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Wooden bowl filled with creamy homemade tartar sauce, thick and chunky with visible pickle relish and onion pieces. Close up of copycat McDonald’s tartar sauce on a rustic wooden table, with pickles and fresh herbs blurred in the background.

Copycat McDonald's Tartar Sauce

Nesting Lane Indulge
Copycat McDonald's Tartar Sauce tastes just like the original. This homemade version is tangy, creamy, and ready in just 10 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Equipment

Blender
Medium Bowl
Measuring Spoons
Measuring Cup

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Add mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons relish, 1 tablespoon chopped onion, capers, parsley, and sugar to a blender.
  • Blend until smooth.
  • Transfer the sauce to a medium bowl.
  • Stir in the remaining 1½ tablespoons relish and 1 tablespoon chopped onion.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap.
  • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
  • If the mixture is too thick to blend, add a teaspoon of milk or cream.

Notes

Tips and Tricks

Blend in Stages - If your blender struggles with the thick mixture, blend the mayonnaise and half the relish first, then add the rest of the ingredients.
Adjust Thickness - Add milk or cream one teaspoon at a time if the sauce is too thick. This makes it easier to blend and creates a smoother texture.
Chill Time Matters - Don't skip the refrigeration step. The flavors develop and blend together while the sauce sits in the fridge.
Customize the Texture - If you want a chunkier sauce, stir in extra relish and onion at the end without blending them.
Make Ahead - This sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to one week. Make it a few days ahead for meal prep or parties.

Storing

Refrigerate - Store the tartar sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits.
Freeze - Freezing is not recommended. The mayonnaise base can separate and become watery when thawed, which affects the texture and taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 136kcalCarbohydrates: 2gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 202mgSugar: 1g
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