Thousand Island dressing is a creamy and flavorful dressing that adds a fresh and delicious touch to any tossed salad. This particular recipe, shared by Elizabeth Hunter from Prosperity, South Carolina, is not only easy to make but also a perfect companion for a variety of salads. With the combination of fat-free plain yogurt, chili sauce, sweet pickle relish, and a touch of sweetness, this dressing is sure to elevate your salad to new levels of taste and satisfaction.
The origin of Thousand Island dressing is surrounded by various theories and stories. The most popular belief is that it was named after the Thousand Islands region located between the St. Lawrence Seaway and Lake Ontario in New York. According to this theory, a guide who took fishing parties to the Thousand Islands always served his wife’s special salad dressing as part of their shore dinners. Mary Irwin, a New York actress and cookbook author, is said to have named the recipe after one of these meals.
However, there is an alternative version of the story that claims a chef at the Drake Hotel in Chicago is responsible for inventing the recipe. The chef allegedly created the dressing and named it after the Thousand Islands region, perhaps to evoke a sense of elegance and luxury associated with the area.
Regardless of its exact origin, Thousand Island dressing has become a beloved and popular choice for salads. Its creamy texture, tangy flavor, and the added crunch of pickle relish make it a versatile dressing that complements a variety of ingredients and salad combinations.
PREP/TOTAL TIME: 10 MIN
MAKES: 1 CUP
INGREDIENTS
- ¾ cup fat-free plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- Sugar substitute equivalent to ¾ teaspoon sugar
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the fat-free plain yogurt, chili sauce, sweet pickle relish, and the sugar substitute.
- Ensure that all the ingredients are well combined and form a smooth and creamy dressing.
- Refrigerate:
- After whisking the ingredients together, refrigerate the dressing until you are ready to serve.
- Chilling the dressing will help enhance the flavors and ensure a refreshing experience when drizzled over your salad.
CONCLUSION
- Thousand Island dressing is a classic and versatile dressing that adds a delightful burst of flavor to any salad. This recipe, shared by Elizabeth Hunter, combines the creaminess of fat-free plain yogurt, the tanginess of chili sauce, the sweetness of sweet pickle relish, and a touch of sweetness from a sugar substitute. The resulting dressing is not only delicious but also a healthier alternative.
- Whether you’re drizzling it over a crisp green salad, a refreshing coleslaw, or a hearty vegetable medley, Thousand Island dressing is sure to enhance the taste and texture of your dish. So, whisk together the ingredients, refrigerate the dressing until serving, and get ready to enjoy the fresh and creamy goodness of Thousand Island dressing.
