Enjoy the best classic Thousand Island dressing with this easy and delicious vegan recipe! It's rich, creamy, and full of tangy, slightly sweet flavor. Eggless and dairy-free, it's made with just 6 simple plant-based ingredients!
There's something about Thousand Island dressing that instantly takes me back to childhood. It was everybody's favorite secret sauce that could be found on any food establishment's menu - from upscale restaurants to drive-thru burger joints. We all loved that lightly tangy-sweet dressing which made any burger or salad taste great. Problem is, most traditional Thousand Island recipes use animal-derived ingredients - including eggs, sometimes dairy and Worcestershire sauce - which are definitely not vegan.
The good news is - this recipe tastes just like classic Thousand Island but it's vegan! In fact it's so easy to make, you can whip up a batch of dressing with just a few simple ingredients in about 5 minutes. How delicious is that? Whether you need a quick sandwich spread, the perfect flavor boost for macaroni salad, or a tasty dip for lemony potato wedges, this easy homemade vegan Thousand Island dressing is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Table of Contents
Our Thousand Island Legacy
In my own family, Thousand Island dressing has a rich and flavorful legacy. My late grandfather, Bill Blackwood, was a pioneering restaurateur in Los Angeles during the golden age of drive-in dining. In the 1930s and '40s, he owned The Moderne Drive In, located on Santa Monica Boulevard - one of the very first of its kind in L.A.
The classic combination of burgers, fries, and that creamy pink dressing was part of the charm that kept customers coming back. I'm sure the friendly carhops on roller skates added to fun!
Decades later, my brother Scott carried on the family tradition with his two beloved natural food drive-through restaurants in San Diego during the 1970s, affectionately named "Mama Love's" after our mom.
They served a house-made, all-organic Thousand Island dressing based on her recipe - rich, zesty, and full of heart - offering a fresh, wholesome twist on a nostalgic favorite. This is the recipe that inspired my vegan version.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Tastes just like old-fashioned classic Thousand Island Dressing
- 100% vegan!
- Budget-friendy. Uses common pantry ingredients.
- So easy to prepare. Takes about 5 minutes to make!
- Kids love it (frankly, everyone does).
🌱 Ingredients
- Vegan mayonnaise - use your favorite
- Sweet pickle relish
- Ketchup
- Lemon juice - fresh or bottled
- Paprika - substitute with chili powder for a spicier flavor
- Dried minced onions - substitute with onion powder
- Salt & pepper - for an eggy flavor, use Himalayan black salt (Kala Namak)
See the printable recipe card below for quantities and details.
🌱 Instructions
- Place all the ingredients into a medium-size bowl or measuring cup.
2. Stir or whisk all the ingredients until fully combined.
3. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Spoon or pour the dressing into a food-safe container. Refrigerate until ready to use.
I love this convenient lid with pour spout that fits my 12 ounce mason jars. It's ideal for storing dressings, syrups, and sauces.
Serving Ideas
Enjoy on veggie burgers, sandwiches, a wedge of crispy iceberg lettuce, as a dressing on taco salads, pasta salads, or as a dipping sauce for grilled tofu, zucchini fries, fresh or grilled veggies, or french fries.
Thousand Island Dressing Storage Tips: This recipe yields 1-½ cups (12 oz.) of dressing. Store refrigerated in a clean, covered food-safe container up to 5 days. Stir before using. If the dressing thickens, you can thin it with a small amount of unsweetened plant-based milk of your choice.
🌱 FAQ's - Vegan Thousand Island Dressing
What is vegan Thousand Island dressing made of?
Vegan Thousand Island dressing is typically made with a base of vegan mayo, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, lemon juice, and a blend of spices. Some variations may include Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, or finely chopped onions for extra flavor.
Can I make this dressing spicy?
Adding a dash of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne, or a small amount of sriracha will give it a spicy kick.
Where and when did Thousand Island Dressing originate?
According to Wikipedia: Thousand Island dressing's exact origin is unknown but it is believed to have become popular in the early 20th century. "It was initially popularized in the Thousand Islands region of the upper Saint Lawrence River spanning New York and Canada. Historically a salad dressing, it has been widely adopted by fast food chains as a "special" or "secret" sauce of their own variation based on the Thousand Islands recipe."
I do hope you enjoy this recipe! Please let me know by leaving a ★★★★★ rating & comment below. Thanks a bunch!🥕
Recipe
Easy Thousand Island Dressing (Vegan)
Equipment
- 1 medium bowl
- 1 rubber spatula or wire whisk
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise vegan
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon dried onion minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh or bottled
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients into a small-medium size bowl.
- Combine thoroughly using a silicone spatula, wire whisk, or spoon.
- Add ground pepper (to taste).
- Refrigerate until ready to use. To store: Cover the bowl with food-safe plastic wrap or transfer the dressing to a jar or airtight container. Use within 3-5 days.
Notes
Tip:
If you would like to add an eggy flavor to your dressing, use Himalayan Black Salt (Kala Namak) as a substitute for regular salt.Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy on veggie burgers, sandwiches, a wedge of crispy iceberg lettuce, as a dressing on taco salads, pasta salads, or as a dipping sauce for grilled tofu, zucchini fries, fresh or grilled veggies, or french fries. Thousand Island Dressing Storage Tips: This recipe yields 1-½ cups (12 oz.) of dressing. Store refrigerated in a clean, covered food-safe container up to 5 days. Stir before using. If the dressing thickens, you can thin it with a small amount of unsweetened plant-based milk of your choice.Nutrition
These are estimated values generated from a nutritional database using unbranded products. Please do your own research with the products you're using if you have a serious health issue or are following a specific diet.
Connie says
This easy recipe for vegan Thousand Island Dressing has been my go-to anytime I need to whip up a tasty topping for veggie burgers and sandwiches. It's one of those all-purpose players that can help make so many dishes even more delicious!