One of the most popular dishes I see many people trying to recreate is Red Lobster Tartar Sauce. It is popular with customers for its sweet, tangy taste, and I totally understand why.

After trying out Red Lobster’s tartar sauce recipe, I realized it needed to be shared with everyone. Firstly, this sauce is super creamy and pairs well with many foods. Secondly, it is full of flavor!Â
One of my favorite ingredients in this sauce is sweet pickle. Its sweet and tangy taste outshines the others, making each bite delightful. Therefore, ever since I tried this sauce, I have had a container of Red Lobster tartar sauce in my fridge.
Usually, we hear about mustard dips or French onion dips, but give this dip a try and experience what I experienced. It will be life-changing for you!
Equipments Required
- Bowl: I like to use a medium or small bowl to make this sauce.
- Spoon: I use a spoon to measure and mix all the ingredients correctly.
- Knife: A sharp knife to chop all the veggies is a must.

Red Lobster Tartar Sauce Ingredients & Substitutions
Note: The ingredients in this recipe can serve up to 6 people.
- 1½ Tablespoons Onion, chopped: I use red or white onions for this recipe.
- 1 Tablespoon Carrot, finely diced: If you don’t have carrots, you can add celery or parsnips instead.
- 1 Tablespoon Sweet Pickle Relish: If I don’t have sweet pickles, I substitute Dill pickles, which are also a very trusted pickle type for this recipe.
- ½ Cup Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt can also be used as a healthier alternative to prepare the sauce.
- ¼ Tablespoon Salt
- 1½ Tablespoons Sugar: If you prefer a natural sweetener, you can use honey instead.
Preparation And Cooking Time
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Minutes | – | 5 Minutes |
How To Make Red Lobster Tartar Sauce At Home

Step 1
Begin by adding chopped onions to the mayonnaise.

Step 2
Then add chopped carrots to the mix.

Step 3
Now it’s time to add sweet pickle relish to give this sauce a kick of tanginess.

Step 4
Now add sugar to the sauce.

Step 5
Mix everything together properly.

Step 6
Finally, your incredible homemade Red Lobster tartar sauce is ready!
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- Since we are not frying the onions, I like to soak them in water for some time. This helps reduce the pungent smell and makes them sweet for the sauce.
- I let this sauce sit for at least two hours. It allows the flavors to develop, enriching the sauce’s taste.Â
- I have observed that, at times, my Red Lobster tartar sauce becomes runny. Then I realized it happens when I do not dry my pickles well enough, causing them to lose water. So, be careful when adding pickles.Â
- I have observed that adding mayonnaise at the right consistency is also important; otherwise, the sauce will be thinner.
- I like to incorporate freshly chopped herbs like dill or parsley to enhance the freshness of Red Lobster tartar sauce.
- I also like to adjust the seasoning according to the pickle’s saltiness.
- If you prefer a more complex flavor profile, I suggest using sweet-and-tangy pickles.
- I like to adjust the sauce’s taste before serving to ensure the flavor profile is balanced and suits my preferences.
- One additional tip I follow is to add lemon juice to the Red Lobster tartar sauce, which acts as an emulsifier. It adds a tangy, sour flavor to the sauce. However, I am cautious about the portion, as excess lemon juice can make the sauce runny and sour.
FAQs About Red Lobster Tartar Sauce
Nutritional Information Per Serving
One of the major bonuses of this delicious bowl of Red Lobster tartar sauce is that it is healthy. It is low in calories, sugar, and fat, which makes it a great sauce option.
| Calories | 135 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 2 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Saturated fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 7 mg |
| Sodium | 244 mg |
| Potassium | 8 mg |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Vitamin A | 430 IU |
| Vitamin C | 0.3 mg |
| Iron | 0.1 mg |
The best thing about this Red Lobster Tartar Sauce recipe is that it is naturally gluten and dairy-free. It is also naturally vegetarian-friendly. So, people following these diets can enjoy it easily without any restrictions

Recipe Variations For Different Diets
- Vegan: I swap regular mayonnaise with plant-based mayonnaise to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Keto-Friendly: I start by using keto-friendly mayonnaise with no sugar. Instead, I use fresh, sweet pickle relish, which adds a sweet flavor.Â
- Fat-Free: It is easy to make a fat-free version of this Red Lobster tartar sauce. For that, I simply use fat-free mayonnaise instead of regular mayonnaise.
Storing This Recipe
- Countertop: I like to keep my Red Lobster tartar sauce on the countertop for 2-3 hours. After that, I like to put it in the fridge to prevent spoilage.
- Refrigeration: I prepare my sauces in large batches and store them in the fridge for at least a week. However, I take extra care to ensure they are stored in an airtight container that prevents moisture from leaking in. Â
- Freezing: I highly recommend not freezing this sauce, as it can ruin its texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Whenever I have something that tastes dull or bland, I pop my Red Lobster tartar sauce out of the fridge. I usually have it with Fish & Chips, Potato Chips, Pretzel Chips, or even onion rings. Having this sauce with any kind of chips is the most common idea.
But apart from chips, I also enjoy this with Chicken Wings. Another way I suggest using it is as a dressing for Salads. This makes any salad ten times more delicious.
You can also enjoy this dip with a plate of French Fries and tartar sauce, and you will be good to go.
Printable Version
Red Lobster Tartar Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1½ Tablespoons Onion chopped
- 1 Tablespoon Carrot finely diced
- 1 Tablespoon Sweet Pickle Relish
- ½ Cup Mayonnaise
- ¼ Tablespoon Salt
- 1½ Tablespoons Sugar
Equipment
- Bowl
- Spoon
- Knife
Instructions
Notes
- Since we are not frying the onions, I like to soak them in water for some time. This helps reduce the pungent smell and makes them sweet for the sauce.
- I let this sauce sit for at least two hours. It allows the flavors to develop, enriching the sauce’s taste.Â
- I have observed that, at times, my Red Lobster tartar sauce becomes runny. Then I realized it happens when I do not dry my pickles well enough, causing them to lose water. So, be careful when adding pickles.Â
- I have observed that adding mayonnaise at the right consistency is also important; otherwise, the sauce will be thinner.
- I like to incorporate freshly chopped herbs like dill or parsley to enhance the freshness of Red Lobster tartar sauce.
- I also like to adjust the seasoning according to the pickle’s saltiness.
- If you prefer a more complex flavor profile, I suggest using sweet-and-tangy pickles.
- I like to adjust the sauce’s taste before serving to ensure the flavor profile is balanced and suits my preferences.
- One additional tip I follow is to add lemon juice to the Red Lobster tartar sauce, which acts as an emulsifier. It adds a tangy, sour flavor to the sauce. However, I am cautious about the portion, as excess lemon juice can make the sauce runny and sour.
Nutrition
More Sauce Recipes That You Can Try






Conclusion
Now, you can skip the drive-through because you have access to this delectable homemade version of Red Lobster tartar sauce.
One of the best things about this recipe is that you can customize it according to your taste. Sometimes, I like to highlight the tangy flavors, while other times, I like to add more spice. However, that does not change, as it still does not need a food processor and tastes delectable every time.Â
So, here is the secret and easiest Red Lobster tartar sauce recipe you will find on the internet. Now, it’s time for you to make this recipe at home and let us know in the comments below how it turned out.








