Easy Dairy Free Jalapeno Tartar Sauce

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This dairy-free Jalapeno Tartar Sauce is perfect for dipping charred (no oil) brussel sprouts.

My inspiration was the Jalapeno Tartar Sauce from our favorite Tex-Mex restaurant in Houston and Austin, Texas, Lupe Tortilla.

Post Date: September 7, 2023
Posted by: Donna Spencer

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.

It would also be great with charred carrots, broccoli, roasted potatoes or any other firm vegetable that you really like. And why not use as a condiment for a beet burger?

Grocery List

Produce

Plain plant-based greek yogurt (5 oz. container)
Cashews (1.5 oz)
Fresh lime juice

Pantry

Onion granules
Garlic granules
Dill pickles
Capers
Pickled jalapeno
Hot pepper sauce

Misc

Salt

Add-Ins and Substitutions

Depending on where you grocery shop, capers can be on the pricey side although I have seen them come down in price recently. You can omit the capers and add more dill pickles or jalapenos. I think the plant based plain yogurt (I use the Culina brand which doesn’t have a heavy coconut taste like sop many others) is an excellent base but you can use vegan mayonnaise, however it does contain oil, which I try to avoid.

Storing

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks if using the Culina brand. Culina yogurt should still be fine to consume around 30 days-ish after opening (if you can wait that long)! The better you treat the yogurt (leave in the fridge and don’t double dip), the longer it will last. Culina may start to taste a lil’ extra tart the longer it sits past the expiration date, but is still safe to eat. (Trusted source.)

Nutrition 411

Plant-based yogurt are much more available today. ALWAYS READ THE LABELS. Some are using nuts which can make them higher in calories. Some add lots of sugar and salt. Some even use plant-based oils. I love the Culina brand as its ingredients are organic coconut, agar, and probiotic cultures. That’s it! And while it is coconut-based, it doesn’t taste it. Here is the label from their site for the plain-based flavor used in this recipe. (NOTE: I am not an affiliate of the Culina products. This opinion is my own after having purchased, tasted, and thrown out so very many other brands.)

Brussels sprouts are a member of the Brassicaceae family of vegetables and are closely related to kale, cauliflower, and mustard greens. They are low in calories but high in many nutrients, especially fiber, vitamin K, and vitamin C. Brussels sprouts are high in antioxidants. This helps prevent cell damage in your body. They are high in fiber, which can promote regularity, support digestive health, and reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. (Trusted source.)

Easy Dairy Free Jalapeno Tartar Sauce

Donna Spencer
Our favorite Tex-Mex restaurant in Houston, TX for the past 17 years was Lupe Tortilla. We recently moved to Austin, TX and thank goodness they have several locations here. This dairy free jalapeno tartar sauce recipe was inspired by their full dairy version which they serve with, yep, fried brussel spouts!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Course Appetizer, Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 4 servings
Calories

Equipment

  • High speed Blender
  • Cutting board and paring knife
  • Small mixing bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 5 oz plain plant-based greek yogurt (1 small container)
  • 1/4 cup soaked cashews (1.5 oz)
  • 1 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoons water
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion granules
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic granules
  • 1 tablespoons dill pickle finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoons capers drained and chopped
  • 1 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 3 tablespoons pickled jalapeno pepper rough small chop
  • 2 dashes hot pepper sauce such as Tabasco®
  • salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • Place cashews in a bowl and pour boiling water over to just cover the cashews, Let soak for 30 minutes up to 2 hours (until plump).
    With a high-power blender, you can get away without pre-soaking the cashews,
  • Drain and rinse cashews after soaking. Continue with recipe.
  • Add to a blender: yogurt, lime juice, vinegar, water, salt, onion granules, garlic granules, and soaked cashews. Puree until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and add remaining ingredients, combining thoroughly. Chill for at least 2-4 hours prior to using (the longer the thicker).
  • The consistency should be a thick dressing. The cashews will thicken the tarter sauce as it sits. If needed you may adjust the Before serving, consistency by adding more water, 1 teaspoon at a time, if you want a thinner more pourable drizzle.

Notes

It is easy to make thick or thin consistency to use as a dip, sauce, dressing or drizzle by adding more or less water.
Jalapeno peppers carry heat in the seeds and membranes as well so if your family doesn’t like too much heat, remove the seeds, start with ½ a jalapeno pepper, and then taste and adjust to your personal preference.
The cashews puree in a blender more evenly and creamy if they are plump and juicy. If you don’t have a high-power blender, soaking the cashews is essential for a smooth cashew sauce. Either the boiling water method for up to a couple hours or soak in cool water overnight covered in the refrigerator.
This recipe is from PLANTifull Fare food blog. I created all content and took all photos.  Please do not use my images or republish this recipe without prior permission and a shout out! Thank you ~ Donna
Keyword Austin, brussel spouts, Culina yogurt, Dairy Free, Easy Dairy Free Jalapeno Tartar Sauce, Houston, Lupe Tortilla, plant based yorgurt

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