Back in the 1950's the TeePee restaurant in Indianapolis had as one of their specialties a sandwich called the The Big Chief. It was a double decker cheeseburger and the dressing they used was different than any I've tasted since.

I can't believe I found this. I was just sharing my memories of a restaurant just outside of the Indiana Fairgrounds. I remembered something about a teepee but couldn't remember if that was the name - wasn't the building the shape of a teepee? But, I remember as a child eating spaghetti and the salad - I remembered the dressing but you reminded me of the beets. Going to the fair is one of the few childhood memories I have, it was one of the highlights of my years growing up in Indianapolis, Carmel and Westfield. I saw the Beatles in 1964 I believe and we always went to the dairy bar for grilled cheese and milkshakes - I would give anything to take my kids there but it probably wouldn't be the same. I was in high school before I knew there were rides and the amusement area - what a laugh.

Today I was tellng my daughter how wonderfull the recipe for this salad dressing was. NO equal anywhere! I was going to beg on facebook from anyone that had it. I googled and here I am. This was the highlight of my teen yrs. in the mid 60's, and was heart broken when they closed. We came from a little farm community 10 mi. south just for the salad, and the other food was also delicious. What I wouldn't give to be able to go sit down at the old TeePee on South Madison Ave. Thank you so much for this!!

Went to Teepee on Madison many times after events in Indianapolis or on dates. Worth the trip from Martinsville. Brings back many happy memories. Hope it makes it back with a new owner.

Does anyone have a scaled down recipe for this delicious dressing? I also have very fond memories of my childhood associated with the TeePee.

This is awesome! I was just telling my Aussie husband about the restaurant that we frequented in Indianapolis back in the 1960's - the design of the building and this amazing salad dressing - have tried to duplicate it, but was never able to come close. He suggested I Google it - and here I am! Thank you very much!

What fond memories I have of growing up on the south side of Indy and buzzing the Tee-Pee on weekends with my high school buddies. Always ordered a Big Chief sandwich and Cherry Phosphate to drink when we parked curbside under the canopy on the outside and visited with friends and met others. I really believe that McDonald's Big Mac is the reincarnation of the Big Chief sandwich as I remember it!

Yes I remember the dressing, I worked there when I was 15 years old. Made my own salad, left the beets off though, that was 1967. Loved those big chiefs, made those too.

My favorite restaurant ever! I worked there too in 1973, with Jenny and Marilyn. Do you know the recipe for the Big Chief sauce?

Boy did I love this restaurant. I attended the old Purdue Indianapolis campus across from the fairgrounds and ate at Tee-Pee whenever I had the time and could get there. I miss this salad, so thanks for this recipe. I also loved the Big Chiefs and I remember a rum custard pie that was terrific!

Thank you all for your kind words about the TeePee. My Grandfather and Dad owned the TeePee's and we spent most of our childhood their. Had I known you all hung out their I would have let you all sneak into the fair with me through our back gate! Were any of you the kids that that would make out in the back row? My Dad knew if I stayed to long that's what I was doing! I would love to talk to Joy about the recipe if anyone knows her.

Does anyone know where I can buy the tee pee dressing?

The Barking Dog Cafe at 49th and Penn in Indianapolis makes the dressing and salad at their restaurant.

omg I so loved the Teepee and their salad dressing and the homemade croutons were superb! Is there a scaled down version of this dressing, would love to have it???

I attended Butler University in the 1960-70's and loved the salad and special dressing - went there at least once a week. Would love the scaled down recipe. Please share :)

Another fan of the TeePee dressing and I also want to scale this down. Anything wrong with substituting Hellman's Mayo? That looks like a lot of work to make.

This is a variation on a 'boiled dressing'. I think you'd be closer using Miracle Whip rather than Hellman's or Best Foods.

I grew up going to the Tee Pee! What a joy to see this recipe! Now, only to cut it down! ;) I wish there was a recipe for the croutons too...it won't be the same without the croutons! ;) So many wonderful memories for my family were made at the Tee Pee. So many! I yearn for those days. Thank you so much for posting this and for bringing back so many memories. :)

I also loved the Teepee dressing. We showed hogs and the hog barn was right there. Used to seek through the fence to get back and forth. I would also love the scaled down version! It was theeee best!!