Homemade Russian Dressing Recipe
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- 24 comments
My homemade Russian dressing is zesty, creamy, and comes together in just 5 minutes. I make it with mayonnaise, chili sauce, and prepared horseradish for a flavor that is tangy with just enough heat.
I have always been a fan of dressings that have a little bit of a bite to them. Russian dressing is one of those recipes that people tend to overlook because they confuse it with Thousand Island, but the two are actually very different. If you are looking for more homemade dressing recipes, check out my Cobb salad dressing or classic Caesar dressing.
Russian Dressing
Russian dressing was said to be created in New Hampshire by a man named James E. Colburn in the early 20th century. While the dressing itself is not Russian in any way, the original recipe included caviar which is extremely popular in Russian cuisine. Over time the caviar was dropped and replaced with ingredients like chili sauce and horseradish, which is the version we all know today.
I get asked all the time what the difference is between Russian dressing and Thousand Island dressing, and it comes down to a few things. Thousand Island uses pickles and hardboiled eggs and leans sweeter, while Russian dressing gets its character from horseradish and chili sauce which makes it zestier. I mix everything together in a bowl, whisk it until smooth, and it is ready to serve.
You can spread it on a Reuben sandwich or drizzle it right over a salad. If you like dressings with some personality, this one is for you.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Russian dressing gets its signature flavor from a handful of ingredients that each bring something different to the table.
- Mayonnaise – A good full fat homemade mayonnaise is recommended for the creamiest base.
- Chili Sauce – This is usually in the aisle with the ketchup and is a bit zestier than ketchup.
- Horseradish – Use raw prepared horseradish, not the creamy kind. This is what separates Russian dressing from Thousand Island.
- Paprika – A good ground paprika is perfect for this recipe.
- Onion – Small diced yellow, white, or sweet onion. The finer the dice, the better it blends in.
- Seasonings – Worcestershire, tabasco, salt, and pepper is what you’ll need.
- Parsley – This is optional, but it does add a hint of color and freshness.
How to Make Russian Dressing from Scratch
Combine the ingredients: I add the mayonnaise, chili sauce, horseradish, paprika, diced onion, parsley, Worcestershire, Tabasco, salt, and pepper to a medium sized bowl.
Whisk until smooth: I whisk everything together until the dressing is completely combined and the color is even throughout.
Chill and serve: I cover the bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve. This dressing benefits from resting, so I always try to make it at least an hour before I need it.
chef tip + notes
One thing I always tell people about Russian dressing is to taste it as you go. The horseradish and Tabasco are where you can really make this your own. I start with the amounts listed and then adjust from there. Some people want more heat and some want less, and both are perfectly fine. The key is finding the balance that works for your palate.
- Chili sauce vs ketchup: Chili sauce has a more complex flavor with a slight tang that ketchup does not have. If you substitute ketchup, add a small splash of vinegar to make up for it.
- Let it rest: Like most dressings, this one tastes even better the next day. The flavors need time to come together, so make it ahead when you can.
- Dice the onion fine: The smaller you dice the onion, the more evenly it distributes through the dressing. Nobody wants a big chunk of raw onion in a bite of salad.
- Heat control: If you are sensitive to spice, start with just a few dashes of Tabasco and work your way up. You can always add more but you cannot take it away.
Serving Suggestions
I personally like making Reuben sandwiches at least once a month, and this Russian dressing is the only thing that goes on them. The combination of the zesty dressing with the corned beef, sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese is something I can’t get enough of. It is also fantastic drizzled over a classic chef salad when I want something hearty for lunch.
When we have family and friends over, I like to set this out as a dipping sauce alongside a spread of appetizers. It pairs well with things like French dip sandwiches or even as a sauce on Oklahoma onion burgers. My daughter has started putting it on everything, and I have to say she has good taste.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make-Ahead: I make this Russian dressing up to 3 days ahead of time. The flavors develop and become more balanced after sitting overnight.
How to Store: Cover and keep in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. This dressing will not freeze well.
More Delicious Dressing Recipes
Homemade Russian Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups mayonnaise
- 1 cup chili sauce
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- ½ peeled and small diced yellow onion.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Worcestershire sauce to taste
- Tabasco sauce to taste
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add the ingredients to a medium-size bowl.
- Whisk together until combined. Adjust the seasonings, cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Made this dressing to use on sandwiches, (corned beef, sauerkraut, and swiss on rye). The dressing made the sandwich. excellent recipe.
So many uses! Glad you’re enjoying the recipe.
I don’t know even one Russian that heard about that dish 🤣🤣🤣
Sound tasty but have absolutely nothing to do with Russian.
Ugh, I bought the creamy prepared horseradish. Will this mess it up entirely or do you think I can substitute?
you’ll be ok with that.
REALLY good on home made Reuban sandwiches with home made sauerkraut. What a lovely meal this made.
It was great! For $55 I made 12 Deli style sandwiches with leftovers! Thank you!
It was great! For $55 I made 12 Deli style sandwiches with leftovers! Than you!