Best Thousand Island Dressing
For any green salad, enjoy homemade Best Thousand Island Dressing, made with simple ingredients. Delicious on a shrimp louie salad or on burgers!
Friends, creamy, sweet and tangy—Thousand Island Dressing is so good made from scratch. Use it on burgers, Reubens, salads, and more.
Best Thousand Island Dressing
We specifically love this Best Thousand Island Dressing on a Shrimp Louie Salad. You may want to try my Epic Shrimp Louis Salad Board if you’re hosting 8-10 guests! By the way, looking for a good dessert to make for a hot summer night? Try my Low Carb Grilled Peaches with Cashew Streusel recipe!
I’m so happy summer is here! We can’t get enough of these warm days, with pool time, bike rides, and hopefully kayaking soon. Oh, and did I mention that we recently refinished our hardwood floors?
THAT was a chore. Whew!
How to make Thousand Island Dressing
What makes a Shrimp Louie Salad so good? Thousand Island Dressing!
Add these easy ingredients: Garlic, salt, fresh cracked pepper (makes all the difference). Also, mayonnaise, chili sauce, ketchup, white vinegar, onion, and sweet pickle relish. This was my Aunt Lillian’s recipe!
Why do they call it Thousand Island dressing?
Thousand Island Dressing was named in honor of where it was first prepared, Thousand Islands, New York. I guess the story is that in the early 20th century, a fishing guide’s wife, Sophie Lalonde, made it for her husband’s shore dinner. And then the actress May Irwin liked it so much she requested the recipe.
What does Thousand Island taste like?
It’s a combo of a vinegar and tomato flavor, but with a slight sweetness and touch of citrus.
How long does it keep in the refrigerator?
- Whisk all ingredients together.
- Refrigerate covered. Use within for 3 – 4 days (probably longer, if not devoured!)
This summer, center your get-togethers around a beautiful dinner board. Or, salad board—my favorite!
I grew up enjoying shrimp salad from a very young age. It was a treat, not an everyday salad that mom would make.
So friends, summer calls for fresh salads and recipes that are simple, easy for people to assemble themselves, and as casual as sunglasses, flip flops and a spaghetti-strap sundress!
What kind of salad will you be serving to your guests this summer?
Happy Hosting!
More salad dressing recipes here: Quinoa Radish Corn Salad Recipe with Green Goddess Dressing, Best Irish Pub Salad Recipe (with Tarragon Dressing), The Best Homemade Ranch Dressing, and Tangy Honey Lemon French Salad Dressing.
Get the Recipe:
Best Thousand Island Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Fresh cracked pepper
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup chili sauce
- 4 Tbsp. ketchup
- 3 tsp. white vinegar
- 3-4 Tbsp. onion, finely minced
- 2 Tbsp. sweet pickle relish
Instructions
- Whisk all ingredients together. Refrigerate covered. Use within for 3 – 4 days (probably longer, if not devoured!)
Hello and welcome to my home and table!
I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
Going to try this! It looks delish!
I’m older than dirt, and a life long resident of the SF. Bay Area, retired Dietitian and chef. As such, I’ve been making my own “Louie” (aka 1000 Island) dressing for 60+ years! Just wanted to say, your recipe is phenomenal! This is my favorite meal to make, (I prefer crab, though), so I’ll have to do it often before it’s too late!!!
I do have one suggestion. Blanch, and steam some asparagus, cut into bites, & add to your veggies! Purple onions too, if you haven’t already! It’s a winner!
Thousand Islands Dressing originated in the Thousand Islands region of NYS. A section of the St. Lawrence Seaway that borders NYS and Ontario Canada. It was a favorite concoction created for sorts fishermen and women who enjoyed it on these fishing expedition where camp style lunches or dinners were served. I believe originally it was referred to as ‘Rita’s Sauce.’ A copy of her original recipe may be found at The Thousand Islands Museum in Clayton NY. This area was a summer playground for the mega wealthy not unlike Newport, RI. Many of the Islands mansions and posh hotels no longer exist, but there are a few left., Singer Castle being one. I’m looking forward to trying this version. The original called for hard boiled egg yolks, I’m sure used as a thicker. And yes, I’d use Chili Sauce rather than Ketchup as it contains less sugar. The chili sauce I use to make cocktail sauce by adding a lot of horseradish and squeeze of lemon juice, that’s it.
I’d encourage folks to look up the region. It has a fascinating history. On Wellsley Island there is a village of beautiful gingerbread cottages that are far more elegant than Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard.
Can’t wait to try it!!!
What kind of chili sauce?
You can use whatever brand you choose! It’s normally by the ketchup in the grocery store.
Chili sauce is usually found next to “Cocktail” sauce. HTH!
Thanks for sharing! Could I use apple cider vinegar?
Hi there, you could try it. I’ve only used white vinegar for this recipe though :)
This looks so good! What a great way to make something simple more special and delicious!
Why do you need to use this within 2 days? Would love to keep on hand in place if my current thousand island.
Yes, you can keep for 4-5 days (if not devoured before then!) HA.
As beautiful as these wood trays are, they are not intended to be used with food. Do you line the tray with something before putting the food on it?
The Shrimp Louie board is gorgeous!
Thanks! Yes, most of my posts explaing the process of seasoning the boards.
Yum. I’ll have to try this! We love reubens and I know I’d love a shrimp louie salad. Cuz I love me some shrimp!!