Traditional tartar sauce often contains added sugar and starch, but this homemade version uses only keto-approved ingredients with less than 1g net carb per serving.

Can I use a different type of pickle?

Absolutely. Sweet pickles are not keto-friendly, but dill pickles, cornichons, or even sugar-free bread-and-butter pickles work well.

How long does homemade tartar sauce last?

When stored properly in the fridge, it stays fresh for up to 5 days. Always use a clean spoon to avoid contamination.

Miniketo

Keto Sauces

South Texas Style Tartar Sauce

Name: South Texas Style Tartar Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Keto
Ingredients: tablespoons finely chopped onion; tablespoons finely chopped dill pickle; pimento-stuffed green olives, drained and minced; tablespoon minced fresh parsley; cup mayonnaise

Tartar sauce is a must-have for seafood lovers, but store-bought versions often hide sugar and starches. I created this South Texas style keto version with crisp pickles, briny olives, and a touch of pimento for a tangy, creamy finish. It comes together in minutes and elevates everything from grilled fish to crispy keto fries.

10 min Prep time 0 min Cook time 10 min Total time 8 Servings 185 Calories

Ingredients

tablespoons finely chopped onion
tablespoons finely chopped dill pickle
pimento-stuffed green olives, drained and minced
tablespoon minced fresh parsley
cup mayonnaise

Instructions

Step 1

Start by finely chopping the onion, dill pickle, and pimento-stuffed green olives. I like to keep the pieces small so they distribute evenly throughout the sauce. Once chopped, add the minced fresh parsley. Then, pile everything together on your cutting board and rock your knife back and forth over the mixture, mincing until it becomes a coarse, well-blended paste. This extra step melds the flavors beautifully. Spoon the mayonnaise into a mixing bowl and fold in the minced mixture until fully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—sometimes a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon wakes it up. Transfer to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to marry and the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve alongside grilled salmon, crispy keto fried shrimp, or use as a dip for vegetable sticks.

Chef's Tip

For an even deeper flavor, I sometimes swap half the mayonnaise with full-fat sour cream. A dash of hot sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika adds a subtle kick that complements fried fish perfectly—all without any extra carbs.

Storage Tips

Store the tartar sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before serving if any separation occurs. Avoid freezing, as the texture can become watery once thawed.

Variation Tips

Try adding capers for extra brininess or a minced jalapeño if you enjoy a spicy twist. For a silkier texture, blend all ingredients except the mayo in a small food processor, then fold into the mayonnaise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nutrition

Calories	185 kcal \| Protein: 1g \| Fat: 20g \| Net Carbs: 1g