Name: Thousand Island Dressing
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise; 0.25 cup ketchup 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish 1 tablespoon white vinegar 1 teaspoon sugar; 0.5 teaspoon paprika 1 pinch salt; 0.25 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion (optional) 1 tablespoon chopped hard-boiled egg (optional)

Creamy, tangy, and a little bit sweet, Thousand Island Dressing is the ultimate multitasker for your kitchen. Whether you’re slathering it on a juicy burger, tossing it in a crisp garden salad, or using it as a dip for fries or veggies, this classic American condiment never goes out of style. Its pink-orange hue and signature flavor profile come from a zesty blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, pickles, and spices that’s both nostalgic and bold.

What makes this dressing extra special is that it’s endlessly customizable. Prefer it spicy? Add a dash of hot sauce. Want it chunkier? Load up on the relish. This recipe gives you the perfect base that can easily be tweaked to fit your cravings. Once you whip up a batch at home, you might never go back to store-bought again.

What Ingredients Make Thousand Island Dressing Unique?

The secret to that iconic Thousand Island flavor is balance. Here’s how each ingredient plays a key role:

Ingredients for the Thousand Island Dressing

Mayonnaise – The creamy foundation of the dressing, giving it that rich, velvety texture.
Ketchup – Adds a touch of sweetness and gives the dressing its signature color.
Sweet Pickle Relish – Brings a tangy crunch and slight sweetness to balance the creaminess.
White Vinegar – Introduces a gentle acidity to brighten the flavor.
Sugar – Enhances the sweet notes already present in the ketchup and relish.
Paprika – Offers a subtle smoky depth.
Salt & Pepper – Brings everything together with the right seasoning.
Optional: Finely Chopped Onion or Hard-Boiled Egg – Adds texture and depth for those who enjoy a chunkier dressing.

How To Make the Thousand Island Dressing

Step 1: Blend the Base

In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise with 1/4 cup of ketchup. Stir until smooth and fully combined.

Step 2: Add the Zing

Mix in 2 tablespoons of sweet pickle relish, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir well to blend the flavors.

Step 3: Season to Taste

Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, a pinch of salt, and a few cracks of black pepper. Taste and adjust as needed. For a richer profile, fold in a tablespoon of finely chopped onion or crumbled hard-boiled egg.

Step 4: Chill for Best Flavor

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld beautifully.

Serving and Storing Your Homemade Dressing

This dressing pairs with much more than just salad. Use it as a burger spread, sandwich sauce, or a tangy dip for fries, onion rings, or chicken tenders. Once prepared, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Be sure to give it a good stir before each use, as ingredients may naturally settle.

What to Serve With Thousand Island Dressing?

Classic Cheeseburgers

It’s practically made for this! Slather it on your bun for a creamy contrast to savory beef.

Crispy Chicken Tenders

Dip these crunchy bites into the dressing for a nostalgic, fast-food-style experience.

Reuben Sandwiches

A must-have component that complements corned beef, sauerkraut, and rye.

Garden or Chopped Salad

Drizzle it over mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers for a retro-style salad.

Sweet Potato Fries

The tangy-sweet dressing plays nicely with the earthy sweetness of the fries.

Want More Sauce & Dip Ideas?

If you’re loving this Thousand Island Dressing, check out these flavor-packed sauces next:

Shrimp Butter Spread Recipe – perfect on crusty bread or seafood.
KFC Style Gravy – for all your southern comfort food cravings.
Roasted Cauliflower Green Goddess Salad – includes a zesty green dressing.
Easy Marinated Mushrooms Recipe – great with a dollop of creamy sauce.
Garlic Ritz Snacks – try dipping these buttery bites in Thousand Island!

Save This Pin For Later

Save this creamy classic to your favorite Pinterest board so you’re ready for your next salad craving or burger night.

Have a twist of your own? Maybe a little horseradish or sriracha? I’d love to hear your versions in the comments below!

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen.com on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.

Thousand Island Dressing

Author: Julia Walton
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1.25 cups

Print Recipe

Description

Craving a versatile, creamy condiment that elevates everything from burgers to salads? This homemade Thousand Island Dressing is the answer. With a simple blend of pantry staples like mayo, ketchup, and relish, it delivers that signature tangy-sweet kick without the additives of store-bought versions. Whether you’re planning quick lunch prep, looking for healthy snack options, or adding flavor to your easy dinner lineup, this dressing is the creamy sidekick your recipes have been missing. Perfect for dipping, spreading, or tossing into your favorite bowl of greens, it’s a must-know for anyone into food ideas, easy recipes, and bold flavors.