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    Homemade Russian Dressing Recipe

    Published March 15, 2022. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    This zesty homemade Russian dressing recipe comes together in minutes and goes perfect over salads or on sandwiches. You won’t believe the amazing flavor in this simply prepared dressing.

    There are times when I like a little lemon and oil on my salads, and there are also times when I love a good dressing to enhance the flavor of all the vegetables. If you’re looking to learn how to make some great homemade dressings, check out my Cobb Salad Dressing or classic Caesar Dressing.

    jar of homemade russian dressing


     

    Russian Dressing

    Russian dressing is a zesty mayonnaise-based sauce consisting of mayonnaise, chili sauce, horseradish, paprika, onions, and seasonings. It is very popular on salad dressings as well as on sandwiches such as the Reuben.

    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 isn’t Russian in any way, the original recipe did use caviar which is extremely popular in Russian cuisine.

    Ingredients to Make Russian Dressing

    • Mayonnaise – A good full-fat mayonnaise is recommended.
    • Chili Sauce – This is usually in the aisle with the ketchup and is a bit zestier than ketchup.
    • Horseradish – Raw prepared horseradish is what you will need. Do not use creamy.
    • Paprika – A good ground paprika is perfect for this recipe.
    • Onions – Small diced yellow, white, or sweet onions will do.
    • Seasonings – Worcestershire, tabasco, salt, and pepper is what you’ll need.
    • Parsley – This is optional, but it does add a hint of color and flavor.

    How to Make Russian Dressing from Scratch

    Use these step-by-step instructions and images to make this Russian dressing from scratch:

    Add all the ingredients to a medium-sized bowl.

    ingredients in a bowl for russian dressing

    Whisk together until completely combined. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

    whisking together russian dressing in a bowl

    Make-Ahead and Storage

    Make-Ahead: You can make this up to 3 days ahead of time.

    How to Store: Cover and keep in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. This will not freeze.

    Chef Billy Parisi

    chef notes + tips

    • The difference between 1000 Island and Russian dressing is the use of horseradish, pickles, and hardboiled eggs in Thousand Island as opposed to the Russian. Thousand Island tends to be on the sweet side, while Russian dressing is zestier.
    • The dressing is kind of like soup, where it will taste better the next day as it will allow more flavors to come out.
    • Feel free to substitute the chili sauce for ketchup.
    • Adjust the spice to your liking with more or less horseradish and Tabasco sauce.
    homemade russian style dressing

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    Let's Cook - Chef Billy Parisi

    Homemade Russian Dressing Recipe

    5 from 8 votes
    This zesty homemade Russian dressing recipe comes together in minutes and goes perfect over salads or on sandwiches.
    Servings: 2.5 cups
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes

    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.

    Notes

    Make-Ahead: You can make this up to 3 days ahead of time.
    How to Store: Cover and keep in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. This will not freeze.
    The difference between 1000 island and Russian dressing is the use of horseradish, pickles, and hardboiled eggs in the thousand island as opposed to the Russian. Thousand island tends to be on the sweet side while Russian dressing is zestier.
    The dressing is kind of like soup where it will taste better the next day as it will allow more flavors to come out.
    Feel free to substitute the chili sauce for ketchup.
    Adjust the spice to your liking with more or less horseradish and tabasco sauce.
    Course: salad dressings
    Cuisine: American