Thousand Island Dressing

Thousand Island Dressing is a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet condiment that adds a punch of flavor to salads, burgers, sandwiches, and more. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this classic dressing is easy to whip up at home and tastes far better than store-bought versions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade Thousand Island Dressing is rich, flavorful, and versatile. It comes together in minutes, is easy to customize to your taste, and doesn’t contain any preservatives. Whether you’re drizzling it over greens, slathering it on a Reuben, or using it as a dip for fries or veggies, it’s a go-to dressing you’ll make again and again.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Mayonnaise (or vegan mayo)
• Ketchup
• Sweet pickle relish
• White vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper
• Optional: finely minced onion or hard-boiled egg for a more traditional version
• Optional: hot sauce or paprika for extra flavor

Directions

this recipe

1. Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, and relish. Stir until smooth.
2. Add seasonings: Mix in vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed.
3. Optional add-ins: For a chunkier texture and deeper flavor, stir in finely minced onion or grated hard-boiled egg.
4. Chill: Let the dressing rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve: Use as a dressing, dip, or spread. Stir before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 1 cup of dressing.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Vegan version: Use vegan mayo and ensure your ketchup and relish are plant-based.
• Spicy kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Low-sugar: Use sugar-free ketchup and dill relish instead of sweet relish.
• Extra tangy: Increase the vinegar or add a splash of lemon juice.
• Smoky flavor: Mix in a dash of smoked paprika.

Storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Do not freeze, as the texture may separate when thawed.
No reheating necessary—just stir before each use.

FAQs

What does Thousand Island Dressing taste like?

It’s creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet with a hint of pickle flavor and a savory depth from seasonings.

Is Thousand Island the same as Russian dressing?

No. Russian dressing is spicier and often includes horseradish. Thousand Island is sweeter and milder.

Can I use dill relish instead of sweet?

Yes, but the flavor will be more tart and less sweet—still delicious!

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, if all your ingredients (especially ketchup and relish) are certified gluten-free.

Can I make it ahead?

Definitely. In fact, the flavor improves after chilling for a few hours.

What can I use this dressing on?

Salads, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, as a fry dip, or even on tacos.

Can I use yogurt instead of mayo?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be used for a tangier and lighter version.

How do I thicken the dressing?

Reduce the vinegar slightly or add more mayo for a thicker consistency.

Is this dressing kid-friendly?

Yes! Its mild, creamy sweetness tends to appeal to kids.

Why is it called “Thousand Island”?

The name likely comes from the Thousand Islands region between the U.S. and Canada, where the dressing is believed to have originated.

Conclusion

Thousand Island Dressing is a timeless, crowd-pleasing favorite that’s simple to make and endlessly versatile. With its creamy texture and balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, this homemade version outshines anything you’ll find in a bottle. Whip up a batch and elevate your sandwiches, salads, and snacks with a delicious personal touch.

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