Russian Dressing
This classic Russian dressing recipe is a wonderfully spicy spread to slather on your favorite sandwiches (especially Reubens!) or drizzle on a salad. With less than 10 minutes to prep time, it’s straightforward to always have a batch on hand!
The Background
Russian dressing is creamy and smooth, slightly spiced, and full of flavor; a reliable accompaniment to any sandwich or salad.
Its history dates back to the early 1900s in the U.S.; the original version included caviar, which was a staple in Russian cuisine, hence the name “Russian” dressing.
Russian Dressing vs. Thousand Island vs. French Dressing
All three of these dressings are similar in that they share a number of ingredients, but have some distinct differences:
- Thousand Island dressing uses pickle relish and has a creamier, sweeter flavor.
- French dressing, while also reddish in color from ketchup and paprika, is more of a traditional vinaigrette with a base of oil and vinegar.
- Russian dressing is spicier and more piquant thanks to the addition of chili sauce, horseradish, and hot sauce.
How to Make It
It could not be simpler!
Just add all of the ingredients to a medium bowl and whisk until they are thoroughly combined.
You can use it immediately, but the dressing will taste even better if you let it sit for at least 1 hour before using.
Ways to serve it
Hands down, our favorite way to use Russian dressing is on a Reuben sandwich!
Slather it on rye bread, then pile it high with corned beef, pastrami, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut or coleslaw.
Here are more ideas for serving Russian dressing:
- As a salad dressing
- Spread on a burger instead of a classic burger sauce
- Spread on any of your favorite deli sandwiches
- Add it to your quesadillas!
Ways to serve it
Kept in an airtight container, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing is not recommended.
- Yield: 8 servings
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Total: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup ( 227 g ) mayonnaise
- ½ cup ( 136 g ) chili sauce
- 1 shallot, grated
- 1 tablespoon horseradish
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon ( 0.5 teaspoon ) hot sauce
- ¼ teaspoon ( 0.25 teaspoon ) sweet paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Method
- In a small bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before using.
Notes
Shallot: You can substitute 1 tablespoon of grated onion for the shallot.
Hot Sauce: Use your favorite, i.e. Tabasco, Frank’s Red Hot, Sriracha, etc. For a spicier sauce, you can increase the hot sauce up to 1 teaspoon.
Sandwiches: This is enough dressing to make about 8 Reuben sandwiches.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Freezing is not recommended.
Photography by Lauren Grant
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