Homemade Russian Dressing Recipe for Reuben - Lauren's Latest (2024)

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This Russian Dressing Recipe for Reuben sandwiches is creamy, tangy and slightly spicy with a mild kick of horseradish. It really is the perfect condiment for a Reuben Sandwich and more!

Homemade Russian Dressing Recipe for Reuben - Lauren's Latest (1)

Ok, What is Russian Dressing?

Russian dressing is a salad dressing that has a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor. It is made with a base of mayonnaise, horseradish, shallots, paprika, chili garlic sauce, and Worcestershire sauce…a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors! It’s a versatile condiment that is great on a Reuben sandwich, on salads, as a dip for veggies, crab cakes or chicken wings. The possibilities are endless with this dressing!

Russian Dressing vs Thousand Island Dressing

Thousand Island dressing vs Russian salad dressing…they do have some similar ingredients and are both often used on Reuben Sandwiches. The addition of horseradish and chili garlic sauce (or cayenne pepper or hot sauce) give Russian dressing a unique, spicier flavor profile that sets it apart from Thousand Island dressing. Thousand Island dressing is typically sweeter and has a slightly tangy flavor from the sweet pickle relish.

Russian Dressing vs French Dressing

When comparing Russian dressing vs French dressing, French dressing is made with oil, vinegar, ketchup, sugar, onion, & spices, plus mayonnaise. The taste is a sweet and tangy tomato flavor. Russian dressing is very similar in taste with the addition of horseradish and spicy chili garlic sauce, hot sauce or cayenne pepper.

Catalina dressing vs French dressing…Catalina is considered a French salad dressing with the biggest difference being it is a thinner dressing and brighter red in coloring because of the increase in the amount of ketchup used.

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How To Make Russian Dressing

For full recipe details, see the printable recipe card down below. Here is what you can expect when making this recipe:

Combine Dressing Ingredients

In a small bowl, combine lemon juice, mayonnaise, chili garlic sauce, prepared horseradish, minced shallot, Worcestershire sauce, paprika and salt/pepper. Whip together until smooth. Place in the fridge until ready to use.

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Make Ahead + Storing Russian Dressing

You can make this creamy Russian Dressing a day or two ahead of when you want to use it. Store dressing in an airtight container and in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks. I don’t recommend freezing this dressing because it has mayonnaise. Freezing would change the texture to grainy and separate…aka not be very good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Russian dressing need to be refrigerated?

Yes. Always cover your Russian dressing and store in the fridge. Doing so will maintain the quality taste of the dressing.

What else can I use this Russian dressing on?

So many things! The first is of course a Reuben Sandwich! Other ideas for your Russian dressing are crab cakes, fries, salads, burgers and chicken!

More Dressing Recipes to Try!

  • Remoulade Sauce
  • Tartar Sauce
  • Caesar Avocado Dressing
  • Homemade Coleslaw Dressing
  • High Protein Ranch Dressing
  • Charred Tomatillo Dressing
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The printable recipe card is below. Be sure to save, print, bookmark or share this recipe! Have a great day, friends! 🙂

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you wouldgive it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.

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Russian Dressing Recipe for Reuben

This Russian Dressing Recipe for Reuben sandwiches is creamy, tangy and slightly spicy…the perfect condiment for a Reuben Sandwich and more!

servings 4

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combinelemon juice, mayonnaise, chili garlic sauce, prepared horseradish, minced shallot, Worcestershire sauce, paprikaandsalt/pepper. Whip together until smooth. Place in the fridge until ready to use.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 198kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 382mg | Potassium: 30mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 81IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.2mg

Course: Sauce

Cuisine: Irish, Russian

Keyword: Russian Dressing

How to Make Reuben Sandwiches

For full recipe details, including ingredients needed and measuremaents, see the printable recipe card down below. This is an easy recipe, but here is step by step what you can expect when making a Reuben Sandwich with Homemade Russian Dressing (aka Reuben sauce recipe!):

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Preheat Large Skillet

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Assemble the Corned Beef Sandwiches

Butter one side of each slice of bread (just on the outside of the bread). Spread Russian dressing on the other side of both slices of light or dark Rye bread. Evenly divide and layer slices of Swiss cheese, corned beef and tangy sauerkraut on four of the slices of Rye bread on top of the Russian dressing. Top with other four pieces of bread, butter side out.

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Grill the Sandwiches

Place each sandwich in pan and grill until golden brown and cheese begins to melt…about 4 minutes. Flip over and brown other side another 3-4 minutes, keeping an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

Note: If you have a Panini Press, that would also work great for grilling a reuben sandwich.

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Serve!

Remove from heat, cut sandwiches in half and serve with potato chips and dill pickles on the side! French fries or potato salad would also be great side dishes to this grilled sandwich.

The flavor of the caraway seeds in the Rye bread and the delicious corned beef, tart sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese and of course the tangy dressing are what make this classic sandwich such a super star in restaurants everywhere. Now you can have it in your own kitchen!!

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Homemade Russian Dressing Recipe for Reuben - Lauren's Latest (2024)

FAQs

Homemade Russian Dressing Recipe for Reuben - Lauren's Latest? ›

Typically piquant, it is today characteristically made of a blend of mayonnaise and ketchup complemented with such additional ingredients as horseradish, pimentos, chives, mustard, and spices.

What is Russian dressing made of? ›

Typically piquant, it is today characteristically made of a blend of mayonnaise and ketchup complemented with such additional ingredients as horseradish, pimentos, chives, mustard, and spices.

What happened to Russian dressing? ›

In a battle few were watching, Russian dressing has seemingly lost to its bland and sweeter relative, Thousand Island dressing. It was once the go-to condiment in a Reuben sandwich, but an examination of menus around the country shows that Russian dressing has all but disappeared from America's national consciousness.

What is Reuben dressing made of? ›

Russian Dressing
  • ½ cup mayonnaise.
  • ¼ cup ketchup.
  • 1 Tablespoon grated onion.
  • 1 Tablespoon horseradish.
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.
  • 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce.
  • ½ teaspoon paprika.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste.
Mar 20, 2023

Is Thousand Island dressing the same as Russian dressing? ›

The one ingredient that separates Russian from Thousand Island. The ingredient that differentiates Russian dressing from Thousand Island is—drumroll, please—horseradish.

What is Russian dressing called now? ›

“Russian dressing and Thousand Island dressing,” he stated, “are usually the same. I am curious to know how one dressing came about to have those two different names.” Well, the origin of the name Russian dressing is fairly evident.

What is the flavor of Russian dressing? ›

What Is Russian Dressing? Russian dressing is a creamy condiment or salad dressing typically made of mayonnaise, ketchup, pimento peppers, chili sauce, and horseradish. The combination of chili sauce and horseradish gives this creamy salad dressing its characteristically piquant (or spicy) flavor.

What is Ken's Russian dressing? ›

Ken's Deluxe Russian Dressing is a creamy, full-bodied delight. The perfect blend of sweet ketchup, mayonnaise, and relish with mild spicy notes from chili sauce and red bell pepper. A flavor-forward Russian dressing with sweetness and tang.

Is Kraft making Russian dressing? ›

Kraft Russian Dressing is made with a rich creamy texture and a delicious sweet tomato tang that is sure to please. Incredibly versatile, you can use Kraft Russian Dressing to top your favourite salads, as a marinade for chicken, or as a dip for vegetables such as carrots or broccoli – the possibilities are endless!

Where is Russian dressing made? ›

Russian dressing typically is served with corned beef, Swiss and sauerkraut on a Reuben sandwich. The mayo and ketchup concoction – often dressed up with horseradish and spices – was created in Nashua, New Hampshire.

What is a Texas Reuben? ›

A staple in delicatessens throughout the country, a typical Reuben includes pastrami and vinegar-y sauerkraut on some rye bread. We knew that we could do better, and decided to experiment one weekend with our menu. This Texas Reuben features our own lean smoked brisket thrown over some buttered and griddled rye bread.

How unhealthy is a Reuben sandwich? ›

About the Reuben

Unfortunately, this traditional sandwich is NOT one that I consider "heart healthy" as it provides approximately 800 calories, 50 grams fat, 20 grams of the artery-clogging saturated fat, 40 grams carbohydrates, 36 grams protein, and a whopping 3200 mg.

What is a Reuben without sauerkraut called? ›

The Rachel sandwich is one of several variations on the famous sandwich. Instead of the classic corned beef and sauerkraut, the Rachel is usually made with turkey or pastrami and coleslaw. Both sandwiches are made with Swiss cheese and rye bread.

What is a good substitute for Russian dressing? ›

What can be substituted for Russian dressing? Thousand Island dressing is the perfect substitute for Russian dressing, as they are very similar. Store-bought or homemade Thousand Island will work just fine.

Is Big Mac sauce just Thousand Island? ›

The answer is no… but they are similar. Both of the condiments have a creamy consistency and include pickle relish. But, McDonald's Big Mac Sauce includes vinegar and has a bit more pickle relish in it than Thousand Island dressing.

Is a Reuben Russian or Thousand Island? ›

The classic Reuben sandwich is dressed with Russian dressing not mustard. Thousand island dressing is similar enough to Russian dressing that it is often substituted for it. The main difference is that Russian dressing has a little horseradish in it and thousand island dressing doesn't.

What is the difference between French dressing and Russian dressing? ›

French dressing, while also reddish in color from ketchup and paprika, is more of a traditional vinaigrette with a base of oil and vinegar. Russian dressing is spicier and more piquant thanks to the addition of chili sauce, horseradish, and hot sauce.

What's the difference between Russian and Catalina dressing? ›

Russian dressing typically contains mayonnaise and horseradish. Together, these two ingredients give Russian dressing a much more decadent creaminess than Catalina Dressing. In contrast, Catalina Dressing contains vegetable oil and vinegar, which thin the dressing and make it less rich and more pourable.

Is Russian dressing same as French or Catalina? ›

Russian dressing combines mayonnaise, ketchup, spices, and horseradish, while French dressing typically contains mayo, ketchup, vinegar, sugar, onion, and garlic (via Thrive Cuisine).

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