Gather Your Ingredients: Lay out all the ingredients on your workspace to ensure you have everything you need.
Combine the Base Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, ketchup, and white vinegar. Whisk until smooth and well-combined.
Incorporate the Sweetness: Stir in the sweet pickle relish and sugar, ensuring the relish is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Add the Mustard and Spices: Mix in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. These ingredients create the dressing’s signature balance of flavors.
Adjust to Taste: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed. For extra tanginess, add a bit more vinegar. For heat, include a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of paprika.
Chill the Dressing: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serve and Enjoy: Use your homemade Thousand Island dressing on salads, as a spread for sandwiches and burgers, or as a dip for veggies and fries.