Russian Dressing
This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
Zesty and tangy with a spicy kick, this Russian Dressing recipe comes together in 5 minutes and is delicious as a salad dressing, dipping sauce, and spread for all your favorite veggies, meats, sandwiches, and so much more!
What is Russian Dressing?
Despite its name, Russian dressing is an American dressing. It is a creamy, slightly spicy, tangy dressing consisting primarily of mayonnaise, chili sauce (or ketchup), onion, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika and has a characteristic pinking hue. It’s used as a salad dressing, spread, or dip, but probably its most popular use is as the key sauce for the Reuben Sandwich.
Where Did Russian Dressing Originate?
Its exact origins are unknown but Russian dressing is believed to have been created in the early 20th century either by Russian immigrants or American chefs inspired by Russian cuisine. An early published mayonnaise-based Russian dressing dates back to 1914, an earlier version without mayonnaise dates back a year earlier. Another theory traces the dressing’s roots to a spicy variation of Thousand Island dressing.
Russian Dressing vs. Thousand Island Dressing – What’s the Difference?
They are both very similar but there are a couple of key differences. Russian dressing is spicier and more savory while Thousand Island is sweeter. This is because Russian dressing does not typically include sweet pickle relish (though some variations include it) and it incorporates horseradish and Worcestershire sauce. Thus Russian dressing is also typically smoother in consistency than the chunkier Thousand Island dressing. With its inclusion of Worcestershire sauce, Russian dressing also has a deeper and more complex flavor profile.
© Joycemarrero | Dreamstime
How to Use Russian Dressing
Russian dressing is very versatile and can be used in a number of delicious ways. Here are a few ideas:
- Sandwich Spread: This makes a terrific spread for sandwiches and wraps, whether with chicken, turkey, ham, or beef. It is the key signature sauce for the Reuben Sandwich.
- Dipping Sauce: Use it as a dip for veggies, pita chips, potato chips, pretzels, fries, onion rings, chicken nuggets, fish sticks, mozzarella sticks, you name it.
- Grilled Meats and Veggies: Spread it on your burgers, hot dogs, and grilled veggies.
- Seafood: This goes great with things like shrimp, crab cakes and fish cakes.
- Glaze for Meat: Use it as a glaze for grilled or roasted meats and poultry. Brush the meat with it during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Deviled Eggs: Mix this with the mashed egg yolks for a flavorful twist.
- Salad Dressing: Drizzle it over your mixed salad greens. Of course, this dressing will make your salads taste amazing!
Russian Dressing Recipe
To make homemade Russian dressing simply combine all of the ingredients in a bowl. The flavors need time to meld before serving, so cover and refrigerate overnight.
Keep the dressing stored in an airtight container in the fridge and it will keep for up to a week.
Enjoy!
For more delicious homemade dressings and sauces be sure to try our:
- Ranch Dressing
- Italian Dressing
- French Dressing
- Blue Cheese Dressing
- Thousand Island Dressing
- Asian Salad Dressing
- Tartar Sauce
- Teriyaki Sauce
- Sweet Chili Sauce
- Sweet and Sour Sauce
- Romesco Sauce
- Cocktail Sauce
- Big Mac Sauce
- BBQ Sauce Recipe
Save This Recipe
Enter your email address and we'll send it straight to your inbox!
Russian Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 cup quality mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup ketchup style chili sauce (e.g., Heinz chili sauce)
- 1 tablespoon very finely minced onion
- 2-3 teaspoons prepared horseradish , add more or less according to heat preference
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients together in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight to give the flavors time to meld. Will keep for up to a week.
Nutrition
Hi, I’m Kimberly Killebrew and welcome to Daring Gourmet where you'll find delicious originals, revitalized classics, and simply downright good eats from around the world! Originally from Germany, later raised in England, world-traveled, and now living in the U.S., from my globally-influenced kitchen I invite you to tour the world through your taste buds!
great sauce.
Thank you, Victor!
I made your Classic Reuben Sandwich with this Russian dressing recipe. The sandwich was as good as any deli sandwich because of this dressing. It was very flavorful and could stand up to the corned beef and rye bread. I will happily make this again to use on other kinds of sandwiches.
Wonderful, Susan, I’m thrilled that you made and enjoyed the homemade Russian dressing and sandwich, thanks so much for the feedback!