There are so many ways to use dressings and this Homemade Russian Dressing is so versatile and delicious that you’ll want to put it on everything! All it takes is 6 simple ingredients to create this creamy, zesty dressing that can be used for anything from salad to sandwiches and even as a dip!
What is Russian Dressing?
Did you know that this dressing came from New Hampshire and not Russia? Despite its name, Russian dressing was made by James Colburn, a native of Nashua, New Hampshire. An earlier version was made without mayonnaise but Colburn was the first to use it in his “Americanized” take on the recipe. There are a variety of ways that it is made today but the base is generally mayonnaise and a form of ketchup.
Russian Dressing vs. Thousand Island Dressing
The flavor is the biggest difference between these two dressings. Thousand Island dressing tends to be a lot sweeter than Russian. Even though they both have a mayo-ketchup base, Russian dressing tends to include sweet relish or horseradish while Thousand Island sometimes has chopped onions or olives. Some cooks sometimes even add chopped hard-boiled eggs in Thousand Island dressing as well!
Key Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Russian Dressing
- Mayonnaise: This is the main ingredient and one of the most important. You can use any brand you prefer.
- Ketchup-style chili sauce: Make sure it’s not a sweet chili sauce.
- Sweet relish: Any kind of chopped sweet pickle relish works great.
- Lemon juice: A little tart lemon juice gives the dressing some tang.
- Sugar: Just a tiny bit of sugar adds a very light touch of sweetness.
- Salt: The use of salt almost always makes the other flavors stand out.
How to Make Russian Dressing
This is the easiest 2 step recipe to make a rich and creamy Russian dressing!
Step 1. Whisk all of the ingredients in a medium bowl until well combined.
Step 2. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour before serving.
What to Serve With Russian Dressing
As we previously mentioned, there are so many ways that you can use this Russian dressing recipe. A delicious sandwich like this Brisket Grilled Cheese is a fun and creative way or as a twist on a traditional Cobb Salad instead of honey mustard dressing.
How to Store Russian Dressing
If you have leftovers or if you are making this dressing ahead of time, you can store it in your refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to use an airtight container for maximum freshness. You will always want to keep this dressing cold so there’s no need to heat it to use it for any way you serve it.
Tips and Tricks
- You can easily alter the measurements of this recipe. If you want it to be tangier, add more lemon juice! Adjust the ratio according to your liking and which flavor you would like to stand out.
- You shouldn’t use Sweet chili sauce though because it can change the consistency of the dressing too much.
- If you are wanting to make substitutions, here are the suggestions we have. Dill pickle relish can be used in place of the sweet relish if you want less of a sweet flavor. Add a tsp or 2 of horseradish for some heat. Change it up and make it the most pleasing for your palate!
More Yummy Sauce and Dressing Recipes
Russian Dressing
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.
Nutrition
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