If you’ve ever ordered a Reuben sandwich or a hearty deli-style salad, you may have encountered a creamy, tangy, slightly spicy condiment called Russian dressing. But many people still ask, “What’s Russian dressing?” Despite the name, this famous sauce is not originally from Russia—it’s a classic American invention that has been a staple in delis and kitchens for over a century.
Russian dressing is a savory, mayonnaise-based condiment with ketchup (or chili sauce), horseradish, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and sometimes pickles or hot sauce blended in. It strikes a balance between creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore what Russian dressing is, its history, flavor profile, traditional recipes, health aspects, modern variations, and how it differs from Thousand Island dressing. By the end, you’ll know everything you need to make it at home or enjoy it in your favorite meals.
The History of Russian Dressing
The American Origins
Despite its name, Russian dressing is not Russian at all. It originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The earliest records credit James E. Colburn of Nashua, New Hampshire, who reportedly developed the dressing around 1910–1915.
Colburn created the condiment by mixing mayonnaise with ketchup, horseradish, and spices, marketing it as an “exotic” sauce. At the time, horseradish was considered a distinctly Eastern European ingredient, and that may have inspired the “Russian” name.
Why the Russian Name?
The name “Russian dressing” likely comes from:
- The use of caviar or pickled ingredients in some early recipes, which were associated with Russian cuisine.
- Marketing appeal—adding “Russian” gave the sauce a foreign, sophisticated allure in the U.S. market.
Over the decades, Russian dressing became a classic condiment for sandwiches and salads, particularly in Jewish and American delis.
What’s in Russian Dressing? The Flavor Profile
When asking “What’s Russian dressing?”, it’s important to understand its flavor balance. Russian dressing is:
- Creamy from mayonnaise
- Tangy from ketchup or chili sauce
- Spicy from horseradish or hot sauce
- Savory from Worcestershire sauce and paprika
This combination makes it richer and spicier than Thousand Island dressing, which is sweeter due to pickle relish.
Key Ingredients:
- Mayonnaise – The creamy base
- Ketchup or chili sauce – Adds sweetness and tang
- Prepared horseradish – Gives it a spicy kick
- Paprika or cayenne pepper – Extra depth and mild heat
- Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami richness
- Onions, chives, or mustard (optional) – Enhances flavor
- Pickle relish or chopped pickles (sometimes added)
Classic Recipe: How to Make Russian Dressing
If you’re curious “What’s Russian dressing made of, and how do I prepare it?”, here’s a simple recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup or chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon finely minced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise and ketchup until smooth.
- Stir in horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and onion.
- Add hot sauce, salt, and pepper as desired.
- Mix thoroughly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
This dressing can last up to one week in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
Variations of Russian Dressing
While the classic recipe is popular, different versions exist depending on regional tastes.
1. Traditional Russian Dressing
- Mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire, paprika
- Mildly spicy and tangy
2. Deluxe Russian Dressing
- Includes pickle relish, minced pimentos, or olives
- Slightly chunkier texture
3. Spicy Russian Dressing
- Uses sriracha or hot chili sauce instead of ketchup
- Perfect for spicy sandwich lovers
4. Low-Fat Russian Dressing
- Made with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise
- Lighter but still creamy
5. Vegan Russian Dressing
- Uses vegan mayo and plant-based Worcestershire sauce
- Great for dairy-free and egg-free diets
What’s Russian Dressing Used For?
Russian dressing is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Here are the most popular ways to enjoy it:
1. Reuben Sandwich
Perhaps the most famous use, Russian dressing is a signature component of the Reuben sandwich, which includes:
- Corned beef
- Swiss cheese
- Sauerkraut
- Rye bread
- Grilled with Russian dressing
Some delis use Thousand Island dressing instead, but traditionalists insist the Reuben must have Russian dressing for its spicier kick.
2. Other Sandwiches
- Turkey or roast beef sandwiches
- Pastrami on rye
- Veggie wraps with cucumbers, sprouts, and avocado
3. Salads
Russian dressing works well as a salad dressing, especially on:
- Cobb salad
- Chef’s salad
- Coleslaw mixes
4. Dipping Sauce
It makes an excellent dip for:
- French fries
- Chicken tenders
- Onion rings
- Fresh vegetables
5. Burger Sauce
Spread it on a burger bun for a tangy twist similar to “special sauce.”
Russian Dressing vs. Thousand Island Dressing
One of the most common questions besides “What’s Russian dressing?” is how it differs from Thousand Island dressing.
Russian Dressing:
- Spicier with horseradish and hot sauce
- More savory with Worcestershire sauce
- Less sweet
Thousand Island Dressing:
- Sweeter due to pickle relish
- Creamier and less spicy
- Often includes chopped hard-boiled eggs
While similar in appearance, they cater to different taste preferences: Russian dressing for bold spice, Thousand Island for sweet creaminess.
Nutritional Information: Is Russian Dressing Healthy?
Russian dressing is flavorful but can be high in calories and fat due to mayonnaise.
Average Nutritional Values (per 2 tablespoons):
- Calories: 120–140
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Sugar: 2–3g
- Protein: <1g
Healthier Options:
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo
- Reduce ketchup for less sugar
- Choose low-fat mayonnaise
By making it at home, you control the ingredients, making it healthier than store-bought versions.
Russian Dressing in Modern Cuisine
Even though it’s over a century old, Russian dressing continues to influence modern cuisine. Chefs today reinvent it by:
- Adding smoked paprika for depth
- Mixing with sriracha for a fusion kick
- Pairing with plant-based proteins in vegan sandwiches
- Using it as a base for burger sauces
Restaurants and delis across America keep Russian dressing alive, especially as comfort food trends rise in popularity.
Cultural Significance of Russian Dressing
Russian dressing isn’t just about flavor—it’s part of American food history. It represents:
- Early 20th-century culinary experimentation
- The rise of deli culture in New York and other cities
- The evolution of fusion cuisine, blending American condiments with European-inspired flavors
By asking “What’s Russian dressing?”, we’re really exploring a story of food heritage, immigration, and the way flavors evolve to meet new tastes.
Storage and Shelf Life
Homemade Russian dressing should always be refrigerated in an airtight container.
- Shelf life: 5–7 days
- Do not freeze (the mayo base will separate)
- Stir well before using if it thickens
Key Takeaways: What’s Russian Dressing?
- Russian dressing is an American condiment, not Russian in origin.
- Made with mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, and spices.
- Known for its creamy, tangy, spicy flavor profile.
- Best known as the traditional sauce for Reuben sandwiches.
- Often confused with Thousand Island, but Russian dressing is spicier and less sweet.
- Can be made classic, spicy, vegan, or low-fat at home.
- A versatile condiment for sandwiches, salads, burgers, and dips.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Russian Dressing
Q1: What’s Russian dressing made of?
Russian dressing is typically made with mayonnaise, ketchup (or chili sauce), horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and spices such as paprika or cayenne. Some variations include pickle relish, mustard, or onions.
Q2: Is Russian dressing the same as Thousand Island dressing?
No. Russian dressing is spicier because it contains horseradish and hot sauce, while Thousand Island dressing is sweeter due to pickle relish and sometimes hard-boiled eggs.
Q3: Why is it called Russian dressing if it’s not from Russia?
The name likely came from the early use of horseradish or caviar, both ingredients associated with Russian cuisine, and from marketing appeal in early 20th-century America.
Q4: What’s the best sandwich for Russian dressing?
The classic Reuben sandwich (corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut on rye bread) is the most popular choice. It can also be used on turkey, pastrami, or roast beef sandwiches.
Q5: Can I make Russian dressing healthier?
Yes. Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise, use low-sugar ketchup, and reduce the amount of added salt. This lowers calories and makes the dressing lighter while maintaining flavor.
Q6: How long does homemade Russian dressing last?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade Russian dressing lasts about 5–7 days. It should not be frozen.
Q7: Is Russian dressing gluten-free?
Yes, if all the ingredients (such as Worcestershire sauce and ketchup) are gluten-free. Always check the labels if you have dietary restrictions.
Q8: Can Russian dressing be vegan?
Absolutely. Use vegan mayonnaise and a plant-based Worcestershire substitute, and you’ll have a fully vegan Russian dressing.
Conclusion: Why Russian Dressing Remains a Classic
So, what’s Russian dressing? It’s a creamy, tangy, spicy condiment that has stood the test of time in American cuisine. Despite its misleading name, Russian dressing was born in the United States and became an iconic flavor, especially in deli culture. With its blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, and spices, it brings a bold taste to sandwiches, salads, burgers, and dips.
Whether you enjoy it in the traditional Reuben sandwich, as a salad dressing, or as a modern twist with vegan ingredients, Russian dressing continues to evolve while keeping its signature zest. Its story represents both culinary creativity and cultural fusion—a condiment that started as a novelty and became a staple.
In the end, Russian dressing proves that a simple question—“What’s Russian dressing?”—leads to a fascinating journey through food history, flavor balance, and timeless recipes. By making it at home, experimenting with variations, and using it in your meals, you’ll understand why this century-old dressing remains a beloved classic today.