Introduction

Zesty Russian dressing is a creamy, tangy sauce perfect for salads, sandwiches, and dipping. With a fresh kick from horseradish and pickle relish, it brightens up any dish effortlessly.

A white bowl with a brown rim holds a thick, creamy batter with small lumps, beige in color, filling most of the bowl. Partly dipped in the batter is a metal whisk with black silicone-coated wires, resting inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup (115g) mayonnaise
¼ cup (80g) sour cream (or use all mayonnaise)
2 Tbsp (34g) ketchup
2 Tbsp (30g) dill pickle relish (or sweet pickle relish)
2 Tbsp minced white onion (from ¼ small white onion)
1 Tbsp (15g) jarred horseradish
1 Tbsp (15g) fresh lemon juice
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp yellow mustard
¼ tsp kosher salt

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, dill pickle relish, minced white onion, jarred horseradish, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and kosher salt.
Step 2: Stir the ingredients together until smooth and well blended. Cover and refrigerate the dressing until ready to use to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

For a milder flavor, reduce the horseradish to 1 teaspoon or omit it completely.
Use sweet pickle relish instead of dill relish for a sweeter dressing.
Try this dressing as a spread on burgers or as a dip for fresh vegetables.
To make it dairy-free, substitute sour cream with extra mayonnaise or a vegan alternative.

Storage

Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir well before each use. This dressing tastes best chilled and can be served cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

The image shows six slices of marble rye bread arranged on a piece of light brown parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Three slices at the top have a thick, creamy beige spread with small chunks, covering the surface unevenly and slightly spilling over. The three slices at the bottom are plain, revealing the dark and light swirled pattern of the bread. To the right side, part of a white bowl filled with the same beige spread is visible, along with a spoon resting nearby with some spread on it. The overall look is rustic and inviting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the flavors improve after resting in the refrigerator for at least an hour. It can be made a day in advance and stored chilled.

Is Russian dressing the same as Thousand Island?

They are similar but not identical. Russian dressing tends to be tangier and spicier with horseradish, while Thousand Island is sweeter and often includes chopped hard-boiled eggs and olives.

Zesty Russian Dressing Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 72 reviews

A tangy and creamy homemade Zesty Russian Dressing that combines mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, dill pickle relish, and bold horseradish flavor. Perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a dip, this dressing offers a balanced zest and creaminess with a hint of spice.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: About 1 cup (serves 8-10) 1x
Category: Condiment
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Russian Dressing Ingredients

½ cup (115g) mayonnaise
¼ cup (80g) sour cream (or use all mayonnaise if preferred)
2 Tbsp (34g) ketchup
2 Tbsp (30g) dill pickle relish (or sweet pickle relish)
2 Tbsp minced white onion (from ¼ small white onion)
1 Tbsp (15g) jarred horseradish
1 Tbsp (15g) fresh lemon juice
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp yellow mustard
¼ tsp kosher salt

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, add ½ cup mayonnaise and ¼ cup sour cream. Stir in 2 tablespoons ketchup, 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish, and 2 tablespoons minced white onion to the bowl.
Add Flavorings: Mix in 1 tablespoon jarred horseradish, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon yellow mustard. Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon kosher salt over the mixture.
Mix Well: Stir all ingredients thoroughly until the dressing is smooth and evenly combined, ensuring all flavors meld together properly.
Refrigerate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop before serving. Keep chilled until ready to use.

Notes

This dressing can be made with all mayonnaise instead of sour cream for a richer taste.
Adjust horseradish amount based on your preferred level of spiciness.
Use sweet pickle relish if you prefer a milder, sweeter flavor.
Keep refrigerated and use within 1 week for best freshness.
Great as a sandwich spread, salad dressing, or dip for vegetables and fried foods.

Keywords: Russian dressing, zesty dressing, homemade dressing, sandwich spread, creamy dressing, horseradish dressing