If you’ve ever had a burger, fish sandwich, or crispy fry at Zip’s Drive-In, then you already know the magic of their tartar sauce. It’s not your average condiment — it’s creamy, tangy, a little sweet, and packed with zippy flavor that makes everything taste better. It’s iconic in the Pacific Northwest for a reason.
This copycat Zip’s Tartar Sauce recipe captures that perfect balance in every bite. It’s incredibly simple to make at home using just a handful of ingredients, and once you taste it, you’ll want to use it on more than just fish. Burgers, fries, onion rings, sandwiches — even veggies love this sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This tartar sauce isn’t just a dip — it’s a flavor upgrade for anything it touches. Zip’s fans know it’s got just the right balance of sweetness, tang, and creamy richness.
You’ll love this recipe because it’s made with everyday ingredients, takes less than five minutes to whip up, and tastes just like the restaurant version. It’s also highly customizable, depending on how tangy or sweet you like it.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup dill pickle relish
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon white vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pro Tips
- Use real mayonnaise — not Miracle Whip — for authentic flavor.
- Let the sauce chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Adjust the ratio of dill to sweet relish depending on your taste preferences.
- A small splash of vinegar or lemon juice brightens the whole sauce.
- Don’t skip the onion and garlic powder — they give it that signature savory kick.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Silicone spatula or spoon
- Airtight container or jar for storage
- Optional: whisk
Substitutions and Variations
No sweet relish? Add a tiny bit of sugar (½ tsp) to dill relish instead.
For a low-fat version, use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
For a zippier version, add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños.
Stir in chopped fresh dill, parsley, or chives for a garden twist.
If you don’t have lemon juice, use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
Make Ahead Tips
This tartar sauce is best made at least 30 minutes ahead of serving, and it keeps in the fridge for up to 7 days. The longer it chills, the better the flavor. It’s perfect for prepping the night before a fish fry or weekend BBQ.
Instructions
1. Combine the Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, dill relish, sweet relish, lemon juice, vinegar, onion powder, and garlic powder.
AI Image Prompt: Mixing bowl with mayonnaise, dill and sweet pickle relishes, lemon juice, and spices being combined with a spoon. White marble counters with hints of gold, natural lighting, iPhone 15 Pro top-down blogger shot.
2. Mix Until Smooth
Stir until the mixture is completely smooth and the ingredients are evenly distributed. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
AI Image Prompt: Smooth, creamy tartar sauce mixture being stirred in a bowl, with visible flecks of relish and seasoning. White marble counters with hints of gold, natural lighting, iPhone 15 Pro top-down blogger shot.
3. Chill
Transfer to an airtight container or jar. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors come together.
AI Image Prompt: Jar of tartar sauce being sealed and placed in the refrigerator, with ingredients like pickles and mayo in the background. White marble counters with hints of gold, natural lighting, iPhone 15 Pro top-down blogger shot.
4. Serve
Spoon into a small ramekin and serve with fries, fish, or burgers.
AI Image Prompt: Small ramekin of tartar sauce served next to crispy fries and a fish sandwich on a serving board. White marble counters with hints of gold, natural lighting, iPhone 15 Pro top-down blogger shot.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crispy fried fish or beer-battered cod.
Use as a dipping sauce for French fries or onion rings.
Spread on burgers, chicken sandwiches, or wraps.
Stir into chopped hard-boiled eggs for a quick egg salad.
Use as a side sauce for roasted potatoes or grilled vegetables.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftover tartar sauce in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Stir before serving. Do not freeze, as the texture will separate after thawing.
If the sauce thickens too much after chilling, stir in a small splash of vinegar or lemon juice to loosen it back up.
Nutrition & Benefits
This tartar sauce is made with real ingredients and no preservatives, unlike many store-bought versions. It’s rich and creamy from the mayo, with probiotic potential if you use yogurt as a base. The pickle relish provides natural tang and crunch, and it’s easy to adapt to your dietary preferences — whether you need low-sugar, low-fat, or vegan-friendly.
Recipe FAQ
Is Zip’s tartar sauce sweet or tangy?
It’s both! The blend of dill and sweet relish gives it that signature balance.
Can I use just one type of relish?
Yes — dill relish for tangier flavor, sweet relish for a softer, sweeter taste.
Is this tartar sauce spicy?
No, but you can add hot sauce or cayenne if you want a little heat.
Can I use Miracle Whip instead of mayo?
You can, but it will have a sweeter, less creamy flavor. Mayo is best for authenticity.
What makes this different from regular tartar sauce?
The sweet and tangy combo is stronger, giving it that regional Zip’s flavor that fans love.
The Final Scoop
This Zip’s Tartar Sauce Recipe is more than a condiment — it’s a Northwest favorite that brings nostalgic, bold flavor to every bite. Whether you’re recreating your favorite drive-in burger or looking to dress up a plate of fish and chips, this sauce delivers on taste, simplicity, and family-friendly appeal.
Give it a try, tweak it to your liking, and let me know how it turned out. It might just become a permanent fixture in your fridge.