This homemade Pioneer Woman Thousand Island Dressing is creamy, sweet, and tangy—ready in just 10 minutes with pantry staples. Perfect for drizzling on salads, spreading on sandwiches, or dipping veggies and fries, it’s a nostalgic favorite that outshines anything store-bought. No cooking required, just stir, chill, and enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Thousand Island Dressing Recipe
- Quick and effortless: Just measure, mix, and chill—ready in 10 minutes.
- Balanced flavor: Creamy, tangy, and sweet with a hint of crunch.
- Versatile: Great for salads, burgers, wraps, and dipping.
- Made from pantry staples: No need for a grocery run.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup yellow onion, minced
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
How to Make Pioneer Woman Thousand Island Dressing
- Measure & prep: Get all your ingredients measured and ready.
- Mix base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and ketchup until smooth.
- Add crunch & sweetness: Stir in the minced onion and pickle relish.
- Flavor it up: Add lemon juice, paprika, and kosher salt. Mix thoroughly.
- Taste test: Adjust seasoning to your liking—a splash more lemon for tang, or ketchup for sweetness.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld.

Expert Recipe Tips
- For a smoother texture: Finely mince the onion.
- Adjust sweetness: Add more or less relish to taste.
- Change the vibe: Try smoked paprika for depth or hot sauce for kick.
- Chill time matters: Let it sit in the fridge to deepen flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Version: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne.
- Lightened Up: Substitute part or all of the mayo with Greek yogurt.
- Chunky Style: Mix in chopped hard-boiled egg for a retro twist.
- Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke.
- Vegan-Friendly: Swap in vegan mayo and check labels on ketchup and relish.
Storage Instructions
- In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Stir before each use.
- Freezing Not Recommended: The mayo base doesn’t freeze well and may separate when thawed.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld. - Is this dressing gluten-free?
It can be—just check that your ketchup and relish are certified gluten-free. - Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo?
Yes, for a tangier and lighter version. Expect a slightly different texture. - What’s the difference between Russian and Thousand Island dressing?
Russian dressing typically contains horseradish for added heat, which Thousand Island lacks. - Why did my dressing separate?
Natural stratification can occur; a good stir will bring it back together.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipe:
- Pioneer Woman Cornbread With Creamed Corn
- Pioneer Woman Pear Preserves
- Pioneer Woman Bacon Jam Recipe
Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving
- Calories: 114
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 7.8mg
- Potassium: 32.1mg
- Sodium: 289mg
- Carbohydrates: 4.4g
- Sugars: 4.6g
- Protein: 0.3g

Pioneer Woman Thousand Island Dressing Recipe
Description
This homemade Thousand Island Dressing is creamy, sweet, tangy, and ready in just 10 minutes. A pantry-friendly favorite for salads, sandwiches, and dips.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine mayonnaise and ketchup.
- Stir in onion and pickle relish.
- Add lemon juice, paprika, and salt.
- Mix well until smooth.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Use smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
Sub Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Stir before serving if separated in the fridge.
Pioneer Woman Thousand Island Dressing Recipe