The Real McCoy: Homemade Russian Dressing
Forget store-bought! This homemade russian dressing is tangy, fresh, and easy. Perfect for Reubens and salads. A retro touch for modern cooks. Get the recipe!

- Recipe Introduction: The Real McCoy - Homemade Russian Dressing !
- The Real McCoy: Homemade Russian Dressing Recipe Card
- Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Homemade Russian Dressing EVER!
- Getting Your Ducks in a Row: The Prep
- Step-by-Step to Tangy Goodness
- Pro Tips for a Stellar Dressing
- Recipe Notes: Elevating Your Dressing Game
- Frequently Asked Questions
Recipe Introduction: The Real McCoy - Homemade Russian Dressing !
Fancy a bit of vintage cool in your kitchen? ever wondered what made those old-school reuben sandwiches sing? it's all about the dressing, mate! and this homemade russian dressing recipe is gonna take you back to the glory days.
Honestly, forget that jarred stuff!
This isn't just any salad dressing recipes homemade ; it’s a flavour bomb. inspired by classic recipes, it perfectly balances creamy, tangy, and a little bit sweet.
Think mad men meets your salad bowl.
Why This Homemade Dressing Rocks
Right, so why should you bother making your own russian dressing ? well, this recipe hails from a time when things were made with proper ingredients.
It's easy enough, even a total novice can whip it up in about 15 minutes (plus chilling time). you'll end up with roughly 1 ½ cups, perfect for livening up your lunches for a week.
Benefits That'll Make You Smile
Aside from the killer taste, using homemade condiments like this lets you control what goes in. you dodge all those nasty additives and preservatives! it's also the perfect excuse to jazz up your homemade salads and appetizer salads for a summer bbq.
The best part? it will make you the mvp.
What makes this homemade salad dressing special? well, it’s the little details. the freshly grated horseradish gives it a real kick, and the balance of sweet and tangy is just spot on.
Trust me, this salad dressing recipes will elevate everything. next, let's chat about the bits and bobs you will need.
The Real McCoy: Homemade Russian Dressing Recipe Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish, drained
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
🥄 Instructions:
- In a medium mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, sweet pickle relish, and chopped onion.
- Whisk together until well combined and smooth. Ensure there are no lumps.
- Add the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the mixture.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each and adjust as needed.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Stir again before serving.
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Homemade Russian Dressing EVER!
Okay, so you're ready to ditch the bottled stuff? smart move! this homemade russian dressing recipe is seriously easy. honestly, it's like, way better than anything you'll find in the shops.
Let's gather our bits and bobs!
Main Ingredients
Right, first things first, the ingredient lineup. We're talking a classic Homemade Dressing here, so quality matters, especially with the mayo!
- 1 cup ( 237ml/240ml ) real mayonnaise. Full fat. Seriously. Don't even think about salad cream. The difference is night and day.
- 1/4 cup ( 59ml/60ml ) ketchup. Your fave brand is fine.
- 2 tablespoons ( 30ml/30ml ) prepared horseradish, drained. Freshly grated is amazing if you can get it. More on that in a bit.
- 1 tablespoon ( 15ml/15ml ) finely chopped sweet pickle relish (or chopped gherkins).
- 1 tablespoon ( 15ml/15ml ) finely chopped onion. Yellow or white's grand.
- 1 tablespoon ( 15ml/15ml ) lemon juice. Freshly squeezed, obviously!
- 1 teaspoon ( 5ml/5ml ) Worcestershire sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5ml/2.5ml ) paprika. Smoked paprika's got a deeper flavour.
- 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.2ml/1.2ml ) cayenne pepper (or a pinch). Go easy if you're not a spice fiend.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
Seasoning Notes to elevate your Salad Dressing Recipes Homemade
This Homemade Russian Dressing is all about balancing flavours. Think tangy, creamy, and a little kick!
- Essential Spices: Paprika and cayenne bring the warmth. Don't skip them!
- Aromatics: Onion is crucial for that savory base note.
- Horseradish Hotswap: Can't find prepared horseradish? Grate your own! Start with less. Fresh horseradish packs a PUNCH. Or, if desperate, a tiny dab of wasabi will do the trick.
The real key for homemade salads is tasting as you go. add a little more of whatever you think it needs.
Is it salad dressing recipes you are looking for? well, a good homemade dressing can elevate any salad!
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, yeah?
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Grater (if you're being fancy with fresh horseradish)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight container for storage
That's it! no need to get the food processor out for this homemade salad dressing . a good old whisk will do just fine.
I once tried to use a blender, and it was a disaster . too much power!
Now, let's get cracking on making this Homemade Russian Dressing ! Get ready for the best Appetizer Salads ever! You know?

Right then, let's dive into the world of homemade condiments with a recipe that'll transport you back to the good ol' days: homemade russian dressing ! forget the bottled stuff.
This is the real mccoy: homemade russian dressing that will knock your socks off! honestly, it’s easier than you think.
Getting Your Ducks in a Row: The Prep
First, mise en place , as they say. let's get organised. it only takes 15 minutes. get all your ingredients measured out.
Chop those veggies! this saves time later. make sure your horseradish is ready to go. have a clean bowl and whisk handy.
Step-by-Step to Tangy Goodness
Right, pay attention to this step-by-step process now. This easy peasy recipe takes only few steps.
- Combine: In a medium mixing bowl, bung in 1 cup of good quality mayonnaise (that’s 237ml US or 240ml Metric). Add ¼ cup of ketchup (59ml US or 60ml Metric). Then, go ahead and add 2 tablespoons of drained prepared horseradish (30ml). Don't be shy! Next, add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped sweet pickle relish (15ml). This is where the magic happens. Then put in 1 tablespoon of finely chopped onion (15ml) .
- Whisk: Now, whisk until it's all combined properly. Get rid of any lumps.
- Add Seasoning: Squirt in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (15ml). Then, splash in 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce (5ml). Don't forget the ½ teaspoon of paprika (2.5ml) and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper (1.2ml).
- Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper. Don’t be afraid to adjust it. A pinch is perfect to start.
- Chill: Cover the bowl. Stick it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes . This lets those flavours mingle.
- Serve: Give it a good stir before serving.
Pro Tips for a Stellar Dressing
Want to make it even better? use a quality mayonnaise. it really makes a difference. remember, chilling is key! don’t rush that step.
Taste as you go! adjust the seasoning to your liking. spice it up with more cayenne. one common mistake is not chilling it long enough.
For make-ahead options , this homemade salad dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance. store it in the fridge, airtight of course.
And there you have it! your very own homemade russian dressing , ready to elevate your salads or sandwiches. try this homemade salad dressing today.
Also, homemade salads taste better with it. also, it's great on appetizer salads too. these salad dressing recipes will change your life.
Ditch the store-bought stuff and make it homemade . now, go forth and enjoy!
Alright, let's dive into some extra bits about our Homemade Russian Dressing !
Recipe Notes: Elevating Your Dressing Game
Honestly, sometimes the recipe is just the starting point, you know? So, let's chat about taking this Homemade Russian Dressing recipe to the next level.
Serving Suggestions: From Simple to Stunning
Okay, so you've got this amazing homemade russian dressing . don't just plonk it on a plate! think about presentation. a small bowl, a drizzle over a vibrant green salad, or dolloped on an appetizer salad .
Think about how the colors pop.
And what goes with it? a reuben sandwich, obviously. but also, try it with roasted vegetables or even as a dip for some crudités.
I even used it on a baked potato once. don't knock it 'til you try it! a crisp dry white wine, like a pinot grigio, would pair lovely with homemade salads and this dressing.
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Right, so you've made a batch of this glorious homemade russian dressing . how long does it last? you know, that’s a great question.
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it'll be good for about 5-7 days. i wouldn’t risk freezing it, mayonnaise can get weird when it thaws.
When reheating, there is nothing to reheat. just take it out of the fridge 15 minutes before to take the chill off.
Variations: Making it Your Own
This is where things get fun! want a spicy russian dressing ? add a pinch more cayenne, or a dash of your favourite hot sauce.
For a lighter version, try swapping some of the mayo with greek yogurt. honestly, it's super versatile. seasonal swaps? in the summer, maybe some fresh dill.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bottle
Look, this homemade russian dressing isn't exactly a health food, but it's way better than the store-bought stuff! you're controlling the ingredients.
There's roughly 130 calories per 2-tablespoon serving. it provides some fat, a few carbs, and minimal protein. its key health benefits come from avoiding the artificial additives and preservatives found in commercial brands.
When you are making homemade condiments , you have the control. the other options are a lot less useful.
So there you have it! a few extra thoughts to help you master this homemade salad dressing recipe. don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own perfect homemade dressing blend! you know, playing around with salad dressing recipes homemade is so rewarding.
And remember, this dressing is perfect with salad dressing recipes of all kinds! go forth and create some awesome homemade salads !

Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Thousand Island dressing and homemade Russian dressing? They seem awfully similar, like twins separated at birth!
That's a cracking question! While they are cousins in the condiment family, Russian dressing usually packs a bit more of a punch. Homemade Russian dressing tends to be spicier, often using horseradish and cayenne pepper, whereas Thousand Island is usually sweeter and milder, with more emphasis on sweet pickle relish. Think of Russian dressing as the slightly rebellious sibling!
Can I make this homemade Russian dressing ahead of time? I'm planning a "Mad Men" themed party and want to be organised.
Absolutely! In fact, it's better if you do. The flavors in this homemade Russian dressing meld together beautifully when given time to sit. You can easily make it a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving to re-incorporate everything.
I can't find prepared horseradish, is there a good substitute for my homemade Russian dressing?
Fear not! You've got options. If you can find fresh horseradish root, that's ideal. Grate about 1-2 tablespoons, being careful as it's quite potent! Otherwise, a tiny dab (and I mean tiny) of wasabi paste can provide a similar kick. Start with a very small amount and taste as you go - you don't want to end up breathing fire!
How long does homemade Russian dressing last in the fridge? I don’t want to risk any “kitchen nightmares”!
Good thinking! Homemade Russian dressing will generally keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days, as long as it's stored properly in an airtight container. Keep an eye out for any changes in color, smell, or texture, and if in doubt, throw it out. Better safe than sorry!
Is there a healthier way to make this homemade Russian dressing? I'm trying to cut down on calories but still want that retro flavour.
You bet! You can lighten it up a bit. Try using a light mayonnaise, but be aware it might affect the richness. Also, consider folding in some Greek yogurt or sour cream - about 1/4 cup - for a tangier, lighter flavour. Remember that the nutritional information is an estimate, so adjust ingredients to suit your dietary needs.
Can I make a spicy version of this homemade Russian dressing? I like a bit of a kick!
Of course! For extra heat, add a teaspoon of Sriracha or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. If you are already using cayenne pepper, increase the amount a little at a time until you reach your preferred spice level. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away, so start small and taste frequently!
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