Ah Russian dressing. Did you know it isn’t even Russian at all? Nope! Totally American. It was invented in Nashua, New Hampshire by a James E. Colburn who had sold it in his store. In Russia they just call this dressing ketchunnaise (кетчунез) since the two base ingredients are ketchup and mayonnaise. Russian dressing is perhaps most known for being the signature spread on a Reuben Sandwich, but it work’s just as well on any old burger or with fries.
Many people think that this is the same as Thousand Island dressing, which is currently much more popular. However they are not exactly the same. Thousand Island for instance is typically sweeter and less spicy than a classic Russian dressing.
This dressing is considered “piquant” which generally means it has a combination of extremely strong flavors. Piquant by nature are smells or tastes that are so overpowering they can sometimes be considered unpleasant. Although I don’t imagine too many people would say a well prepared Russian dressing is unpleasant.
Russian Dressing Ingredients
1 cup Mayonnaise; store bought or homemade. I suggest using homemade, as it isn’t all that difficult, and lends more richness to the finished product.
1/4 cup Ketchup. This can be store-bought as it is quite annoying to make a great ketchup at home.
1 tbsp Hot Sauce. I used TRUFF, which is a gourmet hot sauce with a unique flavor, but feel free to just use any hot sauce you have on hand.
2 tsp Chives; chopped.
2 tsp Horseradish; minced. You can add more or less depending on your preference for horseradish.
1 tsp Hungarian Sweet Smoked Paprika. This is my preferred paprika, but any ground paprika you have on hand should be good enough.
1 tsp Whole Black Peppercorns; knife crushed by hand
1 tsp Sea Salt
Russian Dressing Instructions
1. Crush the peppercorns with the flat of a chef’s knife by giving it one hard whack. You want there to be large pieces of peppercorn so no need to use a grinder.
2. Add all ingredients to a bowl and whisk together. Adjust seasonings to taste.
Where To Use Russian Dressing?
You can use this dressing anywhere you would use ketchup or mayonnaise. As a spread for burgers or sandwiches, or as a salad dressing or dip for fries. Some of my favorite recipes to pair this dressing with are:
- French Fries
- Roasted Cauliflower
- Fried Goat Cheese Balls
- Stuffed Mushrooms
- Burgers
Notes
As this is a dip/sauce/dressing it is important to note that you can be completely flexible with these ingredients. This is my preferred way of making Russian dressing, but you can change the flavors to suit your own preference. This is not like baking where measurements need to be more precise.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Ketchup
- 1 tbsp Hot Sauce
- 2 tsp Chives chopped
- 2 tsp Horseradish minced
- 1 tsp Hungarian Sweet Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Black Peppercorns knife crushed
- 1 tsp Sea Salt
Instructions
- Crush the peppercorns with the flat of a chef's knife by giving it one hard whack. You want there to be large pieces of peppercorn so no need to use a grinder.
- Add all ingredients to a bowl and whisk together. Adjust seasonings to taste.
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