This Zesty Cajun tartar sauce has the perfect amount of zest, balanced out by the sweetness from the mayo. Very easy to make with simple everyday ingredients. Perfect for fish, shrimp, or even sandwiches, it's that good!
Pair this tartar sauce with this Amazing Blackened Salmon recipe.

Inspiration for this tartar sauce came about one day when we were eating fish, and had no none on-hand. As you know, it's the worst to have to run to the store for something so simple.
So one time when this happened to me, we had already fried the fish, the shrimp was ready... and we had NO TARTAR SAUCE! Naturally, I did not feel like going to the store just for one little condiment.
Knowing the basic flavors I was going for, this bad boy was whipped up! I whipped-up this dreamy, creamy, and zesty tartar sauce- and we haven't bought pre-made tartar sauce ever since! It is really THAT good!One of the best parts about it, the ingredients are pretty basic, and most will have them in their pantry/refrigerator already.
What can I use this tartar sauce for?
This zesty cajun tartar sauce is the perfect condiment to have on hand for just about any seafood. Use it as a dip for fried fish, baked or pan seared fish, or shrimp. We have even used it as a dipping sauce for french fries before!
How long can homemade tartar sauce last?
Most tartar sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Be sure to place it in an airtight container, or a container with plastic wrap over the top.
Furthermore, tartar sauce taste much better if it is made ahead of time and placed in the fridge for a day or two. This allows all of the flavors to marry nicely.
Ingredients needed:
Mayonnaise is the base for this tartar sauce. Red onion, cajun seasoning, and red wine vinegar also help round-out the flavors. A touch of sugar, and some dill pickle relish are also added.
I will tell you, one of the oddest ingredients in this recipe is that dill weed. I'm pretty sure not too many people keep this particular spice in their cabinet!
Take my word for it though, you should get it! This spice gives the tartar sauce that extra zesty and crisp flavor. It gets used more than I ever thought I would- coleslaw, tuna salad. It is a secret spice behind a lot of my delicious dishes.
Nonetheless, whip this tartar sauce up next time your in a pinch, or even if you just want a great sauce for dipping just about anything in!
📖 Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dill relish
- ¼ Red onion finely diced
- 1 teaspoon Red wine vinegar
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (like Tony Chacheres)
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- ½ tablespoon Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dill weed seasoning optional but highly recommended
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl, mix well.
- Cover and refrigerate for up to 7 days, or use immediately.
blue 517 says
so I made this and have to say it is one of the best I have found on the internet, didn't have the dill weed but will next time, spicy sweet very good.
Tamara J. says
Awesome! So glad you enjoyed it!
N says
i'm going to try this
Tamara J. says
Enjoy!
Jaye says
This sounds really good, looking forward to trying.
Tamara J. says
I hope you enjoy it!
Britney says
This paired perfectly with the crab cakes I made the other night! It has a nice kick to it, I’ll definitely be making this again!
Marta says
I made this tartar sauce to serve alongside my catfish and the entire family loved it. Glad to find a "jazzed" up tartar sauce for all of my seafood dishes.
Chef Mireille says
the cajun seasoning makes this tartar sauce WOW - my new go to tartar sauce for fried fish!
Chenée says
I fried some shrimp this weekend and it gave me the perfect excuse to make this delicious tartar sauce! The Tony Chachere's took it to a new level!
Chenée says
The Cajun seasoning added the perfect amount of kick to this delicious sauce!
Samantha says
Wow this is so good! I'm going to put this tartar sauce on ALL of my seafood and sandwiches!
Adri Ruff says
I love how quick and easy this is and how delicious it turned out! I probably won't ever look at the store bought stuff again!
Capri Lilly says
This tartar sauce brought my entire meal to life! I used it on some broiled cod and it was soo good! I love the cajun flavors! Thanks for the recipe
Capri Lilly says
I love the cajun flavors of this tartar sauce! Mixed with the dill and mayo, it is the perfect combination! Thanks for the recipe
Renia says
I'm all about condiments and sauces. This Tartar sauce was delicious. I substituted the mayo for vegan mayo and was super pleased with the outcome!
Renia says
I'm all about condiments and sauces. I substituted the mayo for vegan mayo. Delicious.