Dinner

Thousand Island Dressing Recipe

Name: Thousand Island Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
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

ByMatteo Rossi February 12, 2026February 12, 2026

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Introduction

Thousand Island Dressing is a classic, creamy condiment that adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to salads and sandwiches. Easy to make at home in just 10 minutes, it’s a delicious way to elevate your meals with simple pantry ingredients.

A clear glass jar is filled with a creamy, light pink sauce that has small red and black specks and tiny pieces of onion throughout. A wooden spoon lifts a generous dollop of the thick sauce out of the jar, showing its smooth and slightly chunky texture. The background features a soft focus with hints of a white marbled surface, and blurred food items with warm colors. The scene uses bright natural light to highlight the sauce’s creamy texture and subtle color variations. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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: Combine all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl.
Step 2: Stir until the mixture is well blended and smooth.
Step 3: Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to develop before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Use finely chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley for added freshness.
Try substituting Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to lighten the dressing and add tanginess.

Storage

Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir well before each use. If the dressing thickens too much after refrigeration, thin it with a little water or lemon juice.

How to Serve

A clear glass jar filled with a thick, creamy sauce that has small bits of herbs or spices visible throughout, giving it a light beige color with specks of green and red. A wooden spoon is dipping into the jar, lifting a dollop of the sauce that looks smooth and slightly fluffy. The background shows a blurred white bowl and a white plate with a sandwich, all set on a white marbled surface. The light makes the sauce look fresh and rich. 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, making it ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving for best taste.

Is Thousand Island Dressing gluten-free?

Most traditional recipes, including this one, are gluten-free. Always check the labels on ketchup and relish to be certain.