Thousand Island Dressing – Reuben Sauce – What-Have-You Sauce

My grandfather, a man of simple pleasures, swore by two condiments: ketchup and something he affectionately called “pink sauce.” As a child, I never quite knew what went into this magical elixir, only that it was essential for dipping fries, slathering on burgers, and even, on occasion, dolloping onto scrambled eggs. It wasn’t until I was much older and ventured into the world of culinary arts that I realized Grandpa’s “pink sauce” was a lovingly homemade version of Thousand Island dressing. Now, I’ve elevated that memory into something extra special, and it’s time for you to do the same.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yields: 2 cups, approx
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise (Best Foods or Hellmann’s or Vegenaise)
• ¾ cup catsup (or more, to taste) or ¾ cup ketchup (or more, to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dill relish
• 1 teaspoon sweet pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon dried onion flakes, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon
• Airtight container for storage

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, carefully measure and combine the mayonnaise, catsup (or ketchup), dill relish, sweet pickle relish, dried onion flakes, and granulated garlic (or garlic powder).
2. Add the lemon juice and balsamic vinegar.
3. Season with freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
4. Using a whisk or spoon, thoroughly mix all ingredients until a uniform color and consistency are achieved. Be sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl to incorporate everything evenly.
5. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might prefer more catsup/ketchup for added sweetness or a touch more lemon juice for brightness.
6. Transfer the dressing to a tightly covered, clean glass container for storage in the refrigerator.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Mayonnaise matters: The quality of your mayonnaise significantly impacts the final flavor. Use a high-quality brand like Best Foods/Hellmann’s for a classic taste or Vegenaise for a delicious vegan option.
• Relish ratio: Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ratio of dill to sweet relish. Some prefer a more tangy flavor from extra dill, while others enjoy the sweetness of extra sweet pickle relish.
• Spice it up: For a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
• Fresh herbs: If you have fresh herbs on hand, a teaspoon of finely chopped fresh parsley or chives can add a vibrant flavor boost. Add them at the very end.
• Homemade Mayo: For those truly dedicated, making your own mayonnaise from scratch takes this dressing to the next level. Use a high-quality oil for the best flavor.
• Bloomed Onion: Rehydrate the dried onion flakes in a teaspoon of warm water for about 5 minutes before adding them to the dressing. This softens them and releases their flavor more effectively.
• Consistency Control: If you prefer a thinner dressing, add a tablespoon or two of milk or water until you reach the desired consistency.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This versatile sauce is ready to elevate a multitude of dishes!

• Classic Reuben: Of course, it’s the star of a perfectly assembled Reuben sandwich.
• Seafood Sensations: It’s a fantastic dipping sauce for shrimp cocktail or fried calamari.
• Salad Star: Use it as a dressing for salads, especially those with grilled chicken or shrimp.
• Burger Bliss: Slather it on burgers or patty melts for a burst of flavor.
• Veggie Delight: Serve it as a dip for raw vegetables or chips.
• Potato Power: Dollop it on baked potatoes or potato salad.

Store the Thousand Island/Reuben/What-Have-You Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 1 week. While freezing is not recommended (as it can affect the texture of the mayonnaise), it will be best consumed fresh for optimum results.

Nutritional Information

Estimated values, may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	185.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	118 g	64%
Total Fat	13.2 g	20%
Saturated Fat	1.9 g	9%
Cholesterol	10.2 mg	3%
Sodium	629 mg	26%
Total Carbohydrate	17.9 g	5%
Dietary Fiber	0.2 g	0%
Sugars	9.7 g	N/A
Protein	0.9 g	1%

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegan Delight: Use vegan mayonnaise (like Vegenaise) for a completely plant-based version.
• Sweet Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Horseradish Zing: Stir in a teaspoon of prepared horseradish for a bolder, more pungent flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: A dash of smoked paprika will add a smoky depth to the dressing.
• Orange Zest: Add a half teaspoon of orange zest to add a citrusy twist.
• Olive Brine: Use 1/2 teaspoon of olive brine instead of lemon juice.
• Chunky Style: For a chunkier dressing, finely dice a hard-boiled egg and stir it in.
• French Dressing Variation: For a tangier, less sweet dressing, substitute white vinegar for the balsamic vinegar and increase the amount of lemon juice slightly.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this dressing ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, the flavors meld together even better after a few hours in the refrigerator. Making it a day ahead is highly recommended.

Q: Can I use regular onion instead of dried onion flakes?
A: Yes, but be sure to mince the onion very finely. About 1 teaspoon of minced onion will do. Dried onion flakes provide a more subtle and even flavor.

Q: What can I use if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
A: You can substitute with white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even a little extra lemon juice.

Q: My dressing is too thick. How do I thin it out?
A: Add a tablespoon or two of milk or water until you reach your desired consistency.

Q: How long does this dressing last in the refrigerator?
A: It will keep for up to 1 week in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my version of Grandpa’s “pink sauce,” now a sophisticated Thousand Island, a classic Reuben dressing, or simply, your very own What-Have-You Sauce. Don’t be afraid to experiment, adjust the flavors to your liking, and make it your own. Whether you’re slathering it on a Reuben, dipping your fries, or creating a whole new culinary masterpiece, I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. Share your creations and variations – I’d love to hear what you come up with! Enjoy!