17 Sauces to Drizzle, Dip, or Pour That Adds Flavor To Food

The right sauce can shift a dish from decent to memorable without much extra effort. This group covers creamy, tangy, spicy, and sweet blends that work across proteins, veggies, and carbs. Whether you’re dressing a salad, dunking fries, glazing salmon, or tossing noodles, these sauces offer easy flavor upgrades. Some are rich and indulgent, others sharp and light, but all of them are worth keeping in rotation.

Bolognese Sauce

Bolognese Sauce. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

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Ground beef, onion, wine, and tomato simmer into a hearty sauce that clings to pasta like no other. It’s slow-cooked, rich, and satisfying. Serve with thick noodles. A go-to when you want dinner to feel like something.
Get the Recipe: Bolognese Sauce

Tartar sauce

Tartar sauce in clear jar on white plate of fish sticks.
Tartar sauce. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Chopped pickles, capers, mayo, and lemon juice mix into a tangy condiment perfect for seafood. It’s sharp, creamy, and easy to customize. Keeps well in the fridge. Classic with fish, but also good on burgers.
Get the Recipe: Tartar sauce

Bang Bang Sauce

A bowl of Bang Bang sauce.
Bang Bang Sauce. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

A creamy-spicy mix of mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha that’s ideal for shrimp, chicken, or sandwiches. It hits sweet, tangy, and hot in one go. Serve it as a dip or dressing. Great for adding kick with almost no prep.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Sauce

Healthy Tartar Sauce

A dish of healthy tartar sauce on a plate.
Healthy Tartar Sauce. Photo credit: The Honour System.

This version cuts the fat by using yogurt or light mayo while keeping the flavor punch from pickles and lemon. It’s sharp and clean. Works with seafood, roasted veggies, or as a dip. Lightened-up, but still strong on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Tartar Sauce

Creamy Avocado Sauce

Avocado sauce in a bowl with it's ingredients surrounding it.
Creamy Avocado Sauce. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This smooth green sauce blends ripe avocado with lime juice, garlic, and olive oil for a fresh, tangy dip or drizzle. It’s rich without being heavy. Use it over tacos, bowls, or grilled meats. Keeps well and stays vibrant.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Avocado Sauce

Grandma’s Marinara Sauce

A pan of marinara sauce with a wooden spatula.
Grandma’s Marinara Sauce. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

A slow-simmered tomato sauce with garlic, herbs, and a touch of sweetness that tastes like it’s been passed down. It’s rich but balanced. Use it on pasta, meatballs, or stuffed shells. Classic comfort, made from scratch.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Marinara Sauce

Easy Honey Sriracha Sauce

Easy Honey Sriracha Sauce. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Sweet and spicy, this mix blends honey and sriracha into a quick glaze or dip with garlic or lime. Use it on salmon, shrimp, or roasted vegetables. It’s sticky, hot, and fast. Perfect for tossing or brushing.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Sriracha Sauce

Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce in a black skillet.
Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

This creamy blend of butter, cream, and parmesan mimics the popular chain’s version with rich flavor and simple ingredients. It’s indulgent and fast to make. Toss with fettuccine or drizzle over veggies. Pure comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

Vegan Pesto Sauce

Homemade basil pesto in a glass jar surrounded by fresh basil leaves and a slice of lemon.
Vegan Pesto Sauce. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

This dairy-free version uses basil, olive oil, nuts, and garlic for a bright, punchy green sauce. It’s herb-forward and great over pasta, grains, or toast. You won’t miss the cheese. A staple for plant-based cooking.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pesto Sauce

Beer Cheese Sauce

Cheese dip in a white bowl.
Beer Cheese Sauce. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Sharp cheddar and beer melt into a smooth dip or drizzle with a little mustard for tang. Serve it with pretzels, fries, or burgers. It’s thick, rich, and bold. Great for snacks or game-day spreads.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Sauce

Honey Teriyaki Sauce Recipe (Paleo & Gluten Free)

Honey Teriyaki Sauce Recipe (Paleo & Gluten-Free) in a glass jar with a spoon.
Honey Teriyaki Sauce Recipe (Paleo & Gluten Free). Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

This sauce blends coconut aminos, honey, garlic, and ginger for a naturally sweet-salty glaze. It thickens up quickly and works on salmon, chicken, or stir-fry. Free from soy and refined sugar. A clean, flavorful option.
Get the Recipe: Honey Teriyaki Sauce Recipe (Paleo & Gluten Free)

Salmon Lemon Herb Butter Sauce

Two salmon fillets with lemon sauce on a white plate.
Salmon Lemon Herb Butter Sauce. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Butter, garlic, herbs, and lemon juice melt into a glossy sauce that pairs perfectly with fish. It’s light but flavorful. Spoon over grilled or baked salmon. Works for chicken or vegetables too.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Lemon Herb Butter Sauce

Thai Sweet Chili Sauce

Sweet chili sauce in a small bowl on a light green cloth.
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This sauce mixes red chilies, sugar, vinegar, and garlic into a sticky, spicy-sweet dip. Use it on egg rolls, grilled meats, or noodles. Store-bought versions can’t compete. A staple for bold, punchy flavor.
Get the Recipe: Thai Sweet Chili Sauce

Tiger Sauce

A close-up view of tiger sauce in a glass jar placed on a wooden surface next to a green cloth and a metal spoon.
Tiger Sauce. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

A zesty mix of horseradish and mayo with lemon or vinegar for sharpness and kick. It’s bold and creamy with just enough heat. Serve it with steak, sandwiches, or as a dip. Great for people who like sauces with a bite.
Get the Recipe: Tiger Sauce

Buffalo Ranch Sauce Recipe

A bowl of Buffalo Ranch Sauce garnished with herbs, on a white cloth background.
Buffalo Ranch Sauce Recipe. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

This hybrid mixes tangy ranch with bold buffalo heat for a sauce that’s spicy, creamy, and crowd-approved. Use it on wings, wraps, or pizza. It’s versatile and keeps well. A small batch packs big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Ranch Sauce Recipe

BBQ Sauce

A spoon with a jar of BBQ sauce on it.
BBQ Sauce. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

A balanced mix of tomato, vinegar, brown sugar, and spice that works on ribs, chicken, or burgers. Adjust it smoky, sweet, or spicy. It keeps in the fridge and plays well with almost anything. The basic version everyone should know.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Sauce

Eastern North Carolina Vinegar Barbecue Sauce

Close-up of a glass jar filled with liquid containing chili flakes. A spoon is dipped into the mixture, and the vibrant red and orange colors of the chili stand out against the clear liquid.
Eastern North Carolina Vinegar Barbecue Sauce. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

This thin, tangy sauce blends vinegar, pepper, and a little sugar for a sharp, spicy glaze or mop sauce. It cuts through rich meats like pulled pork beautifully. A regional classic. Nothing sweet, just clean and hot.
Get the Recipe: Eastern North Carolina Vinegar Barbecue Sauce

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