Tasty Island Sauce

Category: Snacks That Bring People Together

Make a fresh and quick version of Thousand Island sauce in about five minutes. It’s cheaper and more delicious than store-bought choices.

Hannah Author
Updated on Sun, 23 Mar 2025 17:16:18 GMT
A bowl of creamy pink sauce with fresh herbs on top and a spoon resting inside, placed on a light surface. Save
A bowl of creamy pink sauce with fresh herbs on top and a spoon resting inside, placed on a light surface. | recipesbyhannah.com

The Thousand Island sauce I make at home reminds me of those special family meals when I was little. I've spent years playing around with the recipe and finally got this smooth, zesty topping just right. It brings burgers and green salads to a whole new level. You only need five minutes in your kitchen for a sauce that makes store-bought stuff look sad.

Every Dollop Tells a Tale

I grew up close to the Thousand Islands where Sophia LaLonde first whipped up this gem for her husband after his fishing trips. This treasured formula has traveled through family lines and now shows up on tables worldwide, sprinkling that same delightful touch on countless dishes.

Basic Components

  • High-end mayonnaise forms the creamy foundation
  • Regular ketchup delivers that sunny tomato taste
  • Chunky pickle relish adds the must-have texture
  • Chopped onion gives a gentle sharpness
  • Real garlic or the powdered version work equally well
  • A bit of vinegar lifts all the flavors
  • Hot sauce if you want (it's really good though)
  • Some sea salt to your liking

Culinary Wizardry

Blend Everything
Combine all items in a mixing bowl until completely smooth
Give it Time
Stick it in the fridge for 30 minutes so tastes can mingle
Ready to Dig In
Use it on bread, greens or hamburgers stays good for seven days

Add Your Touch

I'll throw in some Worcestershire or spicy horseradish when I want extra zing. When I'm looking for deeper flavor, tomato paste works better than ketchup. Love spicy food? Try adding some Sriracha. If you don't eat animal products, any plant mayo will do the trick.

Storage Tips

This sauce will last about seven days when kept in a tight container in your fridge. Don't try freezing it – mayo gets all weird and separated. Always put it back in cold storage after you're done using it.

A white bowl filled with creamy, orange sauce garnished with small green herbs and a spoon resting inside. Save
A white bowl filled with creamy, orange sauce garnished with small green herbs and a spoon resting inside. | recipesbyhannah.com

Suitable for All

There's no dairy or gluten in here, just tons of flavor. Swap in plant-based mayo if eggs aren't your thing. These tiny changes mean nobody has to miss out on this timeless sauce.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long will it stay fresh?

It’ll last up to a week if kept in a tightly sealed container in the fridge.

→ Can I use another type of relish?

Sure, dill relish works great. You could even swap in diced pickles or try zucchini relish.

→ What about a vegan version?

You can substitute regular mayo with a vegan option like Vegenaise to make it plant-based.

→ Why chill it before using?

This step gives the flavors time to blend together. Letting it sit for at least an hour is ideal.

→ Can onion powder replace fresh onion?

Yes, use about 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder in place of a fresh onion if needed.

Thousand Island Sauce

A fast, simple version of this creamy, tangy sauce made with mayo, ketchup, and relish. Perfect for burgers, salads, or any dish.

Preparation Time
5 min
Cooking Time
~
Total Time
5 min

Category: Party & Snacks

Difficulty Level: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6)

Dietary Preferences: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Lactose-Free

Ingredients

01 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic (half of a tiny clove).
02 2 teaspoons diced onion (red, white, or yellow).
03 1/2 cup mayo.
04 2 tablespoons ketchup.
05 1 teaspoon white vinegar.
06 A pinch or two of kosher salt (adjust as needed).
07 2–3 shakes of Tabasco, if you'd like.
08 2 tablespoons of sweet pickle relish.

Directions

Step 01

Stir everything together in a bowl.

Step 02

Add more salt if it feels like it needs some.

Step 03

Pop it in the fridge for at least an hour.

Step 04

Enjoy cold when ready.

Notes

  1. Stays fresh in the fridge for up to a week.
  2. Dill relish works as a swap.
  3. You could replace the fresh onion with onion powder.
  4. Switch out mayo for vegan mayo to make it plant-based.

Required Equipment

  • A small bowl for mixing.
  • Measuring spoons to portion ingredients.

Allergen Information

Check all ingredients for potential allergens and consult a medical professional if uncertain.
  • Contains eggs (from mayo).

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are for reference only and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 57
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Proteins: 1 g