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This homemade Thousand Island dressing is tangy, lightly sweet, and takes just five minutes to make. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you wonder why you ever bought it at the store. Use it on salads, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, or as an easy dip for vegetables and fries.
Looking for salad inspiration? This dressing pairs beautifully with a Cobb salad or a Cheeseburger Salad.
Here’s Why This Thousand Island Dressing Recipe Works
Classic base: I use mayonnaise and ketchup for that familiar Thousand Island flavor without making it overly sweet.
Just the right texture: Finely minced onion and sweet pickle relish add flavor and texture, so the dressing never tastes flat or one-note.
Balanced flavor: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the dressing and keeps it from feeling too rich.
A little extra depth: I like adding smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note that rounds out the flavor.
Ingredient Notes
Mayonnaise: This is the base, so use one you like. It makes up most of the flavor and texture.
Ketchup: Adds sweetness and that classic color. Some brands are sweeter than others, so adjust to taste if needed.
Onion: Finely minced or grated works best so you get the flavor without big chunks.
Sweet pickle relish: Brings a little tang and texture. Drain it well so the dressing doesn’t get watery.
Lemon juice: Keeps everything from tasting too heavy and balances the sweetness.
Smoky paprika: Adds a little depth. Regular paprika works too, but the smoky version gives it more character.
Beyond salads, this dressing is right at home on a classic Reuben sandwich or a juicy patty melt, and it also makes a delicious dip for fries, onion rings, and crisp vegetables.
Recipe Tips
Grate the onion: Finely grated onion melts into the dressing and avoids harsh chunks.
Drain the relish: Too much pickle juice can thin the dressing, so drain the relish well before stirring it in.
Taste and tweak: Adjust lemon juice and salt at the end to dial in the tang.
Let it sit: Let the dressing rest in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes so the flavors have time to meld.
Use it beyond salad: This works as a burger sauce, sandwich spread, or dip for fries and veggies.
Thousand Island Dressing
This homemade Thousand Island dressing comes together in minutes with simple pantry ingredients and a fresh, balanced flavor.
Keep a jar in the refrigerator to spread on my bacon cheeseburger, drizzle over salads, pile onto sandwiches and wraps, or serve as a dip for fresh vegetables and fries.
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Thousand Island Dressing
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Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 ½ tablespoons ketchup
- ¼ cup onion, minced or grated
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish, drained
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Pinch ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all the ingredients. Taste and adjust lemon juice and salt, if needed. Use as a salad dressing or as a dip.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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