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Creamy Homemade Thousand Island Dressing

creamy homemade thousand island dressing - featured image

A quick and easy creamy homemade Thousand Island dressing recipe that is perfect for salads, sandwiches, and dips. It features a balanced tangy, sweet, and smoky flavor with crunchy pickle bits.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) finely minced onion
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Finely mince the onion and chop the pickles if using fresh instead of relish.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and ketchup until smooth and creamy.
  3. Stir in sweet pickle relish and minced onion until evenly distributed.
  4. Add white vinegar, granulated sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Whisk well to combine.
  5. Taste and adjust acidity or sweetness by adding more sugar or lemon juice as needed.
  6. Transfer the dressing to a sealed container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and texture thicken.
  7. Give a final whisk before serving. Store in the fridge for up to 7 days.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing. Do not over-chop relish to maintain crunchy texture. Adjust vinegar and sugar gradually to balance tanginess and sweetness. Smoked paprika is optional but recommended for a mild smoky flavor. The dressing tastes better after chilling for at least 30 minutes. Whisk again if separation occurs before serving. Can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for different dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thousand Island dressing, homemade dressing, creamy dressing, salad dressing, easy dressing, tangy dressing, sweet dressing, smoky dressing