This simple Thousand Island Dressing recipe comes together with just four ingredients and some salt. Known most for topping Big Macs, this salad dressing is the perfect addition to so many recipes.

Side view of a jar of Thousand Island Dressing with a spoon scooping some out of the top. A salad in a bowl is in the background.

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I love making salad dressings. They are so easy to make, you can control the ingredients and the flavors, and, best of all, they often use ingredients that are easy to keep on hand. All of this is true with this delicious Thousand Island salad dressing. You are going to love throwing this on your salads and burgers.

Overhead view of clear bowls of ingredients for Thousand Island Dressing recipe on a countertop.

Overhead view of a glass mixing bowl with ingredients for Thousand Island Dressing recipe before mixing.

Thousand Island Dressing Ingredients

Here are the simple ingredients that make up the delicious Thousand Island dressing. For the full recipe including all measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Grated onion: Using the fine side of a cheese grater is a great way I’ve found to get the onion very fine so it blends in seamlessly.
Mayonnaise: You can use regular or low-fat mayo to cut some calories. This is the creamy base of the dressing.
Ketchup: Gives the dressing some tang and its reddish pink color.
Sweet pickle relish: Adds a delightful, tangy crunch and a bit of sweetness. If you prefer dill, dill pickle relish works great in this recipe as well.

Overhead view of a glass mixing bowl of Thousand Island Dressing recipe with a whisk for combining.

How to Make Thousand Island Dressing

Here is a brief overview of how this recipe for Thousand Island dressing comes together. Be sure to scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full recipe, including all ingredients and their measurements.

Whisk together the ingredients. Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl and whisk to combine. Taste and add more salt as needed.
Use right away or store for later.

Thousand Island vs Russian Dressing

While Thousand Island dressing and Russian dressing are similar, there are differences between them. Russian dressing contains hot sauce and horseradish, giving it a spicy kick. Thousand Island is on the sweeter side with the dill relish. They are both creamy dressings that can be enjoyed on salads and Reubens.

Overhead view of a salad with Thousand Island Dressing, tomatoes, and croutons. Salad tongs and whole tomatoes beside.

Storing Homemade Thousand Island Dressing

This homemade salad dressing can be kept in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Always use your best discretion when storing and eating leftovers.

Because of the mayo in this recipe, I do not recommend freezing it.

Jar of Thousand Island Dressing recipe with bowl of salad behind.

How to Use Thousand Island Salad Dressing

Replace store-bought dressing with this easy creamy dressing recipe! Here are a few ideas for how to use and enjoy this salad dressing.

Make a Reuben Sandwich or this Easy Reuben Dip
Use it as a burger sauce or at home Big Mac sauce or dipping sauce for French fries.
Top or toss with your favorite salad.

If you make this homemade Thousand Island dressing recipe or any of my other recipes, I’d love to hear what you think!

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