Tangy Russian Salad Dressing
This Tangy Russian Salad Dressing is a creamy, bold, and perfectly balanced condiment made with mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, and a handful of pantry staples. It comes together in under ten minutes and is endlessly versatile, working beautifully on iceberg salads, Reuben sandwiches, and everything in between. Once you try homemade, you will never reach for the bottled version again.
Equipment
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Glass jar with lid
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise full-fat for best results
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish drained
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish lightly drained if very wet
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika smoked or sweet
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Measure out all ingredients before you begin. Having everything ready makes the process quick and ensures you can taste and adjust as you go.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and ketchup. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth, evenly blended, and a uniform pale orange-pink color, about 30 seconds.
- Add the prepared horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, white wine vinegar, and sweet pickle relish to the bowl. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients evenly throughout the creamy base.
- Sprinkle in the paprika and onion powder. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Whisk again until the dressing is fully uniform in color and texture with no streaks remaining.
- Taste the dressing and adjust as needed. Add more horseradish for extra heat, a splash more vinegar for additional tang, or a small pinch of sugar if you prefer a slightly sweeter profile.
- Transfer the finished dressing to a sealed glass jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and deepen. Stir or shake before each use.
Notes
For the boldest flavor, use freshly grated horseradish instead of jarred. Do not skip the chilling step as it significantly improves the overall taste. Store in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Do not freeze as the mayonnaise base will separate. If the dressing thickens in the fridge, stir in a few drops of water or vinegar to loosen it before serving.