this Pioneer Woman tartar sauce recipe is stupidly easy. like throw-it-in-a-bowl easy. mayo, relish, a little onion — maybe lemon if you feel alive today. it’s creamy, tangy, and kinda saves whatever sad fish you’ve got going on. no blender. no mess. just… works.
Jump to RecipeIngredients Needed
- 1 cup mayonnaise: base of the whole thing. full-fat makes it creamier.
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish: that tangy-sweet bite. don’t skip it.
- 1 tablespoon minced onion: for crunch + zing. use fresh if you can deal.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (optional): makes it brighter. i like it. not necessary though.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: don’t overdo it. just enough to make it pop.
How To Make Pioneer Woman Tartar Sauce
Dump the base together:
grab a bowl. mayo in. relish in. onion in. nothing fancy. just use a spoon and mix it.
Add the flavor bits:
pour in the lemon juice — or not, honestly. season with salt + pepper. stir again. done.
Let it chill:
cover the bowl. shove it in the fridge. forget about it for at least an hour. the flavors need a sec to hang out.

Recipe Tips
- fresh onion = better bite and less mush.
- don’t use fat-free mayo unless you want sadness.
- let it sit. no shortcuts here. 30 mins minimum, 1 hour’s better.
- if you’re making this for guests, double it. it disappears fast.
How to Store & Reheat
- Room Temperature: nope. it’s mayo. straight to the fridge.
- Fridge: lasts up to 1 week in a sealed container.
- Freezer: no. just no. mayo and freezers hate each other.
Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 30
- Sodium: 93 mg
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Fat: 2.3 g
- Carbs: 1.9 g
- Fibre: 0.1 g
- Sugar: 0.6 g
FAQs
Can I skip the lemon juice?
yep. it’s optional. adds tang but not essential.
What if I hate sweet relish?
use dill relish instead. or chop up pickles. same vibe.
Is it okay to make this a day ahead?
actually better. the flavors get deeper.
How long does it last?
about a week in the fridge if sealed tight.
Can I make this vegan?
sure. use vegan mayo. rest is already plant-based.
Pioneer Woman Tartar Sauce Recipe
Course: Side DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings5
minutes30
kcalcreamy, tangy tartar sauce with sweet relish + onion — made in minutes and better after chilling.
Ingredients
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
1 tablespoon minced onion
2 tablespoons lemon juice (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Mix mayo, relish, and onion in a bowl.
- Stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until smooth-ish.
- Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Serve cold with seafood or fried foods.
Notes
- Use full-fat mayo for best results.
- Let it chill for flavor to develop.
- Fresh onion works better than dried.
- Avoid freezing. Texture will break.