Name: Vegan Thousand Island Dressing
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup of vegan mayonnaise; 2 ½ tablespoons of ketchup; 2 ½ tablespoons of sweet relish; 3 teaspoons of minced red onion; ½ teaspoon of garlic powder; 1 teaspoon of lemon juice; ⅛ teaspoon of salt

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Sweet, tangy, creamy, and incredibly versatile, this Vegan Thousand Island Dressing is your new go-to condiment for sandwiches, burgers, salads, and more. Made with simple plant-based ingredients, it offers the classic flavor of the traditional dressing—without the eggs or dairy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan version of the iconic Thousand Island dressing is quick to prepare, highly customizable, and bursting with bold, balanced flavors. Whether you’re dipping, drizzling, or spreading, it elevates every bite with its creamy texture and perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and savory notes. Plus, it’s entirely plant-based and ready in minutes.

Vegan Thousand Island Dressing

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

½ cup of vegan mayonnaise
2 ½ tablespoons of ketchup
2 ½ tablespoons of sweet relish
3 teaspoons of minced red onion
½ teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of lemon juice
⅛ teaspoon of salt

Directions

In a medium bowl, combine the vegan mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet relish, minced red onion, garlic powder, lemon juice, and salt.
Stir the mixture thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired—add more lemon juice for tang, relish for sweetness, or garlic for an extra kick.
For best results, refrigerate the dressing for at least one hour to let the flavors meld. Overnight is even better.
If you prefer a thinner consistency, stir in a small amount of plant-based milk or water until it reaches your desired texture.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 1 cup of dressing and takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It requires no cooking. One cup typically serves 8 to 10 people, depending on usage.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Smoky Flavor: Mix in a bit of smoked paprika for a deeper, richer taste.
Low-Sugar Option: Use unsweetened ketchup and a no-sugar-added relish.
Chunky Texture: Add finely chopped pickles or bell peppers for extra crunch.
Oil-Free Version: Swap the vegan mayo with blended silken tofu or unsweetened plant-based yogurt for a lighter alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Stir well before each use, as ingredients may settle over time. This dressing should not be frozen as the texture may become unpleasant upon thawing. Reheating is not necessary or recommended, as this is a cold condiment.

FAQs

What does vegan Thousand Island dressing taste like?

It tastes sweet, tangy, creamy, and slightly savory with hints of onion and garlic. It’s very similar to traditional Thousand Island but completely plant-based.

Can I use homemade vegan mayo?

Yes, homemade vegan mayonnaise works perfectly and allows you to control the flavor and ingredients even more.

Is this dressing gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the individual ingredients (especially ketchup and relish) are gluten-free, the entire dressing is gluten-free.

How can I make it lower in fat?

Use a reduced-fat or oil-free vegan mayo alternative like silken tofu or unsweetened plant-based yogurt.

Can I use dill relish instead of sweet relish?

Yes, but it will change the flavor profile. Sweet relish gives the classic Thousand Island taste, while dill relish adds more tang.

Is it safe to freeze this dressing?

Freezing is not recommended, as the mayo base can separate and become grainy when thawed.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. In fact, letting it sit in the fridge overnight enhances the flavors.

What can I use this dressing for?

It’s perfect for salads, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, dipping fries or veggies, and even as a spread on toast.

How long will this dressing keep in the fridge?

It will stay fresh for up to 1 week in a sealed container stored in the refrigerator.

Can I add other ingredients like mustard?

Yes, a small amount of mustard can add a tangy depth—just start with a little and adjust to taste.

Conclusion

This Vegan Thousand Island Dressing is a game-changer for plant-based eaters and flavor lovers alike. With its creamy texture, vibrant taste, and easy preparation, it’s a must-have in your kitchen. Make a batch today and enjoy a delicious, dairy-free twist on a timeless classic.