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del taco secret sauce

Del Taco Secret Sauce Recipe

5 from 1 vote
This Del Taco Secret Sauce Recipe is a creamy, tangy homemade copycat made with mayonnaise, buttermilk, lime juice, vinegar, and simple seasonings. Chill before serving for a smoother flavor.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Sauce Base
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Seasonings
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon granulated sugar
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of black pepper

Equipment

  • Small mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Small whisk or fork
  • Rubber spatula
  • Airtight container
  • Refrigerator

Method
 

  1. Add ½ cup mayonnaise to a small mixing bowl.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons buttermilk and whisk until the mixture is smooth.
  3. Add 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice and 1 teaspoon white vinegar.
  4. Whisk again until the ingredients are evenly combined.
  5. Add ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon sugar, ⅛ teaspoon salt, and a pinch of black pepper.
  6. Whisk thoroughly until the seasonings are evenly mixed into the sauce.
  7. Check the consistency. If the sauce feels too thick, add ½ teaspoon buttermilk at a time and mix until smooth.
  8. Transfer the sauce to a clean airtight container.
  9. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can blend.
  10. Stir the sauce before serving.
  11. Taste and adjust if needed. Add a few drops of lime juice for more tang or a little mayonnaise if the flavor is too sharp.
  12. Serve with tacos, burritos, chicken, fries, burgers, quesadillas, or wraps.

Notes

  • Use fresh lime juice for a brighter flavor.
  • Add buttermilk gradually so the sauce does not become too thin.
  • Let the sauce chill before making major seasoning adjustments.
  • Keep the sauce refrigerated because it contains mayonnaise and buttermilk.
  • This is a homemade copycat recipe and is not Del Taco's official formula.
  • For a spicy version, add a small amount of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.

Storage

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best quality, use it within a few days.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended because the mayonnaise-based sauce can separate after thawing.
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutrition information is an estimate and can vary depending on the brands and quantities of ingredients used.