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thousand island dressing served

Thousand Island Dressing Recipe

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: Salad, Sauce
Cuisine: International
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup  mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup  ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons  sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tablespoon  white vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon  sugar 
  • 1 hard-boiled egg finely chopped
  • 2–3 teaspoons  finely minced onion or ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, stir together the mayonnaise and ketchup until smooth. Stir in the pickle relish, vinegar (or lemon juice), and sugar if you’re using it. 
  2. If you want a more traditional old-school version, stir in the finely chopped hard-boiled egg and minced onion. These give the dressing a little more body and a subtle savory kick.
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Depending on your ketchup and relish, you might need a little more vinegar for tang or a touch more sugar for balance.
  4. For the best flavor, cover and chill the dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving. This lets all the flavors meld together.

Notes

  • Use good mayo. Since it’s the base, the flavor really matters.
  • Don’t skip the chill time. Even 20–30 minutes in the fridge makes the flavors pop.
  • Taste as you go. Your ketchup, relish, and mayo might already have plenty of salt or sugar.
  • Finely chop any mix-ins. This keeps the texture smooth and spreadable.