This post may contain affiliate links.
A Homemade Russian Dressing perfect for sandwiches, burgers, salads and more! Made with mayo, Greek yogurt, and all the classic flavorings, this creamy and savory dressing is so easy to make and will be a staple condiment in your refrigerator.
Russian dressing is the classic sauce for a reuben sandwich, but the creamy slightly sweet and vinegary sauce pairs well with many other dishes as well.
This homemade version has way more flavor than the store-bought varieties and it’s so easy to make. If you’re looking for more condiments to try, our roasted garlic aioli and Gochujang aioli are both top recipes on the site.
Reader Review
Followed the recipe to a “T” and it’s fantastic! Just like you say, more flavorful. No more store bought for us! BTW, we used it on our Reubens.
– Dave
What is Russian Dressing
Russian Dressing is a creamy pink-hued mayonnaise-based dressing flavored with horseradish, chili sauce, paprika, minced shallot and sometimes Worcestershire.
Contrary to popular belief, Russian Dressing actually originated in America. It’s believed to have gotten its name due to the addition of caviar in early versions of the recipe.
Russian Dressing vs. Thousand Island
Russian Dressing and Thousand Island Dressing are often confused for one another—both feature mayonnaise and either ketchup or ketchup-style chili sauce.
- Thousand Island Dressing = flavored with chili sauce and finely chopped green olives, pickles or pickle relish, onion, bell peppers and/or hard-boiled eggs.
- Russian dressing = flavored with chili sauce, paprika, prepared horseradish, minced shallot and occasionally pimientos. Russian dressing is less sweet, more savory and spicier than Thousand Island Dressing.
Ingredients in Russian Dressing Recipe
- Prepared horseradish: Prepared horseradish is grated horseradish root combined with vinegar. It can be found in small glass jars in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. It’s often by the deli meat and cheese, smoked fish, or prepared salads and sandwiches.
- Chili sauce: Chili sauce is a ketchup-style burger/fry sauce flavored with onion, garlic and spices. It’s sold in a tall glass ketchup-style bottle and is commonly found near the ketchup and barbecue sauce. Chili sauce is traditional in Russian Dressing and is very similar to regular ketchup, which means either can be used.
- Mayonnaise: I like olive oil mayo, but avocado oil mayo or regular mayo will work.
- Whole-milk Greek yogurt: Swap some of the mayo out for tangy Greek yogurt—lightens it up while keeping it creamy.
- Grated shallot: adds a savory garlic/onion flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds deep savoriness.
- Tabasco: Gives it a kick of heat.
How to Make Homemade Russian Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until combined; season with salt, pepper and additional hot sauce to taste.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before using. This will help the flavors meld and the dressing firm up a bit.
Storage
Store the Russian dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. We don’t recommend freezing the condiment as it will change the texture.
Variations
The notes below specify how to adapt this recipe to fit various diets.
- Paleo: Be sure to use avocado oil mayonnaise (I prefer Sir Kensington’s) and replace the chili sauce with a combination of unsweetened ketchup and additional hot sauce. I recommend this unsweetened ketchup. Replace the yogurt with additional mayonnaise.
- Vegan: This recipe is not vegan. To make it vegan, use vegan mayonnaise in place of the avocado oil mayonnaise and the Greek yogurt. Skip the Worcestershire and add a few dashes of liquid aminos instead.
- Keto: Skip the chili sauce and use a combination of keto ketchup and red pepper flakes (or additional hot sauce). I recommend this unsweetened ketchup.
- Gluten-Free: this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Using Homemade Russian Dressing
Most notably used on the beloved reuben or turkey reuben sandwich. Russian Dressing is great on burgers, or used as a dip for chicken, polenta fries, roasted potatoes, and chips.
More Condiment Recipes
Homemade Russian Dressing
Description
Save This Recipe!
We’ll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.
Ingredients
- ½ cup avocado oil or olive oil mayonnaise
- ¼ cup whole-milk Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup Chili Sauce, ketchup, or unsweetened ketchup*
- ¼ cup grated shallot (1 small shallot)
- 1 ½ teaspoons prepared horseradish
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- A few dashes Tabasco
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until combined; season with salt, pepper and additional hot sauce to taste.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before using.
- Russian Dressing will last up to 2 weeks stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
This recipe is fantastic! Made it tonight for your Rachel Sandwiches and it hit the spot! Love how savory and decadent it tastes.
Followed the recipe to a “T” and it’s fantastic! Just like you say, more flavorful and healthyish too. No more store bought for us! BTW, we used it on our Reubens.
Hi Dave! I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed the dressing. Such a great way to amp up the flavor on a sandwich. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!