tartar Sauce Taste Like?
Tartar sauce has a tangy, rich flavor. It’s slightly sweet and sour from the mayonnaise and pickles, with an added herbal note from the dill. If you like aioli and other mayo-based sauces, you’ll probably enjoy tartar sauce too.
Why You’ll Love This Tartar Sauce Recipe
Here’s why you’ll want to make a batch of this tartar sauce ASAP!
- Creamy and tangy . The richness of the mayo in tartar sauce is balanced by the addition of citrus juice and pickles, which makes the flavour just perfect . Homemade tartar sauce is an absolute revelation if you’ve only had the bottled kind in the past!
- Simple . When you’re making dinner, you don’t want to have to spend 30 minutes on another recipe just for sauce! Tartar sauce is easy as can be—just stir everything together.
- Vegan . This tartar sauce recipe is made with plant-based mayo, which means everyone can enjoy it no matter their diet. (Even mayo haters might want to give it a try!)
Notes on Ingredients
Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.
- Vegan mayo – Use homemade vegan mayo or your favourite store-bought variety.
- Lemon or lime juice – Lemon juice is a more traditional choice, but I like lime juice as well.
- Pickles or sweet relish – If you use pickles, you’ll need to chop them first, so relish can save you a step.
- Salt
- Pepper
- Dill – Fresh dill takes this vegan tartar sauce to the next level.
What Is Vegan Mayonnaise Made Of?
There are a number of different vegan mayo options available in stores, but typically they are made with a plant-based fat and an acid like lemon juice or vinegar. Some vegan mayos are made with soy or tofu, and others get their creamy texture from aquafaba, or the liquid from chickpeas. Any type of vegan mayo will work for this tartar sauce recipe.
How to Make Tartar Sauce
Here’s how easy it is to make this homemade vegan tartar sauce recipe:
- Combine . Place all of the ingredients in a small bowl and stir to combine.
- Season . Taste the tartar sauce and add more salt or adjust the ingredients as desired.
- Chill . Refrigerate the sauce until you’re ready to use.
Tips for Success
These tips will help you make sure your homemade tartar sauce turns out just right.
- Use a vegan mayo you enjoy . It’s the main ingredient here! If it’s not something you’d eat on its own, don’t use it in your tartar sauce.
- Let it sit for a bit . If you have time, chill the tartar sauce for 30 minutes before you serve it. Although it’s not absolutely necessary, a little time in the fridge helps the flavours come together.
- Don’t skip the fresh dill . Dried dill is better than nothing, but fresh dill really elevates this tartar sauce recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Use vegan tartar sauce as a dip for Air Fryer Shoestring Fries , Air Fryer Potato Wedges , or Baked Carrot Fries . It’s also delicious with vegan seafood recipes like Vegan Crab Cakes , or use it to jazz up my Easy Grillable Veggie Burgers . You can even use it for dipping fresh veggies!
Variations
To tweak the flavour of your vegan tartar sauce, try adding one or more of these ingredients:
- Chopped capers
- Thinly sliced green onions
- Hot sauce
- Dijon mustard
- Grated red onion or shallots
How to Store
Store homemade tartar sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Stir well before using.
Can You Freeze Tartar Sauce?
While traditional tartar sauce cannot be frozen, vegan tartar sauce can be! Transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator, then stir before you use it.
More Vegan Sauces and Dips
- Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip
- Vegan Alfredo Sauce
- Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Beet Hummus
- Thai Peanut Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup vegan mayonnaise , 112g
- 1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped pickles or sweet relish
- A pinch of salt , less than 1⁄4 teaspoon
- A pinch of pepper
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped dill
Instructions
- Stir all the ingredients together. Taste and add more salt or seasoning as preferred. Set in the fridge until you’re ready for it!
Notes
Tartar Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup vegan mayonnaise 112g
- 1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped pickles or sweet relish
- A pinch of salt less than 1⁄4 teaspoon
- A pinch of pepper
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped dill
Instructions
- Stir all the ingredients together. Taste and add more salt or seasoning as preferred. Set in the fridge until you’re ready for it!
Notes
Nutrition
Tartar Sauce https://jessicainthekitchen.com/tartar-sauce/ July 24, 2023
Sometimes less is more! This simple lemon pasta recipe is light and flavourful, with bright lemon, plenty of garlic, and umami vegan Parmesan. An easy weeknight dinner!
Some pasta recipes take an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink approach, with a long list of ingredients that can be daunting for anyone who just wants to put a quick dinner on the table. But this lemon pasta is the exact opposite—it’s super simple, yet incredibly delicious!
The main ingredients are fresh lemon juice, garlic, vegan Parmesan cheese, and pasta. And the result? A light, lemony pasta dish that’s sure to be a hit at any dinner table. Best of all, it only takes minutes to make!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Pasta Recipe
Here’s why you’ll want to make this lemon pasta ASAP:
- Versatile . This is a pasta recipe that pairs with just about any protein or vegetable and works for every season of the year. (And trust me, you will want to make it all year long!)
- Easy to Make . Not only is lemon pasta a breeze to put together, but most of the ingredients are likely already in your kitchen. You don’t have to stress about having all the right ingredients, or going on a special shopping trip for this dish.
- Delicious . What more can be said? This lemon pasta has just the right balance of tart, savory, and umami flavours, and is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Notes on Ingredients
Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.
- Spaghetti – Use regular, whole wheat, or gluten free pasta. You can also substitute another shape if you’d like.
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Garlic
- Lemon juice – You’ll need one large lemon, or two small lemons.
- Parsley – Parsley pairs beautifully with the flavours in this recipe, but other herbs will work as well. Use what you have on hand or what’s growing in your garden!
- Vegan Parmesan cheese – Store-bought or homemade vegan Parmesan .
- Sea salt
- Black pepper – Add more for a kick.
- Pasta water
Why Do You Need to Reserve the Pasta Water?
You’ve probably noticed that a lot of pasta recipes call for reserving some of the cooking water. What’s the deal with that? The short answer is that the starch in the cooking water helps to thicken and bind sauces, resulting in a richer flavor and creamier texture.
What if you forget to reserve the water? Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us! In this case, whisk ¼ teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 cup of water and microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, until the liquid is hot. Use this as you would reserved pasta water.
How to Make Lemon Pasta
This simple dinner will be ready to devour in a matter of minutes!
Cook the pasta . Boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions and reserve 1/2 to 1 cup of the water before draining.
Sauté the garlic . While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Add the next 5 ingredients . Stir in the parsley, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, sea salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes more.
Finish . Add the pasta, turn off the heat, and toss to coat, adding the reserved pasta water as needed. Serve with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese.
Tips for Success
This vegan lemon pasta recipe is simple, but these additional tips will help you make sure it turns out perfect:
- Cook the pasta to al dente . This means it should still be slightly firm in the center when you bite into it. Once you add it to the sauce, it will cook a little more, so you don’t want to start with over-cooked pasta!
- Adjust as needed . If you find that your pasta seems a little dry, add some of the reserved pasta water.
- Make it your own . For an extra boost of flavor, try adding some chili flakes, lemon zest, or other herbs to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving lemon pasta alongside Balsamic Roasted Vegetables , Air Fryer Green Beans , and Lemon Garlic Grilled Zucchini . It also pairs perfectly with Lemon Pepper Tofu . And don’t forget the Roasted Garlic Bread !
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can also eat the pasta chilled if you’d like.
Can I Freeze Lemon Pasta?
Yes, you can freeze this lemon pasta in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat according to the instructions above.
More Vegan Pasta Recipes
- Hearts of Palm Pasta With Pesto
- Vegan Spaghetti and Meatballs
- One Pot Alfredo Penne Pasta
- Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta
- Roasted Red Pepper Lentil Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 ounces regular, whole wheat or gluten free spaghetti pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- juice of 1 large lemon , (3-4 tablespoons lemon juice)
- 2 teaspoons parsley chopped , or herb of your choice
- ¼ cup vegan Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup pasta water , (reserved from boiling the pasta in salted water)
Instructions
- Prepare pasta as per instructions on the box in a large pot of salted water. Drain pasta and reserve 1⁄2 cup pasta water or up to 1 cup if you think you’ll need more.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat your olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until the garlic is fragrant and slightly cooked for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add in the parsley, lemon juice and the parmesan cheese, sea salt, black pepper and 1/2 cup pasta water. Stir together until thoroughly mixed add heated through, about 2 minutes.
- Toss the pasta in the sauce until all ingredients are mixed and turn off heat (you don’t want to dry out the pasta). Taste and add more of anything including pasta water. Serve with extra parsley and parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy!
