If you love a classic Reuben sandwich, you know the dressing ties everything together. This easy homemade Russian dressing recipe delivers the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor. Made with mayonnaise, chili sauce, horseradish, and a handful of fresh ingredients, it comes together in just minutes. More importantly, it tastes far better than store-bought dressing.
Russian dressing is most famous as the traditional sauce used on Reuben sandwiches. It's also excellent on burgers, sliders, wraps, and even just as a dipping sauce. Once you make it from scratch, you may never reach for the bottled version again.
Quick Look at the Recipe
- Flavor: Creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy
- Prep time: Around 15 minutes
- Difficulty: Very easy - simply chop and stir
- Yield: About 2 cups
- Make-ahead friendly: Yes - flavor improves after chilling; keeps refrigerated for up to a week
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Russian Dressing vs Thousand Island Dressing
Despite its name, Russian dressing is actually an American creation. It is believed to have originated in the early 1900s in New York delicatessens.
It quickly became associated with the iconic Reuben sandwich where its tangy, creamy flavor complements the right corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut.
Despite the name, Russian dressing is actually an American creation, believed to have originated in New York delicatessens in the early 1900s.
It quickly became associated with the iconic Reuben sandwich, where its tangy, creamy flavor complements the rich corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut.
Russian dressing and Thousand Island dressing are often confused because they look similar. However, there are several important differences.
| Russian Dressing | Thousand Island Dressing |
| Tangier and slightly spicy | Sweeter flavor |
| Contains horseradish and chili sauce | Usually contains ketchup and sweet pickle relish |
| Classic dressing for Reuben sandwiches | More commonly used on salads and burgers |
Ingredients for Russian Dressing
How to Make Russian Dressing
One of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare.
- Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop the onion, dill pickle, and parsley. Measure the remaining ingredients.
- Combine Everything: Add all ingredients to a medium bowl.
- Mix well: Stir until the dressing is completely smooth and evenly combined.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
This Russian dressing is the perfect complement to the corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut on Reuben sandwiches. It's also delicious on burgers, sliders, wraps, and as a dipping sauce. Once you try it, you'll never settle for store-bought. Yum!
Chula's Test Kitchen Tips
- Use prepared horseradish: Prepared horseradish (in the cold-food section) adds the perfect mild heat. Avoid creamed horseradish because it can change the texture and flavor.
- Finely mince the veggies: Small pieces of onion and pickle distribute the flavor evenly throughout the dressing.
- Let the dressing chill: Even 30 minutes in the refrigerator allows the flavors to develop.
Russian dressing pairs especially well with rich or savory foods that benefit from a tangy contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Russian dressing actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours, which allows the flavors to blend.
I like to store the Russian dressing in a mason jar with a lid in the refrigerator. In an airtight container, it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Russian dressing works well as a burger sauce, sandwich spread, dipping sauce for fries or potato wedges, dressing for deli-style salads, or topping for sliders and wraps.
Final Thoughts
This homemade Russian dressing is one of those simple recipes that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Whether you're making an Ultimate Reuben Sandwich, Easy Reuben Sliders, Reuben Egg Rolls, or Easy 7-Layer Reuben Crunchwrap, this dressing adds the perfect creamy and tangy finish.
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Recipe
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Russian Dressing
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (6 ounces) Mayonnaise
- ¼ cup (4 ounces) chili sauce
- 2 Tablespoons sour cream (See Tip 1)
- 2 teaspoons chopped parsley
- 1 ½ Tablespoons minced sweet onion
- 1 ½ Tablespoons minced dill pickle
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish (See Tip 2)
- ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Yield: 2 cups (See Tip 3)
Video
Tips/Notes
- I used low fat sour cream.
- Do not use creamed horseradish.
- This is excellent on Reubens, hamburgers, etc.
