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Special Sauce

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This dairy-free special sauce is the ultimate condiment for elevating your homemade burgers and grilled dishes. Inspired by classic diner flavours but with a modern, smoky twist, it combines the creamy texture of mayonnaise with the gentle heat of chipotle chillies in adobo. The addition of finely grated onion and crisp relish provides a subtle crunch and a tangy finish that cuts through rich, savoury meats perfectly.

Whether you are catering for a summer barbecue or looking for a quick way to brighten up a weeknight dinner, this versatile sauce is a fantastic addition to your repertoire. It is naturally dairy-free and takes only minutes to whisk together using simple shop-bought staples. For the best results, prepare it shortly before eating to let the spices infuse, creating a professional-quality burger topping.

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Ingredients for Special Sauce

  • 120ml mayonnaise

  • 2 tablespoons ketchup

  • 1 tablespoon finely grated onion

  • 1 tablespoon sweet relish or 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish

  • 2 teaspoons adobo sauce from canned chipotle chillies in adobo

  • 1/8 teaspoons celery salt

  • 1/8 teaspoons kosher salt

  • Ingredient info: Canned chipotle chillies in adobo are available at better supermarkets and at specialty foods stores and Latin markets.

How to make Special Sauce

Combine ingredients in a medium bowl and serve with burgers. Earn bonus points by bringing a jar to the next cookout.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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