Keto Tartar Sauce Recipe (Sweet & Creamy!) | Wholesome Yum (2024)

Tartar sauce is one of those tricky foods that we assume is low carb… but it’s usually sweetened with sugar or corn syrup! Keto tartar sauce to the rescue. And before you start thinking it’s going to require a bunch of ingredients or take a long time, this low carb tartar sauce comes together with just 6 basic ingredients and 5 minutes. It tastes so much better than the stuff from the store, you’ll never go back.

This easy tartar sauce gets its sweet flavor from Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend. It tastes just like powdered sugar (but without the carbs!) and blends in perfectly into just about anything. Unlike other sugar substitutes, it dissolves easily, which is critical for smooth applications, like this low carb tartar sauce.

Keto Tartar Sauce Ingredients

You need just a handful of simple ingredients to make this. Here’s what I recommend and why:

• Mayonnaise – You can use homemade mayo or buy it. Most mayo brands are low enough in carbs to be considered dirty keto, but if you want a clean label, I like this brand. Note it’s a little runnier than the leading national brand, though.
• Dill Pickles – Make sure you get the dill variety, not sweet. Still, even the salty dill varieties often come with artificial colors and flavors, so watch for that if you are trying to eat healthier. I like this brand of dill pickles that’s all natural, or otherwise you can also make your own homemade keto pickles like this.
• Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – As mentioned above, this is what we’re using to sweeten the keto tartar sauce. If you want to use something else, see the FAQs below.
• Lemon Juice – Fresh has the best flavor, but I’ve sometimes used bottled lemon juice for convenience.
• Fresh dill & parsley – Fresh herbs give the best flavor in my opinion, but you can substitute dried if you like. If using dried, use 1/3 the amount listed for fresh.
• Sea salt &black pepper

How To Make Keto Tartar Sauce

This keto tartar sauce recipe doesn’t really have any steps – just stir the ingredients together!

But if you have time, refrigerate before serving, to let the flavors develop more.

Low Carb Tartar Sauce FAQs

How many calories in homemade tartar sauce?

The number of calories in homemade tartar sauce will vary a bit depending on additional ingredients. This recipe has 100 calories per tablespoon – higher than some, but it’s because we’re using cleaner ingredients than some store brands that have fillers.

How many carbs in tartar sauce?

Tartar sauces sweetened with sugar will have about 2 grams per tablespoon – and while it’s not a lot, it’s definitely a dirty keto option, and can add up if you don’t measure precisely. No, thanks!

Each tablespoon of this keto tartar sauce has just 0.1 grams net carbs.

Is tartar sauce keto?

Yes, this homemade tartar sauce is virtually carb-free, and definitely keto. However, some store-bought versions or other recipes that are sweetened with sugar or corn syrup would not be considered keto.

Is low carb tartar sauce dairy free?

Yes, this tartar sauce is dairy-free. While mayonnaise is made with eggs, it actually doesn’t contain any dairy.

Can I use a different sweetener?

I prefer using this powdered monk fruit allulose blend, as it performs just like sugar and will leave your tartar sauce nice and creamy (not gritty).

You can also use another powdered sweetener like powdered allulose or powdered erythritol (the latter is less recommended, as it may crystallize when you store it). Refer to my sweetener conversion chart for substitution info.

Do not use a granulated sweetener, which will be gritty. Many brands may also crystallize in the fridge, so I recommend Besti for best results. 😉

Storage Instructions

This gluten-free tartar sauce actually tastes better after it’s had some time to chill and let the flavors develop, so it’s great to make ahead!

Store the tartar sauce in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Can you freeze tartar sauce?

No, don’t freeze it, because it will separate.

What To Serve With Tartar Sauce

Of course, the most popular food that goes with tartar sauce is fish! But you do have other options, too. Here are some ideas:

• Keto Fried Fish – Crispy fish sticks dunked in tartar sauce are a classic. My fave!
• Keto Fries – Pair them with your fried fish and dip them in tartar sauce together.
• Deviled Eggs With Bacon – Swap the mayo for tartar sauce in the yolk filling.
• Roasted Vegetables – Surprisingly delicious dunked in keto tartar sauce.
• BLT – Sub the mayo for tartar sauce in your fave sandwich.

• Glass Storage Container – Store any leftovers from this low carb tartar sauce recipe in a glass storage container for up to two weeks.
• Glass Mixing Bowls – This set is the only one you’ll need and you’ll have lots of different sizes to choose from.