Dairy Free Tartar Sauce (Without Mustard)

This tartar sauce comes together quickly with just a few ingredients, and my kids love it. I make it any time I serve fish for dinner. They aren’t the biggest fish fans, but this sauce makes those meals a lot more welcome at the table.

This recipe is dairy free, gluten free, and mustard free, with no peanuts and no tree nuts. It also skips the capers and shallots you will find in a lot of other versions. Fewer specialty ingredients means less label checking and a sauce you can throw together with things you likely already have on hand.

Traditional tartar sauce is naturally dairy free. It is made with a mayonnaise base, pickles, and a few simple seasonings, none of which typically contain dairy. That said, store bought versions can include dairy and other unexpected ingredients, so it is always worth checking the label. Making it at home means you know exactly what is in it, which is especially important if you are managing multiple food allergies.

Mustard is the bigger hidden surprise in tartar sauce. It shows up in many store bought versions and in most homemade recipes too, either as an ingredient in the sauce itself or in the pickle brine. If you are managing a mustard allergy, this recipe has you covered on both fronts.

This recipe uses my homemade dairy free and mustard free mayo as its base. If you haven’t made it before, don’t be put off. It comes together in under 5 minutes with just four ingredients. You can read more about it in my coleslaw post as well. If you already have a mayo that is safe for your family, feel free to use that instead and jump straight to the recipe.

This recipe uses finely chopped dill pickles instead of relish. Dill, not sweet. Sweet pickles will change the flavor profile entirely.

If you are also managing a mustard allergy, most store bought pickles contain mustard in the brine or carry a risk of cross contamination. I recommend this homemade pickle recipe as a mustard free option. It is a recipe from another site that I have used, and it’s quick and easy to pull together.

Add salt and pepper to taste if you feel the sauce needs it, but I rarely do. Between the mayo and the pickles there is already enough salt in there for our family.

Start with a dash of Tabasco and taste as you go. A little goes a long way, but if your family likes heat, feel free to add more.

This recipe is free from dairy, mustard, gluten, sesame, peanuts, and tree nuts. As always, check every ingredient label for your family’s specific allergens, as manufacturing processes and formulations can change.

Dairy Free Tartar Sauce (Without Mustard)

Yield: 1.5 cups

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

This easy homemade dairy free tartar sauce comes together in minutes with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. Free from dairy, mustard, gluten, peanuts, and tree nuts.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise (mustard free, dairy free homemade mayo)
• ½ cup diced dill pickles
• 1 tbsp finely chopped green onions or chives
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• Dash of Tabasco sauce
• Salt and pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well to combine.
2. Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week.

Notes

Pickles: If you are managing a mustard allergy, use homemade or verified mustard free pickles. Most store bought dill pickles contain mustard in the brine or carry a risk of cross contamination.

Mayo: Use a mayo that is safe for your family. This recipe is developed using homemade mustard free, dairy free mayo

Salt: The mayo and pickles bring enough salt for most palates. Taste before adding any.

Spice: Add more Tabasco to increase the heat level.

Allergens: This recipe is free from dairy, mustard, gluten, sesame, peanuts, and tree nuts. Always check every ingredient label for your family's specific allergens, as formulations and facilities can change.

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