Russian dressing is one of those classic, old school condiments that instantly elevates whatever you add it to. It is creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and just a little bit zesty, making it perfect for sandwiches, burgers, salads, and of course a classic Reuben. Once you make it at home, you will quickly realize how much better it tastes than anything you can buy at the store.

Russian Dressing

If you love making your own sauces and dressings, this one is a must try. It comes together in minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. You can also pair it with so many of your favorite recipes like your homemade coleslaw, your classic pasta salad, or even as a dipping sauce for crispy chicken tenders. Having a go to dressing like this in your fridge makes quick meals so much easier and so much more flavorful.

One of the most interesting things about Russian dressing is that despite its name, it is actually believed to have originated in the United States in the early 1900s. It was commonly made with mayonnaise and ketchup along with spices and sometimes horseradish for a little kick. Over time it became especially popular as the signature sauce for Reuben sandwiches and has remained a staple ever since.

Handy tip: Prepare Ahead!

It is quick and easy to make with just a few pantry staples

The flavor is creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced

You can customize the ingredients to make it sweeter, spicier, or more tangy

It tastes so much fresher than store bought versions

It pairs perfectly with sandwiches, salads, and dipping sauces

Is Russian Dressing the same as Thousand Island?

No, these are two different dressings. The key difference is that Russian dressing is made with ketchup-style chili sauce.

Ingredients:

1 cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup ketchup-style chili sauce
⅓ cup sweet relish
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 ½ teaspoons sugar
¼ teaspoon salt

How to Make Russian Salad Dressing

In a medium bowl, mix together all ingredients until well combined.

Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving over salad.

Tips & Tricks

Let the dressing chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend together
If you like a little extra kick, add a small amount of prepared horseradish or hot sauce
Use high quality mayonnaise for the best flavor and texture
Adjust the sweetness by adding a little more ketchup or a pinch of sugar if needed
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week

FAQs

Yes, this dressing is perfect for making ahead. In fact, it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a bit.

You can substitute part or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, though it will slightly change the flavor.

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for about one week.

How to serve Russian Dressing

There are many ways to enjoy Russian dressing. Serve it on

Salads
Sliders
Burgers
Dips for your favorite fries/onion rings
On Sandwiches

Russian Dressing Recipe

Name: Russian Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise; ⅓ cup ketchup-style chili sauce; ⅓ cup sweet relish; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; 1 ½ teaspoons sugar; ¼ teaspoon salt

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Additional Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

This Russian Dressing Recipe is a staple in our home as it combines mayonnaise, ketchup-style chili sauce, relish, and lemon juice, with a little bit of sugar and salt. It is the perfect dressing to enjoy on your salads, burgers, sandwiches, and more!

Ingredients

1 cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup ketchup-style chili sauce
⅓ cup sweet relish
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 ½ teaspoons sugar
¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

In a medium bowl, mix together all ingredients until well combined.
Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving over salad.

Notes

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Chill Time: 1 hour

Serving Size: Makes 1 ½ cups

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 285Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 23gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 564mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 0gSugar: 8gProtein: 1g

Melissa

I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!

Russian Dressing Recipe