Our homemade thousand island dressing recipe is creamy, tangy, and darn right delicious! It’s just what you need to perk up that tired old salad, and it works just as well as a condiment on burgers, sandwiches, and seafood.
Made from simple pantry ingredients, this iconic dressing offers a balanced mix of sweetness, acidity, and creamy richness.
When you make it from scratch, the flavors are cleaner, brighter, and far better than anything you’ll find in a bottle.
If you enjoy making homemade dressings that don’t contain all those preservatives and chemicals found in bottled versions, try our Italian dressing and balsamic vinaigrette.
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Ingredients
Gather the ingredients to prepare our Thousand Island dressing recipe. Culinary professionals call this the “Mise en Place,” which means “everything in its Place.”
Setting up your ingredients not only speeds up the cooking process but also ensures you have all the necessary items on hand to make the recipe.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Thousand Island: Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
Pickle Lovers: Stir in extra relish or pickle juice for a brinier flavor.
Sweet Thousand Island: Add a teaspoon of honey for a sweeter finish.
Extra Tangy: Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
Smoked Thousand Island: Stir in smoked paprika or use smoked ketchup.
Herb-Infused: Add fresh dill, parsley, or chives for a restaurant-style upgrade.
Chipotle Thousand Island: Mix in chipotle purée for a smoky, spicy kick.
Gourmet Creamy Version: Fold in a spoonful of crème fraîche for a velvety finish.
How to Make Thousand Island Dressing
Follow my simple step-by-step instructions to learn how to make Thousand Island dressing in your home kitchen.
Add the mayonnaise, onion, ketchup, pickle relish, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, sweet paprika, and salt to a large mixing bowl.
Use a whisk or a slotted spoon to stir the ingredients together.
Chef Tips
For best results, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Use high-quality mayonnaise for the best texture and flavor.
Adjust sweetness and acidity to taste.
A pinch of salt enhances the relish’s sweetness.
Stir in a little hot sauce or horseradish to add a little kick to the dressing.
Homemade Thousand Island Dressing is one of those classic recipes that proves simple ingredients create big, nostalgic flavor every time. It’s not rocket science; it’s a simple homemade salad dressing.
Whether you spoon it over a crisp salad, drizzle it onto a sandwich, or serve it alongside fries, this creamy dressing delivers comfort and versatility in every bite. Once you make it at home, you might never go back to the bottled version again.
Serving Suggestions
How to Store
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Use a clean spoon to stir the dressing before each use.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, making this in advance only enhances the flavor, allowing it to meld.
No, Russian dressing is typically slightly spicier and contains horseradish.
Add a tablespoon of milk, cream, or pickle juice until you get the desired consistency.
Absolutely. Use unsweetened ketchup and rely on relish or natural sweetness from the ingredients.
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Homemade Thousand Island Dressing Recipe
Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, this homemade Thousand Island Dressing is perfect for salads, sandwiches, and dipping.
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Ingredients
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Instructions
Add the mayonnaise, onion, ketchup, pickle relish, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, sweet paprika, and salt to a large bowl.
Whisk together to combine the ingredients.
For best results, refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Stir the dressing before serving.
Notes
Spicy Thousand Island: Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
Pickle Lovers: Stir in extra relish or pickle juice for a brinier flavor.
Sweet Thousand Island: Add a teaspoon of honey for a sweeter finish.
Extra Tangy: Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
Smoked Thousand Island: Stir in smoked paprika or use smoked ketchup.
Herb-Infused: Add fresh dill, parsley, or chives for a restaurant-style upgrade.
Chipotle Thousand Island: Mix in chipotle purée for a smoky, spicy kick.
Gourmet Creamy Version: Fold in a spoonful of crème fraîche for a velvety finish.
Chef Tips
Let the dressing rest in the fridge before serving; it improves as the flavors meld.
Use good-quality mayo for the best texture and flavor. Hellmann’s, Best Foods, or Dukes are all good choices.
Adjust sweetness and acidity to taste.
A pinch of salt enhances the relish’s sweetness.
Stir in a little hot sauce or horseradish for a grown-up, gourmet version.
Serving Suggestions
How to Store
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Use a clean spoon to stir the dressing before each use.
FAQs
Is Russian dressing the same as Thousand Island dressing? No, Russian dressing tends to be slightly spicier and contains horseradish.
Can I make this in advance? Yes, making this in advance only enhances the flavor, allowing it to meld.
How do I thin Thousand Island dressing?
Add a tablespoon of milk, cream, or pickle juice until you get the desired consistency.
Can I make it sugar-free?
Absolutely. Use unsweetened ketchup and rely on relish or natural sweetness from the ingredients.
Nutrition
Calories: 214kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 1gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 526mgPotassium: 61mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 210IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 7mgIron: 0.3mg
