Homemade Russian dressing in 5 minutes! Creamy mayo, ketchup, horseradish and Worcestershire for the perfect Reuben sauce, dip or salad dressing.
Creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of zippy, homemade Russian dressing is the classic sauce behind a great Reuben sandwich, and it works just as well an easy salad dressing or sandwich spread. It takes about 5 minutes to whisk together with simple pantry ingredients, then a quick chill makes it perfect. I think you'll love it!
What Is Russian Dressing?
Russian dressing is a creamy, pinkish dressing made with a mayonnaise base and tomato element (ketchup or ketchup-style chili sauce) punched up with zingy ingredients like horseradish, Worcestershire, onion, and paprika.
Russian Dressing vs Thousand Island
These two get mixed up all the time because they have a similar base, but the vibe is different once they're ready.
- Russian Dressing. Tangier and more savory, usually with horseradish and Worcestershire for a deli-style bite people love.
- Thousand Island. Typically sweeter and chunkier, often with relish (and sometimes hard boiled egg). I use egg in my homemade thousand dressing island recipe and we love it.
If you add minced pickles/relish to Russian dressing, you’ll push it closer to Thousand Island (still delicious, just a slightly different lane).
Ingredients Needed
The full ingredients list with measurements is listed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Mayonnaise. Use full fat for best flavor. You'll do wonders with a homemade aioli.
- Ketchup. Commonly used, or a ketchup-style chili sauce for a more deli-style flavor. Try this homemade chili sauce or my homemade chili-garlic sauce recipe for a fun spin.
- Prepared Horseradish. For a nice zingy bite.
- Worcestershire Sauce.
- Onion. Grated is best for classic deli-style. Finely minced works for milder onion flavor.
- Paprika. Smoked paprika is great here.
- Vinegar. Use white or apple cider, or lemon juice for an acidic pop.
- Salt and Black Pepper. To taste.
- Hot Sauce. Optional, for a touch of heat. Goes nicely with the horseradish.
- Minced Pickles, Cornichons, or Relish. Optional. Makes it more Thousand Island-like.
How to Make Russian Dressing
- Add everything to a bowl and whisk until smooth.
- Taste and adjust (see notes below).
- Chill at least 30 minutes for best flavor, then serve.
Easy adjustment guide
- A splash of vinegar/lemon = brighter flavor, more of a fresh "pop"
- More horseradish = sharper, more “Reuben sandwich” style
- More ketchup/chili sauce = sweeter and redder in color
Boom! Done! I hope you enjoy it.
Recipe Tips & Notes
- Don't Skip the Chill. This dressing tastes great right away, but it tastes better after a short rest in the fridge to let the onion, horseradish, and Worcestershire mingle.
- Onion Strength (Patty vs Mike). Patty prefers less grated onion because it can be bold. I love the added punch, especially for Reubens. Compromise tip: Soak chopped onion in water for 20 minutes, drain well, then grate or mince. It mellows the bite while keeping that deli flavor.
- Tomato Base. Ketchup gives a nice sweetness most people love. Ketchup-style chili sauce leans more deli-style and more savory, and it’s very common in Russian dressing recipes.
- Adjust the Heat. A few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne takes it right into Chili Pepper Madness territory, right where I love it.
Ways to Use Russian Dressing
Russian dressing is best known as the classic Reuben sauce, but don’t stop there.
- Dip for fries, onion rings, or roasted potatoes
- Reuben sandwiches
- Burgers and deli sandwiches
- Salad dressing
Storage
Refrigerate in a sealed container and use within 7-10 days for best quality. Stir before serving. (Homemade versions are commonly kept about a week.)
I do not recommend freezing Russian dressing. Mayo-based dressings tend to separate after freezing and thawing.
FAQs
Is Russian dressing the same as Thousand Island?
No. They’re similar, but Russian is usually tangier and more savory from horseradish and Worcestershire, while Thousand Island is typically sweeter and often includes relish.
What’s the best substitute for ketchup?
Ketchup-style chili sauce is the closest swap and shows up often in classic versions. Or, try it with my homemade ketchup recipe (easy to make).
Can I make Russian dressing without horseradish?
You can, but it won’t taste like classic Russian dressing. If you must, add a little Dijon and hot sauce for bite, but expect a different flavor profile.
Want More Dressing and Sauce Recipes?
Did you make this Russian dressing? I’d love to hear how it turned out - please leave a star rating and a quick comment below. Your feedback helps me keep the recipe info and FAQs up to date, tells Google that my readers love it, and helps more spicy food lovers discover Chili Pepper Madness. Thanks! - Mike H.
Classic Russian Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup or use ketchup-style chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish add more if you like it pungent
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons grated onion grated is extra classic-deli
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika smoked paprika is great
- 1 teaspoon vinegar white or apple cider or 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, but helps it pop)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: a few dashes hot sauce my preference
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons minced pickles/cornichons or relish to make it more Thousand Island like
Instructions
- Add everything to a bowl and whisk until smooth.
- Taste and adjust:- More horseradish = sharper, more “Reuben sandwich” style.- More ketchup/chili sauce = sweeter and redder.- A splash of vinegar/lemon = brighter flavor.
- Chill at least 30 minutes (best flavor), then serve.
Notes
Nutrition Information
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