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.
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.
Whisk together until completely combined. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
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 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.
More 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.
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!
The best sauces by Chef Billy tasty 😋 😁👋👌
Fabulous recipe of your ChefBilly soootasty😁😋👋👌
Thank you ChefBilly love your recipes 😋sauce’s 😁😋👋👌
Hey Billy – you rock! Quick question, was I dreaming or did you also have on your website last year, a sauce for a beef sandwich which included sour cream, worcestershire, basil, parmesan and maybe a few other things? I can’t seem to find it anymore but it was delish! Any chance you could share please?
I have a roast beef sandwich with a horsie cream sauce.
I made it today but am waiting until tomorrow to give the ingredients time to meld. As of now it’s fabulous.
Excellent!
Chef Billy, you’re wonderful. Enough said….
Many Thanks!
Easy peasy – yet so yummy. Big hit with the Ruben sandwiches after Dr Patricks Day. This recipe makes a good amount – I’ll be using it on salads and as a dip for air fried cauliflower this week so it doesn’t go to waste. Definitely add the fresh parsley. ❤️
Fantastic
So much better than store- bought.
I appreciate you trying it, thank you.
Just the best I’ve ever tasted! With Chef Billy’s homemade dressing recipes, we could put all the soy bean nasty salad dressing companies out of business. Just delicious! Easy! Cost effective! He deserves to be at the top of the game!
Didn’t know how easy it was to make dressing. I sometimes put a little blue cheese into the Russian dressing Great recipe.
Margo- that’s a great idea! Thanks for sharing