Thousand Island dressing
Thousand Island dressing is a creamy, tangy condiment commonly made from mayonnaise, ketchup or chili sauce, and chopped pickles or relish.
Mayonnaise: A thick emulsion of oil, egg yolk, and an acidic liquid such as vinegar or lemon juice. It supplies the dressing’s creamy, fatty base.
Wedge salad: A salad made from a quarter or half head of lettuce, commonly topped with dressing and garnishes. Its crisp leaves and compact shape pair readily with thick creamy dressings.
Thousand Islands: An archipelago of more than 1,800 islands in the Saint Lawrence River between Ontario and New York. The dressing’s name points to this region, though its origin story is uncertain.
Russian dressing: A creamy American condiment commonly made with mayonnaise, chili sauce, and seasonings such as horseradish or paprika. It resembles Thousand Island but often emphasizes spice and horseradish over chopped relish.
Ketchup: A sweet-and-sour tomato condiment commonly seasoned with vinegar and spices. It adds tomato flavor, sweetness, and acidity to many versions.
Reuben sandwich: A grilled sandwich typically filled with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread. Thousand Island is sometimes substituted for the closely related Russian dressing.
Sophia LaLonde: A Canadian cook associated in popular accounts with the early history of Thousand Island dressing. One origin story credits her with preparing an early version for visiting guests.
Marie Rose sauce: A British cold sauce typically made from mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, and seasonings, often served with seafood. It shares the mayonnaise-and-tomato base but has a distinct British name and customary use.
Sweet pickle relish: A condiment made from finely chopped sweet pickled cucumbers, often with sugar and spices. It contributes the chopped pickle texture and sweet-tart flavor associated with the dressing.
Big Mac: A McDonald’s hamburger consisting of two beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions on a sesame bun. Its special sauce is often compared with Thousand Island dressing, though the recipes differ.