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Some recipes are so simple yet flavorful that once you make them from scratch, you’ll never go back—and this Homemade Russian Dressing is one of them! Creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of zippy, it’s the perfect way to take your sandwiches, salads, and dips up a notch. Best of all, it comes together in minutes with ingredients you probably already have!
Let’s Talk About Homemade Dressings
There’s something extra special about making your own dressings at home. Not only do you know exactly what’s going into them, but you can also tweak the flavors to fit your taste perfectly. Store-bought dressings might be convenient, but they never quite have that fresh, vibrant taste you get from a homemade version. And the best part? This Russian Dressing takes just minutes to mix up, and it stays fresh for days!
I love keeping a jar of this in my fridge because it’s so versatile. Whether I’m layering it on a sandwich, tossing it into a salad, or using it as a dip, it always brings that bold, tangy flavor that makes everything taste better. Once you start making it yourself, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner!
Nikki’s Recipe Rundown
- Taste: Tangy, creamy, and a little spicy with a hint of sweetness.
- Texture: Smooth and creamy with little pops of relish and onion for extra flavor.
- Ease: Just mix and chill—zero fuss!
- Pros: Tastes way better than store-bought, and you can adjust the spice level to your liking.
- Considerations: Needs a short resting time in the fridge for the best flavor.
- Repeat Worthy: Absolutely! It keeps well, so you’ll want to have a jar ready at all times.
What’s the difference in Russian Dressing and Thousand Island Dressing
Russian Dressing and Thousand Island are often mistaken for each other, but they have distinct flavors and uses. Russian Dressing is tangy, spicy, and a bit more robust, thanks to horseradish and Worcestershire sauce. It has a smoother, bolder flavor that pairs perfectly with savory dishes like a Reuben Sandwich.
Thousand Island Dressing, on the other hand, is sweeter and creamier, with a milder taste due to the addition of sweet pickle relish and sometimes a touch of sugar. It’s a classic for burgers, salads, and as a dipping sauce. While both are mayo-based and share similar ingredients, Russian Dressing has a bit more zip, while Thousand Island leans toward the sweeter side.
Russian Salad Dressing Ingredients
- Shallot or Onion: Adds a fresh bite of flavor—grating it ensures you get the taste without big chunks.
- Dill Relish: Brings a little tang and crunch to balance the creaminess.
- Mayo & Sour Cream: The base of the dressing—smooth, rich, and perfectly creamy.
- Chili Sauce: Adds a subtle sweetness and spice. You can also use ketchup and hot sauce to tweak the flavor.
- Horseradish: A little bit goes a long way! It gives that signature zing to the dressing.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Deepens the flavor with its savory, umami-rich taste.
- Paprika: Rounds everything out with a hint of smokiness.
Variations and Substitutions
- Want it spicier? Swap out chili sauce for sriracha, or add a pinch of cayenne.
- Prefer it sweeter? Use ketchup instead of chili sauce and add a tiny bit of honey or sugar.
- Like it extra tangy? A splash of pickle juice will do the trick.
How To Make Russian Dressing
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1: Mix It Up
In a small bowl, combine the grated shallot, dill relish, mayo, sour cream, chili sauce, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika.
Give it a good stir until everything is well blended.
Step 2: Let It Chill
Cover the dressing and pop it into the fridge for at least 20-30 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together, making the dressing even more delicious.
Step 3: Enjoy!
Once chilled, give it one last stir, then use it however you like! Drizzle it over your favorite salad, slather it on a sandwich, or use it as a dip—there’s no wrong way to enjoy this homemade Russian Dressing.
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Recipe Tips
- Grating the shallot (or onion) keeps the texture smooth while still adding that great oniony bite.
- Let it chill for at least 20 minutes—this lets the flavors come together beautifully. Make it a day ahead for even more flavor.
- Give it a stir before using, especially if it’s been sitting in the fridge for a few days.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Add a little extra horseradish, a splash of hot sauce, or swap the chili sauce for sriracha for an extra kick.
Storage
Make-Ahead: This dressing actually tastes better after a little rest time in the fridge, so making it a few hours (or a day) ahead is a great idea.
Storage: Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: Not recommended—mayonnaise-based dressings don’t freeze well.
What to Serve with Russian Dressing
Russian Dressing is a game-changer when it comes to adding bold, tangy flavor to so many dishes! Of course, it’s a must-have for a classic Reuben Sandwich, but don’t stop there—try it drizzled over your Pastrami or Corned beef for a tasty twist.
Drizzle it over a Wedge Salad for a creamy kick, or spread it on a Burger to take it to the next level. It even makes a delicious mix-in for coleslaw or a zesty dip for onion rings. However you use it, this homemade dressing is sure to add lots of flavor to every bite!
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Russian Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon grated shallot or onion, grated with a microplane
- ½ tablespoon dill relish
- ½ cup mayo
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 ¼ tablespoons chili sauce, or ketchup and/or sriracha (or hot sauce for a spicy kick)
- 1 ½ teaspoons horseradish
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients, and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes or up to 2 weeks.½ tablespoon grated shallot or onion, ½ tablespoon dill relish, ½ cup mayo, 2 tablespoons sour cream, 1 ¼ tablespoons chili sauce, 1 ½ teaspoons horseradish, ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, ¼ teaspoon paprika
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Notes
-
- Grating the shallot (or onion) keeps the texture smooth while still adding that great oniony bite.
- Let it chill for at least 20 minutes—this lets the flavors come together beautifully. Make it a day ahead for even more flavor.
- Give it a stir before using, especially if it’s been sitting in the fridge for a few days.
Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
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