Whether you’re looking to recreate a classic Waldorf salad or add a gourmet touch to your meals, this Waldorf-Astoria Thousand Island Dressing Recipe is a must-try. Its creamy texture, sweet tang, and versatility make it a pantry favorite that’s perfect for every occasion.

Bowl of creamy Waldorf-Astoria Thousand Island dressing with a spoon, ready to serve on salads or sandwiches.
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If you’ve ever wondered what makes classic Waldorf-Astoria salads so unforgettable, the answer is often in the dressing. This Waldorf-Astoria Thousand Island Dressing recipe is creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet—a perfect balance that elevates any salad.

Whether you’re recreating a luxurious Waldorf salad at home or just want a versatile dressing to use on greens, sandwiches, or even as a dip, this recipe is your go-to.

Creamy Waldorf-Astoria Thousand Island dressing in a bowl with a spoon, ready to serve over salads or sandwiches.

What is Waldorf-Astoria Thousand Island Dressing?

Thousand Island dressing is a creamy, slightly tangy condiment made with mayonnaise, ketchup, vinegar, and seasonings.

The Waldorf-Astoria version takes it up a notch with a delicate sweetness and rich texture, making it a signature component of their famous salads. Its versatility also means you can use it on sandwiches, wraps, or even as a dip for fresh vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

  • Creamy and flavorful – perfectly balances tangy, sweet, and savory notes.
  • Versatile – works on salads, sandwiches, wraps, and as a dip.
  • Easy to make at home – takes just a few minutes with ingredients you likely already have.
  • Customizable – you can tweak sweetness, tang, and texture to your preference.

Waldorf-Astoria Thousand Island Dressing Ingredients

Ingredients needed for Waldorf-Astoria Thousand Island Dressing Recipe on kitchen table.
  • Mayonnaise – Provides the creamy base for the dressing.
  • Ketchup – Adds subtle sweetness and a hint of tang.
  • Sweet pickle relish – Gives a crunchy texture and sweet flavor.
  • Lemon juice or vinegar – Balances the richness with acidity.
  • Paprika, salt, and pepper – For classic seasoning.
  • Optional: hard-boiled egg or Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.

How to Make Waldorf-Astoria Thousand Island Dressing

Step One: In a medium bowl, mix mayonnaise and ketchup until smooth. Stir in sweet pickle relish, lemon juice, and seasonings. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Fold in finely chopped hard-boiled egg or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a richer flavor.

Step Two: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve over salads, sandwiches, or as a dip.

Bowl of creamy Waldorf-Astoria Thousand Island dressing with a spoon, ready to serve on salads or sandwiches.

Tips for the Perfect Thousand Island Dressing

  • Use high-quality mayonnaise for the creamiest texture.
  • Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less relish according to your taste.
  • Make ahead! This dressing keeps in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Waldorf-Astoria Thousand Island dressing in a bowl with a spoon, ready to serve over salads or sandwiches.

Waldorf-Astoria Thousand Island Dressing Recipe Faqs

What ingredients are in Waldorf-Astoria Thousand Island Dressing? The classic version typically includes mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, lemon juice or vinegar, and seasonings like paprika, salt, and pepper. Some variations add finely chopped hard-boiled egg or a dash of Worcestershire sauce.

How do I make it at home? Simply combine mayonnaise and ketchup, then stir in sweet pickle relish, lemon juice, and seasonings. Optional ingredients like chopped egg or Worcestershire sauce can be added for extra depth. Chill before serving to let the flavors meld.

How long does it last in the fridge? When stored in an airtight container, this dressing can last up to one week in the refrigerator. Always check for freshness before use.

Can I make it healthier? Yes! You can substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy version without compromising flavor.

What dishes can I use it on? Waldorf-Astoria Thousand Island Dressing is perfect on Waldorf salads, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, and as a dip for fresh vegetables or fries.

Can I adjust the sweetness or tanginess? Absolutely. Add more sweet pickle relish for sweetness or a splash of lemon juice or vinegar for extra tang to suit your taste.

Bowl of creamy Waldorf-Astoria Thousand Island dressing with a spoon, ready to serve on salads, sandwiches, or wraps

More Copycat Waldorf-Astoria Recipes

Waldorf-Astoria Eggs Benedict Recipe

Waldorf-Astoria Waldorf Salad

Waldorf-Astoria Red Velvet Cake

Waldorf-Astoria Spicy Asian Chicken Salad

Waldorf-Astoria Scallops

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Bowl of creamy Waldorf-Astoria Thousand Island dressing with a spoon, ready to serve on salads or sandwiches.

Waldorf-Astoria Thousand Island Dressing Recipe

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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings

Description

Recreate the iconic Waldorf-Astoria Thousand Island Dressing at home! Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, this versatile dressing is perfect for salads, sandwiches, and as a dip.

Ingredients 

  • 3/4 cup Mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons Ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons Sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice, or vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt, adjust to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon Black pepper, adjust to taste

Optional: 1 finely chopped hard-boiled egg or 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, mix 3/4 cup Mayonnaise and 3 tablespoons Ketchup until smooth.
  • Stir in s3 tablespoons Sweet pickle relish, 1 tablespoon Lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon Paprika. Adjust 1/4 teaspoon Salt and 1/8 teaspoon Black pepper to taste.
  • Fold in finely chopped hard-boiled egg or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a richer flavor.
  • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve over salads, sandwiches, or as a dip.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 208kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 0.4gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 404mgPotassium: 33mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 161IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 0.2mg

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