• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Free Bonus
  • About
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

Boulder Locavore®

Easy Flavorful Recipes for Everyday

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Free Bonus
  • About
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • Free Bonus
    • About
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Condiments and Sauces » How to Make Russian Dressing

    LAST UPDATED: June 12, 2020 • FIRST PUBLISHED: June 19, 2019 By Toni Dash 73 Comments

    How to Make Russian Dressing

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Russian Dressing title image

    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 title image

    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 

    pink dressing on salad

    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

    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.

    Russian Dressing with pastrami sandwich

    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
    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

    FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK , TWITTER , INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more delicious food, travel and what I’m up to!

    Russian Dressing title image

    Russian Dressing

    Russian Dressing is a spicy, creamy dressing perfect on salads or as a dressing on sandwiches. It's easy to make at home and delicious!
    5 from 42 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: salad dressing, Sauce
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Chilling Time: 2 hours
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 8 2-tablespoons servings (makes 1 cup total)
    Calories: 115kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup Mayonnaise
    • ½ cup Chile Sauce
    • 1 teaspoon Smoked Hot Paprika
    • 1 tablespoon prepared Horseradish
    • 1 teaspoon Pimentos Canned or jarred
    • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
    • 10 small chives chopped

    Instructions

    • Combine all ingredients in a blender (or in a mixing bowl using an immersion blender); pulse into a smooth mixture.
    • Transfer into a sealable container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

    Notes

    Chile Sauce: I used Heinz Chile Sauce which is available at most grocery stores.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 115kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 831mg | Potassium: 16mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 205IU | Vitamin C: 1.7mg | Iron: 0.1mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!

     

    « Blackberry Oatmeal Bars: an Easy Dessert Recipe
    American Flag Fruit Cookie Dessert Pizza »

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

    Free Email Course

    5 FAST & EASY 15-MINUTE RECIPES
    Spending too much time in the kitchen?
    These recipes are fast, easy, and perfect for every occasion.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Katy says

      August 11, 2020 at 8:02 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        August 11, 2020 at 8:29 pm

        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!

        Reply
    2. Megan says

      June 14, 2020 at 12:50 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        June 14, 2020 at 1:45 pm

        Yum Megan! I love your homemade touches. Your comment is making my mouth water.

        Reply
    3. Brian S. says

      March 18, 2020 at 11:48 am

      What type of chile sauce do you use/recommend? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        March 18, 2020 at 12:29 pm

        Hi Brian. I used Heinz Chile Sauce which is available at most grocery stores. I added a link to the recipe card too!

        Reply
    4. Kim says

      March 08, 2020 at 9:30 pm

      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.

      Reply
    5. Mike says

      March 08, 2020 at 1:50 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        March 08, 2020 at 3:48 pm

        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.

        Reply
    6. Suzy says

      January 27, 2020 at 7:41 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    7. keikilani says

      January 26, 2020 at 8:07 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    8. Kathleen says

      January 26, 2020 at 5:36 pm

      5 stars
      Wow, Looks tasty. Thanks for sharing your yummy recipe.

      Reply
    9. Eileen M Loya says

      January 26, 2020 at 10:24 am

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
    10. Krissy Allori says

      January 25, 2020 at 9:19 pm

      5 stars
      Russian dressing always reminds me of my grandpa. It was his favorite. It’s so good on so many things.

      Reply
    « Older Comments
    Newer Comments »

    Primary Sidebar

    About Toni Dash

    Toni Dash BoulderLocavore.com Head Shot

    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

    Search Boulder Locavore

    AS FEATURED ON….

    BoulderLocavore.com Featured By Press

    Grilling Favorites

    • Ultimate Burger Grill Guide title photo with burgers on a charcoal grill Ultimate Burger Grill Guide: How to Grill the Perfect Burger
    • steak on grill with flames How to Grill Steak Perfectly: Everything You Need to Grill Like a Pro
    • Grilled Kabob Recipes on grate (titled image) Grilled Kabob Recipes: 20 Must Make Recipes for Summer
    • Chicken Shish Kabobs title Easy Grilled Chicken Shish Kabobs
    • how to make a bacon weave title Bacon Weave: How to Make, Use & Cook It!
    • bruschetta chicken title image Bruschetta Chicken recipe – Baked, Grilled or Stove Top

    TRENDING RIGHT NOW

    • homemade ketchup title image The Best Homemade Ketchup – Made with Fresh Tomatoes!
    • Ultimate Burger Grill Guide title photo with burgers on a charcoal grill Ultimate Burger Grill Guide: How to Grill the Perfect Burger
    • LIMEADE IN A GLASS WITH ICE Fresh Homemade Limeade recipe
    • How to Make Moist Homemade Shredded Chicken Breast title How to Make Moist Homemade Shredded Chicken Breast Recipe
    • Instant Pot Jambalaya Instant Pot Jambalaya Recipe: Quick & Easy Comfort Food
    • Korean BBQ Chicken title image Easy Korean BBQ Chicken recipe

    Footer

    Contact | About | Privacy Policy | Disclosure Policy | Accessibility Statement | Cookie Policy


    SIGN ME UP to get FREE recipes directly to my inbox!

    Don't miss our TRAVEL SECTION!


    Copyright © 2010-2022 All Rights Reserved

    Boulder Locavore is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.