5-Minute Creamy Homemade Russian Dressing
Russian dressing is a bold, tangy, and creamy condiment that brings a zesty punch to any dish. Whether you’re spreading it on a classic Reuben sandwich, using it as a dip for crispy fries, or drizzling it over a fresh salad, this homemade version delivers a rich depth of flavor that store-bought options simply can’t match.
Why this recipe works
Made with a smooth base of mayonnaise and sour cream, accented by the sweetness of ketchup, the crunch of relish and onions, and the sharp heat of horseradish, this dressing strikes the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy.
For more homemade salad dressings, consider trying my jalapeño dressing made with Greek yogurt, homemade Caesar salad dressing with anchovies, or this bright and fresh green goddess dressing next!
What You’ll Need
Don’t worry—most of what goes into Russian dressing is likely already in your kitchen. You’ll want a creamy base (think mayo and sour cream), a dash of something sweet and tomato-y (ketchup works well), a bit of relish for extra texture and flavor, a sprinkle of minced onion for sharpness, horseradish for that signature kick, a little lemon juice, plus a few classic pantry sauces and seasonings.
It’s a straightforward assortment that you can mix up in a single bowl.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Mayonnaise & Sour Cream Alternative – Swap out the sour cream for Greek yogurt for a slightly lighter, tangier version.
- No Horseradish? – Try a small amount of hot sauce or Dijon mustard for a different kind of heat.
- Relish Options – Sweet pickle relish adds a nice contrast, but dill relish works for a tangier, more savory version.
Directions
Creating this dressing is as easy as stirring together a few ingredients!
- Mix the Ingredients – In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, relish, and minced white onion, along with a little jarred horseradish, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and kosher salt.
- Blend Well – Stir everything together until smooth and well combined.
And that’s it! For the best flavor, let the dressing chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before using. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.
If you love a good kitchen project–who doesn’t?!— consider making my beer-braised corned beef and cabbage. The leftovers are absolutely incredible in this sandwich, especially when compared to store-bought deli corned beef. Worth the time and effort!
Ari’s Best Tips!
- Taste as you go. If you like a bolder kick, add a bit more horseradish. For a sweeter note, stir in an extra spoonful of ketchup or relish.
- Use fresh ingredients. Fresh onion, fresh lemon juice, and good-quality mayo make a surprising difference in overall flavor.
- Let it rest. Give the dressing some time in the refrigerator—this allows the ingredients to really meld into a unified, satisfying taste.
How It Differs From Thousand Island Dressing
They’re similar in color and texture but differ in flavor. Russian dressing has a slightly spicier kick due to the horseradish. Thousand Island typically has a sweeter flavor profile and often includes chopped pickles or eggs for added texture.
Make-Ahead and Store
- Make-ahead: Russian dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to one week. In fact, it tastes even better after sitting for a few hours!
- Storage: Store your dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir before using, as some separation may occur.
Due to its mayonnaise and sour cream base, freezing is not recommended. The texture may become grainy and separate once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Serving Suggestions
Russian dressing is incredibly versatile! Here are some of the best ways to enjoy it, though don’t let this list limit you:
- Reuben Sandwiches – The classic pairing with corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut on rye.
- Burger Topping – Adds a creamy, tangy twist to burgers. I especially love it on vegetable and black bean burgers!
- Salad Dressing – A delicious drizzle over crisp greens, especially with hard-boiled eggs and bacon.
- Dip for Fries & Veggies – Perfect for dunking crispy fries, onion rings, or even raw veggies.
- Spread for Wraps & Sandwiches – Use it as a spread on deli sandwiches or turkey wraps for an extra burst of flavor.
Enjoy the creamy, zesty taste of this homemade Russian dressing on just about anything! Feel free to experiment with the ingredients, adding more (or less) of whatever you love most. Happy mixing!
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Zesty Russian Dressing (For Sandwiches & Salad)
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup (115g) mayonnaise
- ¼ cup (80g) sour cream (or simply use all mayonnaise)
- 2 Tbsp (34g) ketchup
- 2 Tbsp (30g) dill pickle relish or sweet pickle relish
- 2 Tbsp minced white onion, from ¼ small white onion
- 1 Tbsp (15g) jarred horseradish
- 1 Tbsp (15g) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Make Russian dressing. In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, 2 Tbsp ketchup, 2 Tbsp relish, 2 Tbsp minced white onion, 1 Tbsp jarred horseradish, 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp yellow mustard, and ¼ tsp kosher salt. Stir well, then refrigerate until needed.
Notes
- Make-ahead: Russian dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to one week. In fact, it tastes even better after sitting for a few hours!
- Storage: Store your dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir before using, as some separation may occur. Freezing is not recommended.
Nutrition
Photography by: Megan McKeehan.
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