Indulge in the delectable flavors of this Delicious 5 Minute Homemade Russian Dressing recipe. Tangy, creamy and zesty, this homemade dressing is an easy way to level-up salads and sandwiches. Made with a perfect blend of mayonnaise, chili sauce, horseradish, and spices, this homemade salad dressing recipe is a versatile and flavorful addition to your favorite recipes.
Whether you’re a fan of a classic Reuben sandwich or looking to add a tangy twist to your favorite salad, this recipe is sure to please. Join us as we unlock the secrets to creating this mouthwatering dressing that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
Jump to RecipeA brief history on the origins of Russian dressing and the Reuben sandwich
Russian dressing is a delicious condiment that is widely used in salads and sandwiches. Its origin is believed to be in the United States during the late 19th century. Russian dressing recipes often include a combination of ingredients such as mayonnaise, ketchup or chili sauce, horseradish, pickle relish, and a variety of spices.
When it comes to the iconic Reuben sandwich, Russian dressing plays a vital role. A Reuben sandwich typically features corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing, all grilled between slices of rye bread. The addition of Russian dressing brings a unique twist to the sandwich, complementing the savory flavors of the other ingredients.
While the exact timeline of when Russian dressing was first incorporated into the Reuben sandwich is uncertain, it is widely accepted that it became a staple ingredient in the early 20th century. The popularity of the Reuben sandwich grew during the 1920s and 1930s, particularly in New York City, where it became an iconic part of American deli cuisine.
With its blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, and spices, Russian dressing adds a zesty kick to salads and sandwiches. When combined with the classic Reuben sandwich, it creates a harmonious blend of flavors that has delighted taste buds for over a century.
Whether you’re building a sandwich or a salad, choose good ingredients
What sets apart a life-changing Reuben from a so-so one? It’s the sum of its parts. You need a good quality corned beef. This is non-negotiable. You also need a really good cheese. For me, Emmental is my cheese of choice for making a Reuben sandwich or a Reuben salad.
Emmental cheese is a fantastic Swiss cheese that has a long culinary tradition. Named after the beautiful Emmental region in Switzerland, this cheese is known for its signature appearance, taste, and aroma.
What sets Emmental apart is its unique hole-riddled texture, which people love to call “eyes.” These holes form naturally during the cheese-making process when bacteria produce carbon dioxide that gets trapped in the curd. Hole sizes can vary from big to small, giving the cheese its distinctive and eye-catching look.
When it comes to the taste, Emmental offers a delightful combination of delicate flavors and a nutty undertone that becomes more pronounced as it ages. Younger Emmental has a milder taste, while older versions develop a stronger and more complex flavor profile.
This versatile cheese is a favorite among both cheese enthusiasts and professional chefs alike. It’s perfect for cheese platters, and it adds a creamy and flavorful element when melted in fondues or grated over dishes. It’s also wonderful in sandwiches and savory baked goods, where it melts beautifully and enhances the overall taste experience.
If you can’t find Emmental cheese, a close substitute that you can consider is Swiss cheese. Emmental and Swiss cheese share similar characteristics, making Swiss cheese a suitable alternative. Both cheeses have a pale yellow interior, a semi-hard texture, and a nutty flavor profile. Swiss cheese also often features the familiar holes, although they may be slightly smaller than those found in Emmental. While there are slight differences in taste and texture, Swiss cheese can provide a comparable experience.
Easy and Delicious 5 Minute Homemade Russian Dressing
My husband loves a good Reuben sandwich, and honestly, so do I. There’s something about perfectly grilled rye bread that’s been slathered with a good Russian dressing, melted Emmental cheese, corned beef and sauerkraut. I’m practically drooling as I write this post just thinking about this iconic sandwich.
If you’ve been following along on the blog for a while, you know I prefer homemade dressings. They’re easy to make, and you can control and pronounce the ingredients. Finding a bottled Russian dressing that isn’t overly sweet or sharp has been a challenge for me. As it typically goes, at some point I declare, “Enough!” and I start developing a recipe. Such is the case with this homemade dressing.
Although this recipe calls for some very specific ingredients, they are all ones that you can easily find in any major grocery store. You can make substitutions, and as always, I encourage readers to take this recipe and make it your own. However, just know the finished flavor may be different. When developing this recipe, I used Hellmann’s original mayonnaise, Heinz chili sauce, Heinz sweet relish, horseradish, and sweet Spanish onions specifically.
I’d like to say a few additional words on Spanish onions in case you aren’t familiar with them. Spanish onions are also known as Bermuda onions. They have a sweet and delicate taste, making them less pungent than other onion varieties. Spanish onions are great for caramelizing, as they become sweet and tender when cooked slowly. They also work well raw in salads or salsas, adding a mild and refreshing onion flavor. Overall, Spanish onions bring a special touch to dishes, enhancing their flavor and adding elegance. I chose Spanish onions for this recipe because their mild flavor does not overpower the dressing.
In terms of simplicity, this dressing is a one-bowl recipe. Ingredients are mixed together in one bowl. Allow to rest approximately 15 minutes after mixing so the flavors can marry and serve. If you like this recipe, you may also enjoy my recipe for homemade cocktail sauce.
Bonus recipe for a Reuben Salad
If you’re trying to cut back on carbs, but still crave the flavors of a good Reuben sandwich, here’s a quick bonus recipe for a healthier variation on a theme. This recipe will serve two people. Divide ingredients between two plates evenly or combine in one bowl for family style dining.
- 4 cups fresh chopped Romaine lettuce
- 2-4 slices corned beef, thinly sliced
- 2 slices Emmental cheese, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sauerkraut
- 1 slice of rye bread, toasted and cut into cubes
- a side of Russian dressing to taste
And that’s all there is to it! Build your salad, top with this Russian dressing recipe to taste and enjoy.
Delicious 5 Minute Homemade Russian Dressing
Course: SidesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings5
minutesThis delicious, homemade Russian dressing recipe serves 8, but can be easily doubled or cut in half.
Ingredients
1 cup Hellmann’s original mayonnaise
1/4 cup Heinz chili sauce
1/4 cup regular sour cream
2 Tbsp. Heinz sweet pickle relish
1 Tbsp. Spanish onion, minced
2 tsp. dried parsley
1 tsp. Horseradish
1 tsp. white granulated sugar
1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
Directions
- Mince the Spanish onions.
- Combine all ingredients together in a small bowl and stir until well incorporated. Allow dressing to rest for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to marry.
- Serve and enjoy. Dressing can be stored in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to one week.
