Thousand Island Dressing (2024)

In less than 5 minutes, you can make a jar of dressing that is better than any store-bought variety.

Toss a little creamy sweet tanginess into that salad with this easy and flavorful Thousand Island Dressing recipe.

And with only a few simple ingredients (which you likely have on hand), this homemade dressing is so simple to toss together. It is best for adding to basic salad greens or use as a dip for all kinds of recipes!

Homemade Salad Dressings are SO easy!

As a kid, this was the dressing I always picked when we had salad (and probably the reason I used to love salads so much!). Once I started making homemade dressings, I’ve never looked back.

• They’re so easy to make, this dressing takes about 3 minutes.
• It tastes so much better than bottled dressing (with fewer additives and preservatives).
• I love that it uses ingredients I have on hand so I can put it together anytime.
• Add a bit of milk to thin it out or keep it thick as a dip for veggies or a spread for burgers!

What is Thousand Island Dressing?

So, what is thousand island dressing? This dressing is named for the Thousand Islands region which is located between Canada and the US and while there are a couple of theories as to who actually created it, I’m glad they did!

It’s a quick creamy dressing with a bit of sweetness and some tang. A bit of ketchup (or tomato paste) adds zest and color while a spoonful of sugar and some sweet pickle relish balance the zing. So good!

Ingredients & Variations

THE BASE The sour cream and mayonnaise are the base of this dressing. The sour cream adds tang while mayo makes it right can creamy.

THE TANG Vinegar and ketchup that give this dressing a little tangy zing.

THE SWEET Sugar and sweet pickle relish are both sweet options that add the final touch to this addictive dressing. (Dill pickle relish is great too).

Variations

• Add some lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, finely chopped black olives, garlic, or horseradish to change up the flavor profile.
• Swap ketchup for chili sauce or tomato paste. Add a little smoked or sweet paprika.
• Make it low carb by swapping the sugar for sweetener and the relish for finely diced dill pickles.

How to Make Thousand Island Dressing

This light dressing is so quick and easy to make!

1. Combine all ingredients (per the recipe below) in a bowl.
2. Mix & serve or store in a mason jar.

This dressing is nice and thick, great as a dressing, spread or dip. For a thinner dressing, add a splash of milk or buttermilk.

Tips & Serving

• Homemade thousand island dressing will keep up to a week in a container with a tightly fitted lid or a jar (as long as your sour cream is fresh). A mason jar is the easiest option.
• Thin it out with milk or buttermilk if desired.
• Serve it over a tossed salad or a classic wedge salad or as a veggie dip. (We love it in our Big Mac salad too!).
• Use it as a secret sauce on hamburgers, Reuben sandwiches in place of Russian dressing, or in wraps.
• Serve it as a dip for French Fries or other favorite appetizers.

Homemade Dressings

• • Greek Salad Dressing – great as a marinade too
  • – so easy
  • Italian Dressing– perfect for pasta salad
  • Blue Cheese Dressing – great on awedge salad
  • Honey Mustard Dressing – So flavorful!
  • Creamy Italian Dressing – fresh & tangy

Did you make this Thousand Island Dressing? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!