Thousand Island Dressing Recipe
Introduction
Thousand Island Dressing is a classic condiment known for its creamy texture and tangy, slightly sweet flavor. Perfect for salads, sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce, this homemade recipe takes just 10 minutes to prepare and elevates any dish.

Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon white granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons yellow onion, finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, white vinegar, and white granulated sugar.
- Step 2: Add the finely minced yellow onion, minced garlic, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, lemon juice, sweet paprika, and kosher salt.
- Step 3: Stir all the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Step 4: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a tangier dressing, increase the lemon juice by an additional 1 teaspoon.
- Substitute sweet pickle relish with finely chopped dill pickles for a different texture and flavor.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicy kick.
- Use light mayonnaise for a lower-calorie version without sacrificing creaminess.
Storage
Store the Thousand Island Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before serving again, give it a good stir. It can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dressing in advance?
Yes, making it at least an hour before serving helps the flavors develop, and it can be stored for up to a week in the fridge.
What can I use Thousand Island Dressing for?
It works great as a salad dressing, sandwich spread, or a dip for vegetables and seafood.
PrintThousand Island Dressing Recipe
This classic Thousand Island Dressing is a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet condiment perfect for salads, sandwiches, or as a dip. Made with mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, and a blend of spices, it comes together quickly and can be refrigerated to let the flavors meld beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad Dressing
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Thousand Island Dressing Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon white granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons yellow onion (finely minced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Mix the ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, 1 teaspoon of white granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons finely minced yellow onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly blended into a smooth dressing.
- Refrigerate to meld flavors: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing for at least one hour before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to fully develop and marry, resulting in a richer, well-balanced taste.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Use finely minced onion and garlic to avoid having large chunks in the dressing.
- Adjust the sweetness by modifying the sugar and ketchup quantities to your taste preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- This dressing is great not only on salads but also as a spread for sandwiches and burgers.
Keywords: Thousand Island Dressing, salad dressing, creamy dressing, sandwich spread, mayonnaise dressing, classic dressing, easy recipe

