Easy Russian Dressing Recipe (2024)

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The key ingredient in a Reuben sandwich, this Russian dressing adds a creamy, savory pop to any sandwich. Here’s how to make Russian dressing.

Easy Russian Dressing Recipe (1)

If you’ve had a Reuben sandwich, you know that creamy, savory sauce that makes you unable to stop inhaling it? Yes, that’s Russian dressing. It’s very easy to make at home, and a slather of it makes any sandwich undeniably delicious. It’s made of mayonnaise, ketchup, and a few other key tangy and savory ingredients that work together to make it altogether addicting. Alex and I have a vegetarian Reuben sandwich recipe that features it, and our new favorite is our Coleslaw & Swiss Reuben. Here’s how to make Russian dressing at home!

Easy Russian Dressing Recipe (2)

What is Russian dressing?

So what is Russian dressing? Russian dressing is an American dressing made of mayonnaise, ketchup, and a few other savory ingredients. It’s the main condiment on a Reuben sandwich, which is its claim to fame. Of course as you might expect, there is nothing Russian about it! It was invented in the early 1900’s in America.

These days, Russian dressing has mostly been supplanted by Thousand Island dressing, which is sweeter and not as spicy. Alex and I don’t eat it as a salad dressing, but instead use it as a sandwich spread, which is a common use for it.

Easy Russian Dressing Recipe (3)

How to make Russian dressing

Russian dressing is very simple to whip up at home: you might even have some of these ingredients in your refrigerator already! Simply combine mayonnaise and ketchup for the dressing base, then stir in some minced shallot and dill pickles, and a few shakes of hot sauce. While some Russian dressing recipes are spicier and call for horseradish, we’ve chosen to simply use hot sauce here. Use as much as you like for your taste (though we love spicy food, we don’t make our Russian dressing too spicy).

That’s it! You can use Russian dressing as a Russian salad dressing instead of Thousand Island. Or you can do what Alex and I do and use it as a sandwich spread! There are so many different sandwiches it would work well on: it would even add a super savory flair spreading a little in a quesadilla. Here are the sandwich recipes we’ve used it on:

  • The Vegetarian Reuben
  • Swiss & Coleslaw Sandwich (The Rachel)

Alex and I are obsessed with the hearty, savory quality of savory sandwiches like the Reuben, which is why we created a vegetarian version of the sandwich that we make at home. This sauce in particular brings that signature tang and creaminess to a Reuben or our new Swiss & Coleslaw Sandwich — and brings in something it totally nostalgic. In Alex’s words, it makes it taste like a Big Mac! While it’s not a “healthy” food, a little bit of it goes a long way. Just a small hint can really amp up the flavors in a humble sandwich!

Related: Homemade Thousand Island Dressing | Creamy Avocado Dressing

Easy Russian Dressing Recipe (4)

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This recipe is…

This recipe is vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free. For vegan and plant-based, use vegan mayo.

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Easy Russian Dressing Recipe (5)

Russian Dressing Recipe

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  • Author: Sonja
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: About ¾ cup 1x
Print Recipe

Description

The key ingredient in a Reuben sandwich, this Russian dressing adds a creamy, savory pop to any sandwich. Here’s how to make Russian dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

  • ¼ cup finely chopped shallot
  • ¼ cup finely chopped dill pickles
  • ¼ cup organic ketchup
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (vegan, as necessary)
  • A few dashes hot sauce, to taste

Instructions

Mince the shallot and the dill pickles. Stir them together with the ketchup and mayonnaise. Add hot sauce to taste. Store refrigerated for several months.

  • Category: Sauces
  • Method: Mixed
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Russian dressing, Russian salad dressing, What is russian dressing, How to make russian dressing, Reuben sandwich sauce, Sauces

vegan vegetarian gluten free

Published on / Last updated on

Categorized In:

  • Cooking Basics
  • Recipes

Tagged with:

  • Dairy-Free
  • Dressing
  • Gluten-Free Recipes
  • Hot Sauce
  • Ketchup
  • Mayonnaise
  • Plant-Based
  • Reuben
  • Russian
  • Sandwiches
  • Sauce
  • Shallot
  • Vegan Recipes
  • Vegetarian Recipes

About the authors

Easy Russian Dressing Recipe (6)

Sonja & Alex

Hi, we’re Alex and Sonja Overhiser, married cookbook authors, food bloggers, and recipe developers. We founded A Couple Cooks to share fresh, seasonal recipes for memorable kitchen moments! Our recipes are made by two real people and work every time.

About Us

Easy Russian Dressing Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is Russian salad dressing made of? ›

Typically piquant, it is today characteristically made of a blend of mayonnaise and ketchup complemented with such additional ingredients as horseradish, pimentos, chives, mustard, and spices.

What is a substitute for Russian dressing? ›

I later found out that Russian Dressing, not the creamy kind you get on Rueben sandwiches, is a very close cousin of Catalina Salad Dressing. Russian Dressing is sometimes difficult to find, so if you love Russian Dressing, try this Homemade Catalina Salad Dressing instead. Recipe inspired by Food.com.

What's the difference between Thousand Island dressing and Russian dressing? ›

Thousand Island dressing: One of the typical differences between the two is the addition of relish in Thousand Island dressing, giving it a touch more sweetness and texture.

What is the difference between Russian and Catalina dressing? ›

Russian dressing typically contains mayonnaise and horseradish. Together, these two ingredients give Russian dressing a much more decadent creaminess than Catalina Dressing. In contrast, Catalina Dressing contains vegetable oil and vinegar, which thin the dressing and make it less rich and more pourable.

Is Russian salad healthy or not? ›

It is a very complete dish that provides various benefits depending on the ingredients, most common are potatoes, green peas, beans, and carrots: Rich in minerals: iron, phosphorus, potassium. Vitamins: A, B, C, E, and K.

Why can't I find Russian dressing? ›

Russian Dressing is not that popular anymore, having been replaced by the more consumer-friendly Thousand Island dressing instead. However, the sweet-spicy flavors of Russian Dressing are still worth making yourself, as you probably won't be able to find it elsewhere.

Is Russian dressing like French dressing? ›

And Russian dressing, basically a variation of French dressing, is said to have been developed in the 1910's in Nashua, New Hampshire. It was called Russian because the original recipe included caviar.

How long does Russian dressing last? ›

Unopened, Russian dressing can last from 12-18 months depending on the printed 'best by' date. Once opened and refrigerated, it should stay fresh up to 1 month past the printed date, or up to 2 months if stored properly. If you freeze Russian dressing, it can maintain quality for up to 6 months.

What is Ken's Russian dressing? ›

Ken's Deluxe Russian Dressing is a creamy, full-bodied delight. The perfect blend of sweet ketchup, mayonnaise, and relish with mild spicy notes from chili sauce and red bell pepper. A flavor-forward Russian dressing with sweetness and tang. Adds big-time taste to any house salad, signature salad, or Reuben sandwich.

Is Big Mac sauce just Thousand Island? ›

The answer is no… but they are similar. Both of the condiments have a creamy consistency and include pickle relish. But, McDonald's Big Mac Sauce includes vinegar and has a bit more pickle relish in it than Thousand Island dressing.

How old is Russian dressing? ›

The mayo and ketchup concoction – often dressed up with horseradish and spices – was created in Nashua, New Hampshire. It was grocer James E. Colburn who invented the spread in 1924, according to “New Hampshire Resources, Attractions and Its People, a History,” by Hobart Pillsbury.

What is Kraft Russian dressing? ›

Description. Kraft Russian Dressing is made with a rich creamy texture and a delicious sweet tomato tang that is sure to please.

Does a reuben have Russian or Thousand Islands? ›

Sauce - A traditional Reuben sandwich uses creamy Russian dressing for the sauce, but Thousand Island dressing is another popular option that tastes really similar, albeit slightly sweeter with a bit less kick than Russian dressing.

Why is it called Catalina dressing? ›

No one can truly verify the origins of Catalina dressing. Some believe the Catalonia region of Spain may have inspired it, hence the etymology of its name, where its people loved the combination of sweet and savoury flavours. Most, however, believe it is the brainchild of Kraft Foods.

What is Russian salad made of? ›

Chop potatoes and carrot. Peel and chop eggs. Mix potatoes, carrot, eggs, pickles, peas, ham, and dill together in a large bowl. Stir in mayonnaise until salad is evenly coated.

Is Russian dressing French dressing? ›

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.

Is Russian dressing healthy? ›

Russian dressing contains 870 calories per 245 g serving. This serving contains 64 g of fat, 1.7 g of protein and 78 g of carbohydrate. The latter is 43 g sugar and 1.7 g of dietary fiber, the rest is complex carbohydrate. Russian dressing contains 5.9 g of saturated fat and 0 mg of cholesterol per serving.

Why is it called Russian salad? ›

Russian salad was originally called Oliver salad based on the Moscow-based Belgian chef who invented it. During the 20th century, the dish spread throughout Europe and adopted the name Russian salad.

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