Thousand Island Dressing—it’s like the comfort food of condiments, a nostalgic blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy that takes me back to summer barbecues and crisp iceberg salads. Who knew mixing a handful of pantry staples could create such a taste explosion? And oh, the joy of drizzling it over a fresh bed of greens or slathering it on a Reuben sandwich—pure bliss in a bottle, if you ask me!
Steps
- Gather all the ingredients: 1 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup minced yellow onion, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt.
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced onions, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, lemon juice, paprika, and kosher salt. Stir the mixture well until all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
- Pour the prepared dressing into a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate the jar to allow the flavors to meld together; for optimal taste, it’s best to let it sit for 24 hours.
- The dressing can be used immediately, but allowing it to rest will enhance the flavor as the onions soften and the ingredients integrate more completely. Enjoy your homemade Thousand Island dressing within a week for the best taste.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1600 | Fat: 168g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 2248mg | Carbohydrates: 24g | Dietary Fiber: 0g | Total Sugars: 16g | Protein: 0g | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 8mg | Potassium: 264mg
FAQ
- What are the main ingredients needed for homemade Thousand Island dressing?
- To make Thousand Island dressing at home, you will need mayonnaise, minced yellow onion, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, lemon juice, sweet paprika, and kosher salt.
- Can I substitute mayonnaise in the dressing recipe?
- While some recipes suggest using plain yogurt instead of mayonnaise, it is recommended to stick with mayo for Thousand Island dressing to maintain its traditional sweetness.
- How long should I let the dressing sit before using?
- Although the dressing can be used immediately, allowing it to sit for 24 hours in the refrigerator helps the flavors meld together for a more complex taste.
- How long can I store homemade Thousand Island dressing?
- Once prepared, this dressing can be kept in the refrigerator for about a week.
- What are some variations or substitutes for ingredients in the dressing?
- You can try using chopped dill pickles with a bit of sugar instead of sweet pickle relish, add jalapeno relish for a spicier version, or use sweet chili sauce in place of some ketchup for a different flavor twist.
Tips
- Allow the dressing to sit in the refrigerator for 24 hours before using it to let the flavors meld together and the onions to soften, enhancing the overall taste.
- If you prefer a sweeter dressing, consider increasing the amount of sweet pickle relish to suit your taste preferences.
- For those looking to add a bit of heat or a different flavor profile, try substituting jalapeno relish for the pickle relish or use picante sauce instead of ketchup for a spicy kick.
- Experiment with different onion varieties, such as using sweet onions like Vidalias, to achieve a milder sauce.
Equipment
- Small mixing bowl – Although many might have this at home, a high-quality mixing bowl set could be something to consider purchasing.
- Jar with a lid – A mason jar or similar container for storing the dressing in the refrigerator.
