Russian Dressing is my spicier and sassier relative to Thousand Island Dressing. It is my go-to for my Reuben Sandwich recipe, and I love the kick that it brings to the more mild Thousand Island. If you are looking for more homemade dressing recipes, try my Jalapeno Ranch Dressing!
Russian Dressing
When I ask for Russian dressing, either at a grocery store or restaurant, it seems that it is assumed that the dressing is interchangeable with Thousand Island Dressing. I would like to make that fine line between the two a bit more clear. Both dressings are tasty, in their own right, and deserve to have their own place in the food world. And yes, you can use Thousand Island in place of Russian dressing on your Reuben sandwich, or vice versa, but there IS a difference! Russian dressing has more of a spicy flair and is much less sweet than Thousand Island.
Just to be fair, I actually tried both my Thousand Island Recipe and this Russian Dressing Recipe on my Reuben Sandwich, and the Russian Dressing was the easy choice to layer on the sandwich, hands down, no contest, not even close.
In addition, I must say I actually loved it on my lettuce salad as well, so maybe I spoke too soon–they ARE interchangeable, but be prepared to support each one independently of the another. Right now, I am #TeamRussianDressing, since it seems to need a boost here in the Midwest!
What is Onion Paste?
It is simply mashing chopped onions until they are a paste. If you never thought you needed a mortar and pestle set, I am giving you a reason to get one. It’s one of those ancient, tried and true tools that have stood the test of time in the kitchen! You can find an inexpensive set for under $20. But, there are some options that sell for over $1000! Your choice–I wouldn’t judge either way!
You will use this tool more than you ever thought you would. This is not just for the onion paste you need for this Russian Dressing recipe. The mortar is the bowl, and the pestle is the tool, and that’s all you need to crush whatever you need ground down. Don’t say I didn’t warn you about how fun this can actually be! Anyway, I digress…the point is, my recipe calls for onion paste, which is made by using that mortar and pestle set to mash the onion until it is a paste. Get into it!
How to Make Russian Dressing
Once you have made your onion paste and enjoyed using your mortar and pestle set 😉, you simply mix in the rest of your ingredients. Stir in the mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, horseradish, relish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, paprika, and salt. The Russian Dressing is now ready to be served over a salad, on a sandwich, or on the Reuben Sandwich, of course! This dressing should last about two weeks, refrigerated in a sealed container.
Russian Dressing
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chopped white onion
- 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise
- ¼ cup (60 g) ketchup
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Mash the onion to get an onion paste. We used a mortar and pestle.
- In a small bowl combine onion, mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, horseradish, relish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, paprika, and salt.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Did you make this recipe?
Thank you for making my recipe! You took pictures, right? Well go ahead and post them on Instagram! Be sure to mention me @iambaker and use the hashtag #YouAreBaker.
FANTASTIC. Thank you so much!!
FANTASTIC! thank you so much!
Can this Russian dressing be frozen? I am using it for another recipe and dont need all at once.
Hi, Lucinda! I work with iambaker and am happy to help with questions. I would not recommend freezing salad dressing. Have a good day!
Can’t wait to try this on my Reuben Pasta Salad. I much prefer making dressings from scratch. What kind of onion do you use?
The recipe says white onion
Made it,and it tastes great!
I’m not a fan of sweet, can dill pickle relish be used?
I’m not a fan of sweet relish can dill relish be used?
Great recipe. I make a similar one, but use chili sauce instead of ketchup. For my “Howling Good Island Dressing” ,I use tomato soup, mayonnaise and Miracle Whip with sweet pickle relish.
Sounds yummy!
But what kind of onion do you use??
And what brand of “hot sauce”?
Thank you!
Hi Janet – white onion and whatever brand of hot sauce you prefer works.
Absolutely delicious so easy to make I had all the ingredients in the house I enjoyed my homemade salad with your recipe. Thank you so much. I will most definitely be making this again!