Once again here I am sharing a recipe for a condiment. You’d think that my refrigerator door was empty but its not, just not holding exactly what I always need, despite being packed full. Or maybe I just don’t want chemical filled bottles in there. Either way it’s not that hard to make your own condiments like this homemade thousand island dressing.
Watch this Recipe Cooked Step-by-Step
Thousand Island Dressing Recipe
This recipe came about because we were making patty melts and needed the dressing to go with it. BUT this is also great for fresh garden salads, and as a vegetable dip.
What you need:
- 1 ⁄2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp white onion finely minced
- 1 ⁄8 tsp salt
- a dash black pepper
How to make this Homemade Thousand Island Dressing recipe:
This is so simple to make. Simply throw some onion into a food processor to get it really fine, especially if you have kids, like me, who think they hate onions. I say think for my kids because they just love them when they don’t realize they are eating them, typical kids I know.
You can mix everything together in your food processor if you want, or simply, mix it up in a food storage container to save any that might be left over afterwards.
I personally only use Rubbermaid, because the lids click together to save storage space, and because I have had the same set for at least 5 years and they still look and work like brand new.
Mix it all together and refrigerate for a couple hours before using to give the flavors time to mix.
I wouldn’t keep it for more than a few weeks before tossing it.
Thousand Island Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 ⁄2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp white onion, finely minced
- 1 ⁄8 tsp salt
- a dash black pepper
Instructions
- Mix it all together and refrigerate for a couple hours.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1 gramsAmount Per Serving: Unsaturated Fat: 0g
More Ways to Use and Customize Thousand Island Dressing
Recipe Variations
If you love the classic flavor of Thousand Island but want to try something new, here are a few easy variations you can experiment with:
- Tangier/Zesty: Swap white vinegar for apple cider or red wine vinegar. Add a splash of pickle juice or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for extra bite.
- Spicy: Stir in a little sriracha, hot sauce, or finely minced jalapeño. A pinch of cayenne pepper also works well.
- Garlicky: Add a small clove of grated garlic or use a dash of garlic powder.
- Smoky: Try smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a deep, smoky flavor.
- Healthier/Lighter: Replace part of the mayo with Greek yogurt or sour cream. Use no-sugar ketchup if you prefer less sweetness.
- Herby: Mix in fresh chopped parsley, dill, or chives for freshness.
- Sweet and Fruity: Stir in finely chopped pineapple, mango, or grated apple for a surprising twist.
Suggested Food Pairings
Thousand Island Dressing is more versatile than just a salad topping. Try pairing it with:
- Burgers and deli sandwiches like a classic Reuben.
- Patty melts or grilled cheese sandwiches for dipping.
- Chopped or wedge salads with lettuce, cucumber, tomato, bacon, or hard-boiled egg.
- Raw vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, and broccoli.
- Seafood like shrimp cocktail, fried fish fillets, or fish sticks.
- Wraps and tacos, especially chicken or fish tacos, for a creamy alternative to sour cream.
- Fries, onion rings, or sweet potato fries as a dipping sauce.
- A quick cabbage slaw with carrots and apples tossed in the dressing.
Tips for Best Results
- Smooth or Chunky: For a smooth texture, blend the onion and any add-ins in a food processor. For more bite, leave them chopped.
- Resting Time: Let the dressing sit in the fridge for at least an hour before serving to allow flavors to develop.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you add fresh garlic, herbs, or fruit, use within a few days.
- Flavor Balance: Taste and adjust after it chills. Add vinegar if it’s too sweet or a bit of sugar or honey if it’s too tangy.
- Serving Ideas
Here are some ideas for putting your homemade Thousand Island to work:
- A hearty weekend brunch with patty melts, sweet potato fries, and a simple side salad.
- A picnic spread featuring cabbage slaw with Thousand Island, fried chicken, and potato salad.
- A light dinner of grilled fish tacos topped with cabbage slaw, avocado, and a drizzle of dressing.
- A game day appetizer platter with veggies, fries, and chicken wings alongside bowls of Thousand Island for dipping.
