Craving the perfect dip for your seafood? This Red Lobster Tartar Sauce Copycat recipe is a game-changer! Creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor, it’s the ultimate accompaniment to fried fish, shrimp, or even crispy fries. With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate that classic Red Lobster taste right at home—your seafood meals just got a whole lot better!

This Red Lobster Tartar Sauce Copycat recipe is the perfect way to bring that creamy, tangy flavor to your kitchen! With a simple mix of mayonnaise, relish, lemon juice, and a few seasonings, you’ll have a rich, smooth tartar sauce that tastes just like the one served with their famous seafood dishes.
It’s the ideal dip for fried fish, shrimp, or even crispy fries, and so easy to make in just minutes. Whether you’re serving up a seafood feast or just craving a delicious dip, this homemade version will elevate any meal!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Creamy texture: Perfect balance of smooth and rich.
- Tangy flavor: Zesty lemon and relish bring a refreshing kick.
- Quick to make: Ready in just minutes with simple ingredients.
- Versatile dip: Ideal for seafood, fries, and more.
- Restaurant-quality: Tastes just like Red Lobster’s classic sauce.
- Customizable: Adjust flavors to suit your taste preferences.
- Cost-effective: Enjoy the same flavor at home, for less.
Ingredients Needed For Red Lobster Tartar Sauce Copycat Recipe

- Mayonnaise: Creamy, smooth base.
- Minced Onions: Adds mild, savory flavor.
- Sweet Pickle Relish: Sweet and tangy crunch.
- Shredded Carrots: Adds texture and sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances acidity with sweetness.
How to Make Red Lobster Tartar Sauce Copycat Recipe

Step One: In a medium bowl, add mayonnaise, minced onions, sweet pickle relish, shredded carrots, and granulated sugar.
Step Two: Mix all ingredients together until well combined.
Step Three: Taste the tartar sauce and adjust sweetness or tang by adding more relish or sugar if needed.
Step Four: Refrigerate the tartar sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Enjoy with fried seafood, shrimp, or your favorite dipping foods!

Red Lobster Tartar Sauce Copycat Recipe Tips
- Chill Before Serving: Let the sauce sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend and intensify.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter tartar sauce, add a little more sweet pickle relish or granulated sugar.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly minced onions and freshly shredded carrots will enhance the flavor and texture of your sauce.
- Add More Relish for Tang: For extra tang, you can add a bit more relish or a splash of lemon juice.
- Make Ahead: This sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week—perfect for meal prepping.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to tweak the proportions of the ingredients based on your flavor preferences!
Storing
- Storing: Store your Red Lobster Tartar Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Make sure to give it a quick stir before serving, as some ingredients may settle.
- Freezing: While tartar sauce can be frozen, it may lose some of its creamy texture and consistency when thawed. If you choose to freeze it, store it in a tightly sealed container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Tartar sauce is best served cold and doesn’t need to be reheated. If stored in the fridge, simply give it a stir before using.

What To Serve With Red Lobster Tartar Sauce Copycat Recipe
Red Lobster Tartar Sauce Copycat Recipe pairs perfectly with a variety of seafood dishes. Serve it alongside crispy fried fish, shrimp, or calamari for a delicious dip.
It also complements other fried favorites like French fries, onion rings, or even hushpuppies. For a light meal, use it as a topping for fish tacos or grilled seafood. Whether you’re hosting a seafood feast or just enjoying a casual meal, this tartar sauce adds the perfect creamy, tangy touch to your dishes.
Red Lobster Tartar Sauce Recipe Faqs
Can I make this tartar sauce ahead of time? Yes! In fact, making it ahead allows the flavors to meld together. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Can I adjust the sweetness? Absolutely! If you prefer a sweeter tartar sauce, you can add more sweet pickle relish or a little more sugar to taste.
Can I use a different type of mayonnaise? Yes, you can use any type of mayonnaise you prefer—light mayo, vegan mayo, or even homemade mayo can work well.
Can I substitute the carrots? While the shredded carrots add texture and a slight sweetness, you can omit them if you prefer a more traditional tartar sauce, or replace them with finely chopped celery for added crunch.
Is this tartar sauce gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as all your ingredients (especially the relish) are gluten-free.
How can I make the sauce spicier? For a spicy kick, you can add a small amount of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or finely chopped jalapeños to the sauce.

More Copycat Red Lobster Recipes
- Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
- Clam Chowder Red Lobster Recipe
- Air Fryer Copycat Red Lobster Stuffed Mushrooms
- Copycat Red Lobster Coconut Shrimp
- Red Lobster Biscuits in the Air Fryer
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Red Lobster Tartar Sauce Copycat Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons pickle relish,
- 3 teaspoons carrots, shredded, optional
- 3 teaspoons granulated sugar
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, add 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons onion, 2 tablespoons pickle relish, 3 teaspoons carrots, and 3 teaspoons granulated sugar.
- Mix all ingredients together until well combined.
- Taste the tartar sauce and adjust sweetness or tang by adding more relish or sugar if needed.
- Refrigerate the tartar sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Enjoy with fried seafood, shrimp, or your favorite dipping foods!
Equipment
- Bowl
- Spoon
Nutrition
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Barb
I don’t like dill so I sub cornichons and I also love capers, so I chop a bit roughly, but otherwise this is perfect for my tastes. I use whatever onions I have, green are great but red tend to turn things a bit pink over night. Still taste great!