Russian Dressing Ingredients

Russian salad dressing has a creamy red color and tangy flavor.

The earliest versions of Russian dressing included caviar, which is considered a very Russian ingredient. Today, the ingredients in Russian salad dressing vary from recipe to recipe, but are made with more common household ingredients. Russian dressing is a smooth, creamy red color, with a tangy taste. Russian dressing can be used over green or pasta salads, hard-boiled eggs, chicken, or sandwiches. Making your own Russian dressing will enable it to taste fresh, as opposed to purchasing it pre-made in a bottle.

Main Ingredient

Mayonnaise is the main ingredient in Russian dressing. You can buy mayonnaise in a jar at most grocery stores. Mayonnaise is an emulsion of lemon juice, vinegar, and egg yolks. Most Russian dressing recipes call for one half cup of mayonnaise. If you would like a low-fat dressing recipe, use reduced fat mayonnaise. There are other types of mayonnaise flavors with different spices that can be substituted as well.

Ketchup

The second ingredient used in Russian dressing is ketchup. Ketchup is purchased in a grocery store in a bottle and is made of tomato sauce, sugar, and spices. Most Russian dressing recipes call for 1/3 cup of ketchup if you are using 1/2 cup of mayonnaise. Ketchup gives Russian dressing its red color and tomato taste.

Vinegar or Lemon Juice

Adding vinegar or lemon juice to the dressing will thin it out so that it will pour like a salad dressing. It also adds a tangy flavor. Some recipes call for red wine vinegar, others do not specify. Add 1 tbsp. of vinegar or lemon juice or enough for your desired consistency and flavor to be achieved.

Sugar

Sugar added to Russian dressing brings out the flavor of the tomatoes and reduces the acidic taste. Add approximately 1 to 2 tsp. of granulated sugar.

Pickle Relish

Sweet pickle relish is added in some Russian dressing recipes, but is optional. The pickles will add flavor and texture to the mixture. Add approximately one tablespoon.

Spices

There are many different spices added to Russian dressing ingredients. Add them in increments of 1/8 tsp. The spices in this salad dressing can be as simple as salt and pepper or more pungent like tarragon, garlic or horseradish.

Alternate Ingredients

Some people prefer a spicier Russian dressing, or one with more texture. If you like a spicy dressing, substitute chili sauce for the ketchup. If you want texture you can add sour kraut, bacon, parsley, or diced onion.

Tags: Russian dressing, Russian dressing, salad dressing, dressing recipes, recipes call