Our authentic Russian Dressing is creamy, tangy, a little spicy, and a whole lot delicious!
Whether you’re dressing a salad, dipping fresh veggies, or spreading it on your favorite sandwich, our recipe is guaranteed to kick up the flavor of anything you add it to.
Did you know Russian dressing isn’t actually Russian? It originated in North America in the early 1900s, when Chefs blended French sauce-making techniques with briny, spicy, and creamy ingredients to create something bold enough to cut through rich meats and cheeses.
Some early versions actually included caviar, which is how it got its name. Over the years, it’s evolved to the classic dressing we find at delis and diners everywhere.
In just a few minutes with a handful of ingredients, you can create a delicious homemade salad dressing that’s guaranteed to be so much better than any store-bought version you’ve ever tried.
Salad dressings are only as good as the salads they’re paired with. And if you love salad, make sure to try our Blackened Chicken Salad and 7-Layer Salad recipes.
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Ingredients
Gather the ingredients to prepare our homemade Russian dressing recipe. Culinary professionals call this the “Mise en Place,” which means “everything in its Place.”
Setting up your ingredients not only helps speed up the cooking process but also ensures you have all the necessary ingredients on hand to make the recipe.
Recipe Variations
American Russian Dressing: Add sweet pickle relish and skip the onions and horseradish.
Spicy Russian Dressing: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Sweet Russian Dressing: Add a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar to mellow the tang.
Smoky Russian Dressing: Add smoked paprika or chipotle puree for a subtle smoky note.
Fresh Herb Version: Add finely chopped dill or chives for a bright, herby finish that pairs beautifully with seafood.
Gourmet Kick: Mix in Calabrian chili paste for heat and complexity.
Briny Boost: Add minced capers for a sharper, more Mediterranean edge.
How to Make Russian Dressing
Follow along with my simple step-by-step instructions to learn how to make a russian dressing in your home kitchen.
Add the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, minced onion, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and lemon juice to a large bowl or container.
Mix with a whisk or immersion blender until smooth and creamy.
Chef Tips
Use good-quality mayonnaise for the best texture and flavor; it makes a real difference.
Chill the dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving, as it thickens slightly and allows the flavors to develop.
For extra depth, use a mix of ketchup and chili sauce instead of plain ketchup.
Taste and adjust the horseradish; a little goes a long way.
Mix the dressing with a small whisk, not a spoon, to emulsify properly and build that silky deli-style texture.
For a deeper flavor, blend the dressing and let it rest overnight. It becomes noticeably smoother and more balanced.
Add a pinch of salt at the end; it wakes up the tang.
Our Russian Dressing is the kind of recipe that proves homemade always wins. There are no gimmicks and no shortcuts, just fresh, honest flavor that knocks the bottled stuff right off the shelf.
But be warned, once you try it, there’s no going back!
Serving Suggestions
Spread on Reubens, Rachel’s, turkey sandwiches, or burgers. It complements corned beef, pastrami, roast beef, turkey, and grilled chicken.
Drizzle over a chef salad or wedge salad.
Excellent with homemade fries, onion rings, fried pickles, shrimp cocktail, and fried shrimp.
How to Store
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Stir well before each use. It does not freeze well.
Recipe FAQs
Russian dressing is spicier and tangier. It’s usually made with horseradish or chili sauce. Thousand Island is sweeter and chunkier because it’s made with relish.
Yes, you can use vegan mayonnaise and use fresh, shaved horseradish instead of a creamy horseradish.
Yes, it actually tastes better after 24 hours, as the flavors become noticeably smoother and more balanced.
No, you don’t. It is a traditional ingredient, but it can be left out to make the dressing less spicy.
More Recipes You’ll Love!
Authentic Russian Dressing Recipe
Creamy and tangy, our authentic Russian dressing is guaranteed to beat the store-bought versions. It’s perfect for Reubens, Rachel’s, salads, burgers, and dipping.
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Ingredients
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Instructions
Add the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, minced onion, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and lemon juice to a large bowl or container.
Mix with a whisk or immersion blender.
For best results, refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Notes
American Russian Dressing: Add sweet pickle relish and skip the onions and horseradish.
Spicy Russian Dressing: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Sweet Russian Dressing: Add a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar to mellow the tang.
Smoky Russian Dressing: Add smoked paprika or chipotle puree for a subtle smoky note.
Fresh Herb Version: Add finely chopped dill or chives for a bright, herby finish that pairs beautifully with seafood.
Gourmet Kick: Mix in Calabrian chili paste for heat and complexity.
Briny Boost: Add minced capers for a sharper, more Mediterranean edge.
Chef Tips
Use good-quality mayonnaise for the best texture and flavor.
Chill the dressing before serving, as it thickens slightly and gives the flavors time to marinate.
For extra depth, use a mix of ketchup and chili sauce instead of plain ketchup.
Grate your own fresh horseradish instead of using jarred – it adds a clean, sharp bite.
Serving Suggestions
Beverage Pairing
Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling lemonade or iced tea – the acidity helps refresh the palate and cut through the richness of the dressing.
Wine Style: A dry Riesling or Pinot Gris pairs beautifully with creamy, tangy sauces, balancing the sweetness and acidity without overpowering the dish.
Beer Style: A Vienna Lager or Amber Ale complements the bold, savory notes of the Russian dressing and classic deli sandwiches.
How to Store
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Stir well before each use.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Russian Dressing: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Sweet Russian Dressing: Add a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar to mellow the tang.
Smoky Russian Dressing: Stir in a touch of cumin or chipotle puree for a subtle smoky note.
Fresh Herb Version: Add finely chopped dill or chives for a bright, herby finish that pairs beautifully with seafood.
Nutrition
Calories: 149kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 0.3gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 30mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 157IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 0.2mg
