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Get ready to elevate your salad game with this irresistible vegan Thousand Island dressing! This version is incredibly delicious, creamy, and a healthier alternative with no mayo and wholesome ingredients, making it the perfect addition to your meals.
After moving to the US a few years ago, I came across this delicious dressing and fell in love with it! However, after transitioning to a vegan lifestyle, I decided to make a homemade version of the commercial sauce, and it has since become my go-to salad dressing choice.
Made with cashews, it is gluten, soy, and oil-free. Whole-food plant-based, no Mayo Vegan Thousand Island Dressing option!
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THOUSAND ISLAND DRESSING
Thousand Island dressing has been a popular condiment for over a century. Its origins are somewhat debated, but most accounts attribute its creation to the Thousand Islands region between New York and Ontario.
The dressing was initially served in fine dining establishments but quickly gained popularity in households across North America.
This tangy and slightly sweet sauce has been a favorite for dressing salads, topping burgers, and enhancing sandwiches ever since.
HOW TO PREPARE THIS VEGAN THOUSAND ISLAND DRESSING
(Please read the printable recipe card below for detailed ingredients, measurements, steps, and notes).
The original recipe includes some non-vegan ingredients. However, more vegan options have been available in stores in recent years.
This recipe will show you how easy it is to prepare it at home and with wholesome ingredients so you can still enjoy the same flavor more healthily.
This recipe is Vegan, Gluten-Free (check for GF Ketchups), and Whole Food plant-based compliance. You can replace the cashews with raw sunflower seeds for a cashew-free option.
It’s a breeze to prepare, 10 minutes, and less than ten ingredients, and you are ready to enjoy tour dressing!
KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
So, if you are ready, grab your ingredients, and you will need these simple kitchen tools for the preparation:
- You will need a high-speed blender or food processor to make this recipe. If you don’t have a high-speed blender, soaking or boiling the cashews well will help achieve the right consistency. I prefer using my bullet blender or smoothie blender (small blender cup) for these recipes.
- An airtight container or jar for storage.
INGREDIENTS
Here is a list of everything you will need to prepare this delicious Vegan Thousand Island dressing at home:
- Raw unsalted cashews provide the creamy base for the sauce, acting as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise. They are rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, making the dressing more nutritious.
- Water is used to adjust the consistency of the sauce and help blend the cashews into a smooth, creamy texture.
- Ketchup adds a tangy, tomato-based flavor to the dressing. Using no sugar added ketchup keeps the dressing healthier by reducing the sugar content.
- Sweet pickle relish contributes to the distinctive sweet and tangy flavor profile of Thousand Island dressing. Using no-sugar-added relish further reduces the sugar content, keeping the sauce healthier. Finding a sugar-free option is difficult, but a few are in the market. If you can’t find one, you can use some pieces of hamburger dill chips or whole dill pickles instead (sometimes I use what I have in my fridge!).
- Dijon mustard adds a sharp, savory flavor to the dressing, enhancing its overall taste and balancing the sweetness of the relish and ketchup.
- Apple cider vinegar adds acidity and tanginess to the sauce, giving it a bright and zesty flavor while also helping to emulsify the ingredients.
- Onion powder (or minced yellow onion) adds a subtle, savory depth to the dressing, enhancing its overall flavor profile.
- Salt is for balance in the seasoning. Use it after tasting the mixed ingredients to see if you need to add salt. It depends on how much salt your ketchup, mustard, or other ingredients have.
DIRECTIONS WITH PICTURES
To prepare this delicious vegan Thousand Island dressing, start by soaking the raw cashews in hot water for at least 30 minutes or overnight for the best results. This step softens the cashews, allowing them to blend smoothly (especially if you don’t have a powerful blender or food processor). Once soaked, drain and rinse the cashews thoroughly.
Next, combine the soaked cashews, water, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and onion powder (or minced yellow onion) in a high-speed blender or food processor.
Blend the ingredients on high speed until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more water to reach your desired thickness.
Taste the dressing and season with salt according to your preference.
Then, transfer the finished vegan Thousand Island dressing to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.
What you’ll love about this recipe? Well, you will find that it is:
- A healthier alternative to store-bought and mayo options.
- Simple and easy to prepare!
- Customizable and versatile.
- Creamy and flavorful.
- Tangy, sweet, and bold.
Let’s prepare this delicious Vegan Thousand Island Dressing!
WATCH THE STEP-BY-STEP VIDEO!
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RECIPE AND INSTRUCTIONS
VEGAN THOUSAND ISLAND DRESSING
Equipment
- 1 Blender/Food processor
- 1 Airtight container or jar
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cashews (75g raw and unsalted)
- 1/2 cup water (120g)
- 1/4 cup ketchup (55g no sugar added)
- 3 tbsp sweet pickle relish (no sugar added)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp onion powder (or sub 2 tbsp finely minced yellow onion)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Soak the raw cashews in hot water for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results) to soften them. After soaking, drain the cashews and rinse them well.
- In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the soaked cashews, water, ketchup, sweet pickle relish*, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and onion powder (or 2 tbsp finely minced yellow onion if you prefer).
- Blend the mixture on high speed until it becomes smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, add more water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning with salt to your preference.
- Transfer the vegan Thousand Island dressing to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Enjoy your vegan dressing in salads, sandwiches, or as a dip for your favorite veggies.
Notes
WAYS TO ENJOY THIS VEGAN THOUSAND ISLAND DRESSING
- In salads: Drizzle the dressing over your favorite green salads, such as a mixed greens salad, a vegan wedge salad, coleslaw, cucumber, tomato salad, or potato salad. I love this dressing in all my salads!
- As veggie dip: Use the dressing as a delicious and creamy dip for raw vegetables like carrot sticks, celery, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, or bell pepper strips.
- As sandwich/wrap spread: Spread the dressing on your favorite vegan sandwiches or wraps. Use it as dressing for this yummy Chickpeas Salad Sandwich.
- As burger Sauce: Use the dressing as a topping for veggie burgers. It adds a tangy and creamy element that complements the flavors nicely.
- As dressing for veggies bowls: Drizzle the dressing over your favorite veggies/buddha bowl.
- And so much more!
If you are hungry for more sauces, dressings, and condiments, you could also try these yummy recipes:
DID YOU MAKE THIS VEGAN THOUSAND ISLAND DRESSING?
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