The Thousand Island dressing, often referred to colloquially as the “sauce of 100 islands,” is a classic American condiment with a storied past. Its origins are often debated, with several tales linking it to the beautiful Thousand Islands region along the St. Lawrence River between the United States and Canada in the early 20th century. This creamy, tangy sauce is known for its distinctive combination of ingredients, including mayonnaise, ketchup, and finely chopped vegetables, making it a versatile addition to salads, particularly the iconic wedge salad, sandwiches, burgers, and as a dip for vegetables.
- Mayonnaise 240 g
- Ketchup 60 g
- White vinegar 15 ml
- Finely chopped onion 30 g
- Finely chopped pickles 30 g
- Finely chopped green olives 15 g
- Finely chopped red bell pepper 15 g
- Sugar 5 g
- Salt a pinch
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Worcestershire sauce 5 ml
- Hard-boiled egg (finely chopped, optional) 1 piece
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and white vinegar until smooth.
- Stir in the finely chopped onion, pickles, green olives, and red bell pepper. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
- Add the sugar (if using), a pinch of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to the mixture. Stir to combine.
- If using, gently fold in the finely chopped hard-boiled egg. This adds a nice texture and richness to the dressing.
- Cover and refrigerate the sauce for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
Storage Tips
- Store the Thousand Island dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Properly stored, the sauce can last for up to 2 weeks. However, always check for signs of spoilage before use.
- It’s not recommended to freeze the sauce as it may affect the texture and consistency upon thawing.
Useful Properties of the Main Ingredient
Mayonnaise, the base ingredient of Thousand Island dressing, is rich in healthy fats, primarily from the oil used in its making. These fats can be beneficial for heart health when consumed in moderation. Moreover, mayonnaise contributes to the sauce’s creamy texture and acts as a binder for the other ingredients, ensuring a cohesive flavor profile.
Interesting Facts about the Sauce
- The name “Thousand Island” comes from the region of its purported origin, which is known for its scenic beauty and is made up of over 1,800 islands.
- There are several stories about the creation of Thousand Island dressing, including one that attributes it to a fishing guide’s wife in the early 1900s who made it as a sandwich spread for her husband’s guests.
- The sauce gained widespread popularity when it started being served in hotels and restaurants in the early 20th century, and it was famously used as a key ingredient in the original McDonald’s Big Mac sauce.
Sauce of 100 Islands Recipe
While “sauce of 100 islands” seems to be a playful variation on the name, the recipe provided here is for the classic Thousand Island dressing, celebrated for its unique blend of flavors and its versatility in complementing a wide range of dishes. Enjoy creating this time-honored sauce and exploring its rich taste and storied past!