Tulo

Russian Dressing Recipe

A small glass jar of pale orange-pink Russian dressing with visible flecks of relish and paprika, next to a spoon and a stacked Reuben sandwich.

Ketchup and mayonnaise form the creamy-tangy base, while horseradish and Worcestershire sauce cut through the richness so the dressing doesn't taste flat or one-note, and a short chill lets the relish and spices settle into the mayo instead of tasting like separate ingredients stirred together.

Prep
10 min
Cook
0 min
Total
40 min
Servings
12

Ingredients

Servings12
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp prepared horseradish
  • 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp hot sauce
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Nutrition per serving

Calories
134
Protein
0g
Carbs
3g
Fat
14g

Based on the recipe as written, one serving. Recalculates if you swap an ingredient above. An estimate only, exact values depend on the specific ingredients used.

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Instructions

  1. 1In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise and ketchup and stir until the color is uniform, with no streaks of either.
  2. 2Add the horseradish, pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. 3Whisk everything together until smooth, then stir in the lemon juice.
  4. 4Taste and adjust: add more horseradish for sharper bite, more hot sauce for heat, or a pinch more salt if it tastes flat.
  5. 5Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
  6. 6Stir once more before serving, since the relish and spices can settle toward the bottom while chilling.

Tips & variations

  • For a spicier version popular on some Reuben sandwiches, double the horseradish and add a dash more hot sauce.
  • Swap the sweet pickle relish for finely minced dill pickle if a less sweet, more savory dressing is preferred.
  • A traditional touch some delis use is a spoonful of chili sauce (the tomato-based kind, not Asian chili sauce) in place of half the ketchup for a deeper, slightly smoky flavor.
  • Grated raw onion (about 1 teaspoon, finely grated) can replace the onion powder for a sharper, fresher bite.

Storage & reheating

Store in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. No reheating is needed; let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving if it has been chilled overnight, since the flavor is more pronounced when it isn't ice cold.

Tips from the Tulo kitchen

  • Making the dressing a day ahead rather than 30 minutes ahead gives an even more balanced flavor, since the horseradish mellows further overnight.
  • If the dressing tastes too sweet, a few extra drops of lemon juice or a splash more Worcestershire will balance it without needing more salt.

FAQ

What is the difference between Russian dressing and Thousand Island?

Both are mayonnaise-and-ketchup based, but Russian dressing includes horseradish and often hot sauce or paprika for a sharper, spicier profile, while Thousand Island is milder and leans on sweet pickle relish and sometimes hard-boiled egg for a sweeter, chunkier texture.

Is Russian dressing supposed to be spicy?

It has a noticeable tang and warmth from the horseradish and hot sauce, but it isn't meant to be fiery; the heat should be a background note that balances the sweetness of the ketchup, not the dominant flavor.

Can I make Russian dressing without horseradish?

Yes, though it will taste closer to a mild Thousand Island. A pinch of dry mustard or extra black pepper can stand in for some of the sharpness horseradish provides.

What is Russian dressing traditionally used for?

It's the classic spread inside a Reuben sandwich, but it's also common on burgers, as a dip for fries or chicken tenders, and drizzled over a wedge or iceberg salad.

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