Russian Dressing: Bold Flavor in Minutes

Russian dressing is one of my go-to condiments when I want to add a bold, tangy kick to my meals.

What is Russian dressing?

Russian dressing is a creamy, piquant salad dressing that is typically made from a creamy blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, and a touch of tang from ingredients like horseradish or pickles.

Despite its name, this dressing has no direct connection to Russian culinary traditions. This creamy, tangy condiment originated in New Hampshire in the early 1900s and has become a staple in American cuisine. The dressing was called “Russian” because the original recipe featured caviar, a common ingredient in Russian cuisine.

Different regions of the US have developed their own version. For example:

• New England: Often includes a touch of maple syrup
• Southwest: May incorporate chipotle peppers for a smoky heat
• California: Sometimes uses avocado for added creaminess

This Russian salad dressing reminds me of the Thousand Island dressing. These dressings are similar. But the Russian dressing contains horseradish, which gives it a spicier kick, while Thousand Island tends to be sweeter and sometimes contains chopped hard-boiled eggs.

Russian salad dressing plays a key role in several iconic American dishes. Some of the most popular include:

• Reuben sandwich
• Rachel sandwich turkey version of the Reuben
• California burger
• Russian dressing coleslaw
• Thousand Island salad

Here’s how to make the Russian dressing.

Russian dressing recipe

Our recipe combines creamy mayonnaise with ketchup, creating a vibrant coral hue, enhanced with zesty horseradish, spicy chili sauce, and crunchy diced pickles. Perfect for elevating sandwiches, adding flair to salads, or as a delicious dipping sauce for appetizers. Here’s how to make the Russian dressing

Traditional Russian dressing

Russian dressing is a creamy, tangy blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, and savory seasonings, often enhanced with a hint of horseradish or Worcestershire sauce. This dressing adds a delicious, balanced kick to any dish, from sandwiches to burgers, or as a zesty dip for fries and veggies.

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Prep Time 7 minutes mins

Course Condiment

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients

  

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon horseradish optional, for extra kick
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped pickles or pickle relish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and ketchup until smooth.
• Stir in the horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, sugar, and chopped pickles.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Adjust the flavors to your preference and serve immediately or refrigerate for later use.

Notes

You can have some common issues when making homemade Russian dressing. Here are some solutions:

Issue	Solution
Too thin	Add more mayonnaise
Too thick	Thin with a little vinegar or lemon juice
Too sweet	Add more horseradish or a dash of hot sauce
Too tangy	Balance with a pinch of sugar
Separation	Whisk vigorously or blend again before serving

Keyword classic American dressings, homemade condiment, homemade salad dressing, mayonnaise-based sauce, pickle relish dressing, Reuben sandwich spread, Russian dressing, spicy dipping sauce, thousand island alternative

Variations

Healthy Alternatives

To make healthier versions of Russian dressing, you can:

1. Use Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayonnaise
2. Opt for a low-sugar ketchup
3. Incorporate pureed roasted red peppers for natural sweetness
4. Use fresh herbs for flavor instead of salt

Spicy Russian Dressing

Spicy version can be created by increasing heat elements. Some ways to add spice include:

• Extra horseradish
• Cayenne pepper
• Hot sauce
• Diced jalapeños

As a spice lover, I often make a separate batch of spicy Russian dressing for those who enjoy an extra kick.

Dietary Restriction

For those with dietary restrictions, you can use alternative ingredients, such as:

These substitutes can often capture the essence of Russian dressing while accommodating specific needs. The key is to balance the creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet elements that define the classic dressing.

International Adaptations

Russian salad dressing has inspired international variations. Some global twists include:

• Mexican: Adding chipotle peppers and lime juice
• Mediterranean: Incorporating olives and feta cheese
• Indian: Blending in curry powder and mango chutney
• Japanese: Mixing in wasabi and pickled ginger

Chef-Inspired Twists

Professional chefs have created unique recipes for Russian dressing, like:

• Add caramelized onions for depth
• Incorporate roasted garlic for a mellow flavor
• Usekimchi for a Korean-inspired version
• Blend in avocado for creaminess and healthy fats

How to use Russian dressing

1. As a salad dressing

Russian dressing shines as a flavorful salad topper. Its creamy texture coats greens perfectly, while its tangy flavor complements a variety of vegetables, such as:

• Crisp lettuce varieties iceberg, romaine
• Tomatoes
• Cucumbers
• Bell peppers
• Radishes
• Carrots

I’ve found it particularly delightful on crisp iceberg lettuce with cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices.

2. Dipping sauce

It serves as an excellent dipping sauce for a variety of foods. Some popular pairings include:

• French fries
• Onion rings
• Chicken tenders
• Raw vegetables

I’ve even used it as a unique dip for Japanese sushi rolls, adding an unexpected twist to the traditional soy sauce.

3. Sandwich spread

As a sandwich spread, Russian dressing elevates simple ingredients to gourmet status. It pairs exceptionally well with corned beef, turkey, and roast beef. My personal favorite is a Reuben sandwich, where the Russian dressing adds a zesty contrast to the sauerkraut and Swiss cheese.

4. Ingredient in other recipes

This dressing can be incorporated into various recipes as a flavor enhancer. Some creative uses include:

• Mixing it into deviled egg filling
• Using it as a base for a spicy seafood cocktail sauce
• Incorporating it into coleslaw for added zest
• Blending it into mashed potatoes for a tangy side dish

FAQ

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