Easy, Creamy, and Delicious Thousand Island Dressing
Make your own vegan and oil-free thousand island dressing. Bursting with deliciousness, it’s the perfect topping for salads, sandwiches, and more!
When I first started transitioning to a more plant-based diet, I was worried about how I could ever replace my beloved creamy dressings.
Back then, my favorite salad dressings were Thousand Island, creamy ranch or blue cheese mixed with a bit of French — and of course, it wasn’t complete until I loaded it down with Bacos.
Thankfully, there are plant-based substitutions for nearly everything, and we don’t have to compromise the taste.
This easy homemade recipe is the perfect substitute for traditional Thousand Island—it tastes like the real thing. In fact, I’ve come to prefer this tangy dressing over anything in the store. Whether you’re a longtime vegan or just starting to explore and incorporate more plant-based options, this dressing is sure to become your new go-to.
This dressing is creamy, indulgent, and bursting with tangy flavor. It has become one of our favorite recipes.
It’s healthy and versatile — it’s hard not to be hooked from the first bite.
Try it with:
Salads
Vegan burger
Veggie burgers
Vegan Reuben sandwiches
Baked potatoes
A dipping sauce for your favorite veggies
Potato wedges or french fries
There are many great ways to use this dressing, and the health benefits are an added bonus.
Cashews: Contributes to heart, bone, and brain health
Apple cider vinegar: Improves digestion and reduces inflammation
Medjool Dates: Anti-inflammatory and a source of magnesium and calcium
Lemon juice: Powerful antioxidant and rich in vitamin C
Dill pickles: Probiotic that contributes to a healthy gut microbiome
Onions: Antioxidants, immune system support, and digestive health
Homemade Vegan Thousand Island dressing recipe — Easy, Creamy, and Delicious
Easy, Creamy, and Delicious Thousand Island Dressing
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak cashews for an hour.
- Dice onions and pickles.
- Drain and rinse cashews.
- Add all the ingredients to your blender except the onions and pickles.
- Blend on high. You may need to scrape down the sides in between. Blend until it has a smooth and creamy texture.
- Place in a bowl and add diced onions and pickles.
- Adjust flavoring to your liking.
- Depending on your preferences, you may want to add more salt, pickle juice, or a touch of maple syrup.
- Sprinkle with hemp seeds if using.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use a high-speed blender for a smooth and creamy dressing. If you don’t have one, soak cashews overnight.
- I use a Medjool date, but you can also use maple syrup. Start with a tablespoon; you can always add more.
- Store in the refrigerator in a sealed, airtight container for up to 5 days. We love using a mason jar.
- Though we like dill pickles in this recipe, you could also try sweet pickles or sweet pickle relish.
- Though I prefer ketchup for this recipe, you can substitute it with the same amount of tomato paste.
- You can try a teaspoon or two of organic dijon mustard for a bit more tangy creaminess.
- If you like a spicy kick, add a touch of red chili peppers.
This vegan plant-based Thousand Island dressing is a delicious and creamy addition to your salad and well, almost everything.
You can adjust the recipe, adding more or fewer ingredients based on your preferences. And this tangy dressing is packed with lots of good-for-you nutrients. It’s a great way to incorporate more health into your diet.
But the best thing is you don’t have to sacrifice flavor — you can feel good about what you’re eating — guilt-free.
