Description
This Vegan Thousand Island Dressing is a creamy, tangy, and flavorful alternative to traditional mayo-based dressings. Made with raw cashews, ketchup, lemon juice, and a blend of spices, this dressing is perfect as a salad topper, veggie dip, or sandwich spread. It combines a smooth texture with a hint of crunchy pickle relish for that classic Thousand Island bite, all without any animal products.
Ingredients
Dressing Base
- 1/2 cup (75g) raw cashews
- 1/2 cup (120g) water
- 6 tablespoons (90g) ketchup
- 1 tablespoon (15g) fresh lemon juice
- 1-2 tablespoons (10-20g) raw finely diced white onion
- 1/4 teaspoon regular paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
Mix-Ins
- 2 tablespoons (20g) sweet pickle relish (reserve 1 tablespoon to stir in after blending)
Instructions
- Soak Cashews: If you don’t have a high-powered blender like a Vitamix, soak the raw cashews in water overnight (8-12 hours) to soften them for smoother blending. Drain and rinse before use.
- Blend Ingredients: Add all ingredients except 1 tablespoon of sweet pickle relish into a high-powered blender. Blend on high until completely smooth, scraping down the sides occasionally. If using a less powerful blender, a food processor may help achieve a smoother texture.
- Incorporate Pickle Relish: Pour the blended dressing into a bowl or jar, then fold in the reserved 1 tablespoon of sweet pickle relish to add texture and classic flavor. Optionally, add a pinch of cayenne for some heat.
- Serve or Store: The dressing can be enjoyed immediately, especially if ingredients were chilled beforehand. Use as a salad dressing, veggie dip, or sandwich spread. Store leftover dressing in the fridge for up to one week or freeze for longer storage, thawing overnight in the fridge before use.
Notes
- Soaking cashews is essential unless you have a powerful blender to ensure a creamy, grit-free texture.
- The recipe yields about 1 1/2 cups of dressing, sufficient for 6 servings.
- You can adjust the salt and relish quantities to suit your taste, especially if using homemade ketchup.
- For an optional spicy twist, add cayenne pepper when mixing in the relish.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within one week for best freshness.
- Freezing is possible; thaw in the refrigerator overnight and whisk before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 8-12 hours soaking time if needed)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dressing
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
