As a child in the 1980s, nothing felt more sophisticated than ordering a chef salad with Thousand Island dressing. (Are my midwestern roots showing?) These days, Thousand Island has waned in popularity as a salad dressing recipe. It’s now more likely used as a “secret sauce” on a burger than as a dressing option for side salads. However, this classic salad dressing is still as delicious as ever, and it’s worth learning how to make Thousand Island dressing (even if you do plan to put it on a sandwich).
What is Thousand Island dressing?
This Thousand Island salad dressing recipe is a creamy combination of mayonnaise, chili sauce, onion, vinegar, sugar, pickle relish, salt and pepper. Its origins remain a bit murky, but we know the name comes from a region of upstate New York known as the Thousand Islands. Formerly a playground for the rich and famous during the late 1800s, this region gets its name from the many islands in the St. Lawrence River, stretching from Canada to New York.
In one origin story, a woman named Sophia LaLonde created a Thousand Island dressing recipe to serve to her husband’s fishing clients. In another story, the chef of George Boldt, the owner of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, improvised the dressing recipe aboard Boldt’s yacht. Boldt then began serving the dressing at his hotel, and the flavorful topping gained popularity.
Ingredients for Thousand Island Dressing
- Mayonnaise: Mayo adds a tangy flavor and a smooth and creamy texture to the dressing. Try one of our Test Kitchen’s picks for best mayonnaise, or start from scratch and learn how to make mayonnaise (don’t worry; it’s easier than you think!).
- Chili sauce: This tomato-based sauce gets its bold flavor from garlic and sweet peppers.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion adds texture and flavor to the dressing. Several types of onions would work in this dressing recipe. For the boldest onion flavor, use a red onion. For a more mellow onion flavor, use a yellow or white onion.
- White vinegar: White vinegar’s sharp flavor balances the sweet ingredients to create a sweet and tangy effect. Fresh lemon juice is a great substitute if needed.
- Sugar: A smidgen of granulated sugar adds sweetness to the homemade Thousand Island.
- Sweet pickle relish: This cucumber-based relish has a sweet and tart flavor. If you don’t have pickle relish in the fridge, substitute finely chopped dill pickles or bread and butter pickles.
Directions
Step 1: Combine the dressing ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, chili sauce, onion, vinegar, sugar, pickle relish, salt and pepper until blended.
Editor’s Tip: Because the onion and sweet pickle relish contribute texture to the dressing, it’s best to whisk the ingredients together by hand. Save the blender or food processor for another recipe.
Step 2: Chill the dressing
Refrigerate the dressing for two hours before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Make it with ketchup: Using ketchup instead of chili sauce is a common variation for Thousand Island dressing. These are our picks for the best ketchup brands.
- Add an egg: For more protein, add a finely chopped hard-boiled egg to the dressing. According to Thousand Island salad dressing recipe lore, this ingredient was used in the original recipe.
- Amp up the spice: For added kick, stir in a shake or two of hot sauce or a pinch of paprika.
How to Store Thousand Island Dressing
Like most homemade salad dressings, leftover Thousand Island dressing should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will be good for up to one week.
Thousand Island Dressing Tips
How do you use Thousand Island dressing?
The Thousand Island salad dressing recipe is incredibly versatile and can be used for salads, burgers, sandwiches and more. It’s a classic topping for green salad recipes, and it’s a particularly tasty addition to a chef salad. Other recipes that use Thousand Island dressing include Monte Cristos, taco salads and this Reuben pizza. Or use it as a burger topping or as a zesty dip for air-fryer french fries.
Is Thousand Island dressing the same as secret sauce?
Many burger “secret sauces” are variations on Thousand Island dressing. Like homemade Thousand Island, they typically combine mayo with ketchup or another tomato-based sauce (like our recipe’s chili sauce). Some add different seasonings, sweeteners or sauces like Worcestershire or hot sauce to the mix.
