Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) Best Quality Mayonnaise, full-fat preferred
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) Ketchup or Chili Sauce
  • 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Sweet Pickle Relish, well drained
  • 1 Tbsp (15 ml) Fresh White Onion, finely minced
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) Fresh Chives, finely snipped (optional)
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) Fresh Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) Smoked Paprika
  • Fine Sea Salt, to taste
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of Cayenne Pepper (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Mince the Solids: On a clean cutting board, finely mince the white onion and chives (if using). If using pickle slices instead of relish, finely dice them. Ensure all chunks are tiny; we are aiming for texture, not large bites.
  2. Drain the Relish: If using standard sweet relish, press it firmly against the side of a small bowl or a fine-mesh sieve to remove excess brine. Excess liquid will thin the dressing.
  3. Establish the Base: In the mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup (or chili sauce), Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Whisk gently until the color is uniform and streak-free.
  4. Fold in the Texture: Add the prepared sweet relish, minced white onion, and chives (if using) to the base mixture. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold them in—over-mixing can thin the dressing.
  5. Season the Mixture: Add the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and a small amount of salt and black pepper.
  6. Mix Thoroughly: Stir everything together until evenly distributed, paying attention to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl.
  7. The Magic Chill: Cover the bowl tightly with cling film and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or preferably an hour. This step is non-negotiable; it allows the onion to mellow, the acid to settle, and the flavors of the 1000 island dressing to marry properly.
  8. Taste and Adjust: Just before serving, give the dressing a final stir. Taste it and add more lemon juice, Worcestershire, or salt and pepper as needed.
  9. Serve: Transfer to a serving vessel and enjoy this superior homemade 1000 island dressing.