Russian Dressing is a classic spicy spread for sandwiches or on dressing for salads. One bite and you’ll be hooked on this flavor-packed creamy dressing.
Russian Dressing was in its prime when salad dressing caddies were served on steak house restaurant tables.
But even though it may not be the most popular dressing it’s one to take note of.
Easy to make at home, this creamy, spicy dressing will become a favorite as a spread on sandwiches. Or on salads.
It adds a zesty surprise to any dish!
What is Russian Dressing?
Russian Dressing slightly spicy sandwich spread with mayonnaise, tomato ketchup or chili sauce, horseradish and other spices.
It’s a classic best known as a key ingredient for old-school dishes such as the Crab Louie Salad or Reuben Sandwich.
The dressing is used for salads too and is not a chunky dressing (though there are recipe variations making an exception).
Why is it called Russian Dressing?
Russian Dressing originated in New Hampshire in the early 1900’s.
It is believed to have originally had caviar as an ingredient giving it the name.
Russian Dressing is actually not from Russia.
Russian Dressing Ingredients
Easy to find ingredients combine for make an extraordinary dressing recipe!
Though the dressing can be store bought homemade Russian dressing is incredibly better.
- Mayonnaise
- Chili Sauce
- Smoked Hot Paprika
- prepared Horseradish
- Pimentos, canned or jarred
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Fresh Chives
Difference Between Russian Dressing and Thousand Island Dressing
Sharing multiple ingredients, it’s easy to see where Russian Dressing and Thousand Island would get confused.
There are fine lines and practices about each Russian Dressing, Thousand Island Dressing and Catalina Dressing with many opinions on each.
The main difference between the two is the use of pickles in Thousand Island dressing, giving it more sweetness and texture.
Russian Dressing is known for a more piquant or spicy flavor from chili sauce and prepared horseradish.
How to Make Russian Dressing from Scratch – Step by Step
This recipe couldn’t be easier to make. Making dressing at home keeps is fresh and flavorful.
The only hard part?
Waiting while it chills and the flavors combine to eat it!
- Combine all ingredients in a blender (or in a mixing bowl using an immersion blender); pulse into a smooth mixture.
- Transfer into a sealed container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
How to Store
Keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Brooklyn Avenue Sandwich (rye bread, pastrami, coleslaw and Russian Dressing)
How to Use Russian Dressing
Truth be told, I fell in love with this dressing when recreating a Brooklyn Avenue Sandwich from Mad Men.
Pastrami, Russian Dressing, with cole slaw on rye bread sounded too good to be true.
One bite and I was in heaven (and my family begged me to make the sandwiches multiple times).
It made me realize what I’d been missing not having it my life.
Use Ideas:
- As a spread on any sandwich.
- As Russian salad dressing.
- Make a classic Crab Louie salad with crab meat, hard-boiled eggs, tomato, asparagus on iceberg or romaine lettuce.
- Make a classic Reuben Sandwich with sliced corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese on rye bread. Or the Rachel Sandwich (a twist with turkey and coleslaw).
- Try this Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken recipe.
- Add it to a Burger.
- Another deli sandwich, the triple-decker New Jersey Sloppy Joe uses two meats and more delicious ingredients.
More Sauce and Condiment Recipes You’ll Love
- The Best Homemade Ketchup
- How to Make Raspberry Vinaigrette with fresh berries
- Fresh Peach Chutney: A Quick, Easy Chutney Recipe
- Roasted Tomatillo Salsa (Salsa Verde)
- Green Goddess Dressing
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John says
Thanks for the recipe Toni. I am going camping and wanting to make this dressing for the 1-week trip. Do you think the dressing would last a week in the fridge?
Thanks
Toni Dash says
Hi John. If you keep it in a well sealed (air tight) container refrigerated it should be fine. Have a great trip!
Dave Zieber says
Perfect enhancement for Ruben sandwiches! Have tried several home made & ready made Russian & Thousand dressings. This is the best one yet! The only variation the I made was subbing about 1/3rd cup of Sirachi sauce for chili sauce. Thank you! Will use this again.
Toni Dash says
Thanks Dave! So glad you liked it.
Marti says
I’ve been making Moosewood’s tempeh Reuben sandwich for years, but last night I made then with this Russian dressing instead of store bought. My family raved about the new flavor; I’ll never go back! Thanks!
Toni Dash says
It’s such a simple addition but makes such an impact doesn’t it? So glad you love it too.
Dean says
Made this without messing around with the recipe and it’s great. I’d use this for a slaw dressing or even making deviled eggs! Might add more heat next time, maybe a dash of cayenne. Thanks for sharing this!
Katy says
I made this tonight to go with Reuben Sandwiches. It is a delicious sauce! No stores in my entire county sales this sauce and in my 35 years of life, I’ve never had it. Might just be a new family favorite! Thanks for a simple, tasty and special condiment that makes the meal. I can’t wait to share this with extended family.
Toni Dash says
We love it too Katy. It has such an interesting history and feels to be a bit forgotten and a classic at the same time. I’m glad you enjoyed it so much!
Megan says
Oh my! This is delicious! I was worried about the proportions, but it is perfect. I made it using home-made mayonnaise. I couldn’t find prepared horseradish without all kinds of stuff in it, so I grated horseradish root and used about 2 tsp. I only had 1/4 cup chile paste, so I mixed that with ketchup to get 1/2 cup. Now I’m hooked!
Toni Dash says
Yum Megan! I love your homemade touches. Your comment is making my mouth water.
Brian S. says
What type of chile sauce do you use/recommend? Thanks!
Toni Dash says
Hi Brian. I used Heinz Chile Sauce which is available at most grocery stores. I added a link to the recipe card too!
Kim says
This sounds so good and easy to make. My family is not Irish, but I always cook corned beef and cabbage for dinner on St. Patrick’s Day. I wanted to try something different this time, so I’m going to make Reuben sandwiches instead. We’ll still be eating corned beef and cabbage, just a little differently.
Mike says
It is great to see that someone knows that a Reuben must have horseradish, otherwise it is just a pastrami or corned beef sandwich. However, it is really sad that you think a Crab Louie can be served without the “Louie” dressing. This is all, IMO, because of lazy chefs.
Toni Dash says
Interesting! I’ll have to look into that. Thanks for bringing it up. I love to research the history of recipes like this one to get it as accurate as possible.
Suzy says
It has been so long since I’ve had Russian dressing! Love that I can make it at home and it’s easy to do!
keikilani says
I haven’t had russian dressing in so long! Adding this to my grocery list so I can have it on my salads this week YUM!
Kathleen says
Wow, Looks tasty. Thanks for sharing your yummy recipe.
Eileen M Loya says
Sounds like a delicious dressing. I will try this recipe. I know it would be perfect for the sliders I will make for game day.
Krissy Allori says
Russian dressing always reminds me of my grandpa. It was his favorite. It’s so good on so many things.