How to Make Russian Dressing

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.

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.