Dinner

Thousand Island Dressing Recipe

Name: Thousand Island Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: PT-490580H16M38S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; 1 teaspoon yellow mustard; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/8 teaspoon salt; optional: few dashes hot sauce

Bylina moretti December 12, 2025December 12, 2025

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Introduction

Thousand Island dressing is a classic, tangy sauce that adds a creamy, slightly sweet flavor to salads, sandwiches, and dips. This easy homemade version comes together in just 10 minutes, delivering fresh taste without any preservatives.

A clear glass jar filled with a creamy, light orange sauce speckled with small spices or herbs throughout. The sauce has a smooth, thick texture with slight swirls visible on the top surface, and a silver spoon is dipped inside the jar, resting against the edge. The jar is placed on a brownish textured surface with green parsley sprigs scattered around its base, and blurred red and green vegetables in the soft background, all on a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
Optional: a few dashes hot sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Measure and prepare all ingredients for quick assembly.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise and ketchup. Stir until smooth.
Step 3: Add sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, and mustard. Mix well.
Step 4: Stir in paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
Step 5: Add hot sauce if using, and mix until evenly blended.
Step 6: Transfer to a jar or container with a lid.
Step 7: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Step 8: Stir before each use and enjoy with salads, sandwiches, or as a dip.

Tips & Variations

Use sweet or dill pickle relish depending on your preferred flavor profile.
Add a touch of lemon juice for extra brightness.
Adjust the paprika or add cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

Storage

Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir well before each use as separation may occur. Avoid leaving the dressing at room temperature for extended periods.

How to Serve

A small clear glass jar filled with creamy orange sauce that has visible small red and green specks, with a textured surface that reaches just below the jar’s rim; inside the jar is a metal spoon with an ornate handle leaning slightly to the right, while the jar sits on a wooden board with bright green parsley scattered nearby and blurred fresh tomatoes and lettuce in the background, all on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Thousand Island dressing ahead of time?

Yes, it actually benefits from sitting in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. You can make it up to a week in advance.

Is Thousand Island dressing gluten-free?

Most store-bought mayonnaise, ketchup, and relish are gluten-free, but always check labels to be sure. Homemade versions like this one can be naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free ingredients.