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Classic Thousand Island Dressing served on a plate

Classic Thousand Island Dressing

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Classic Thousand Island Dressing blends mayonnaise, ketchup, and sweet pickle relish into a creamy and tangy condiment. This no-cook recipe requires just 10 minutes of prep and chilling to meld flavors and thicken the texture. It's perfect for salads, sandwiches, and as a versatile dipping sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 11 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Condiment, Sauce
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup mayonnaise Full-fat recommended for richness
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup Provides sweetness and pink color
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish Finely chopped for texture
  • 1 tablespoon onion Finely minced, yellow or white onion recommended
  • 1 to 2 white vinegar or lemon juice Add 1 teaspoon at a time, to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika Adds color and subtle smoky spice
  • salt and pepper To taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Optional for added depth of flavor
  • 1 hard-boiled egg yolk Finely mashed, optional for creaminess
  • dash hot sauce Optional for spice

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl For combining all ingredients
  • Whisk To blend mayonnaise and ketchup
  • Airtight container For refrigeration to meld flavors

Method
 

  1. Whisk mayonnaise and ketchup in a mixing bowl until uniform pink with no streaks, about 30 seconds of vigorous whisking.
    1 cup mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons ketchup
  2. Add sweet pickle relish, minced onion, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce if using, then stir until pickles and onion are evenly distributed.
    2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish, 1 tablespoon onion, 0.5 teaspoon paprika, 0.5 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  3. Add vinegar or lemon juice 1 teaspoon at a time, tasting after each addition to check balance; stop when bright but not harsh.
    1 to 2 white vinegar or lemon juice
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, starting with ¼ teaspoon salt and a pinch of pepper, then stir and taste again before adding more.
    salt and pepper
  5. Transfer to airtight container and refrigerate 30-60 minutes before serving to meld flavors and thicken texture.

Notes

  • Whisk mayo and ketchup vigorously until uniformly pink to ensure smooth texture.
  • Chop pickles and onion finely to avoid large chunks and uneven bites.
  • Add vinegar gradually, tasting to balance acidity without making flavor harsh.
  • Refrigerate at least 30 minutes to meld flavors and thicken dressing.
  • Store in airtight container and discard after 3-4 days if sour or separated beyond re-emulsifying.

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