Description
Look, we’ve all been there — standing in the condiment aisle squinting at ingredient lists that read like a chemistry textbook. But what if I told you that the most iconic pink-orange dressing of all time takes literally 5 minutes to make at home? Meet Thousand Island dressing: the creamy, tangy, slightly sweet sauce that makes everything from iceberg wedges to Reuben sandwiches absolutely sing. It’s basically fancy mayo’s fun cousin who went to art school and came back with a personality. And honestly? Once you make it fresh, you’ll never go back to the store-bought stuff that tastes like sugary sadness.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (use the good stuff — it matters)
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish (or chop up some sweet pickles)
For the Magic:
- 1 tsp white vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Pinch of paprika (for that gorgeous color)
Optional Upgrades:
- 1 hard-boiled egg, finely chopped (classic move)
- 1 tsp hot sauce (if you like a little kick)
- 1 tsp honey (for extra sweetness)
- Fresh chives, minced
Instructions
Step 1: Mix It Up Grab a medium bowl and whisk together mayo, ketchup, and pickle relish. You’re already 80% done — how cool is that?
Step 2: Add the Flavor Bombs Stir in vinegar, Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Taste it. Do a little happy dance because it’s already better than store-bought.
Step 3: Make It Yours Want it tangier? Add more vinegar. Sweeter? Drop in some honey. Feeling fancy? Fold in that chopped hard-boiled egg.
Step 4: Let It Chill Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This isn’t mandatory, but it helps all those flavors get acquainted and become best friends.
Notes
This stuff is basically liquid gold on:
- Classic iceberg wedge salads (hello, steakhouse vibes)
- Reuben and Rachel sandwiches
- Burger sauce that’ll make people ask for your secret
- Shrimp cocktail dipping sauce
- Raw veggie platters (makes eating healthy way more fun)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~90 calories