Russian Dressing

By Dan Pelosi

Published June 11, 2025

  • Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.
Media 1 of 1
Total Time
10 minutes
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
5 minutes
Rating
5(97)
Comments
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Contrary to its name, Russian dressing was invented in New Hampshire in the early 1900’s and may have gotten its name because the original recipe included a staple of Russian cuisine: caviar. Often used as a dip or a salad dressing, it is perhaps best known as a spread on the iconic Reuben sandwich. Pink in color from a combination of ketchup and mayonnaise, it is frequently mistaken for its sweeter sibling, Thousand Island dressing, but Russian dressing is spicier thanks to the addition of horseradish. This recipe is flexible: Grating the onion releases more of its flavorful juices, but mincing works just fine. Swap the onion for shallot, if you like, or use smoked paprika instead of sweet. For an extra-spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce.

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Ingredients

Yield:1¼ cups

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons ketchup 

  • 1 tablespoon coarsely grated white or yellow onion 

  • 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish (not sweet) 

  • 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish, drained 

  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

  • ½ teaspoon sweet paprika

  • Salt, to taste

Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving

16 grams carbs; 18 milligrams cholesterol; 381 calories; 9 grams monosaturated fat; 21 grams polyunsaturated fat; 5 grams saturated fat; 36 grams fat; 1 gram fiber; 760 milligrams sodium; 1 gram protein; 12 grams sugar

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Taste and adjust for seasonings. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
97 user ratings
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Comments

Vicki K

i've been tweaking russian dressing recipes for years. it was a favorite from my childhood and then seemed to disappear. using half sour cream, half mayo replicates the flavor I remember. I never use relish, if you want something "chunky" in it, olives or capers make more sense to me than dill

KayJ

My mother made the Russian one dressing at a restaurant where she worked for 25 years. This is almost exactly the recipe she shared with me. Thanks for the memories.

Peter Pan

Mix 60/40 ratio of mayo/ coctail sauce which already has horseradish as an ingredient. Add relish. Takes less than 1 minute. Pretty good and quick. No fuss no muss.

Marissa

@John in Denver: I only had red onion and that worked fine as well.

Marissa

@Vicki K - I'm curious (for authenticity) how the original recipe used caviar. What do you think?

Marissa

@Westchester Peach: found at Walmart, believe it or not!

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