Everything I Know about Russian Dressing
94
Trip Down Memory Lane
My recent adventure into the facts, fictions, and personal warm memories of Russian dressing began a few months ago in the grocery store while I was buying "fruit on the bottom" yogurt. I quickly found what I was looking for and collected two small containers to put in the cart. In an instant, some unknown collection of brain cells flashed me back to my school days, and I stood motionless in the grocery aisle, a container of yogurt in each hand.
In those years, my favorite lunch was blueberry "fruit on the bottom" yogurt, a small garden salad drowning in Russian dressing, and a cup of coffee. My favorite dinner out was a cheeseburger, a lettuce wedge likewise drowning, and again the cup of coffee. Any dinner at home always included a garden salad drowning once more in delectable Russian dressing, this time home-made by my mother.
There I was in the grocery store, holding two yogurts, staring off into nowhere, and a pressing urge hit me, worse than having to pee...I absolutely had to find a bottle of Russian dressing. Right then and there.
Dressing Gone Missing
There was no Russian dressing in the store. Not one salad dressing brand of the 15 or so on the shelves offered this object of my immense desire. No problem, I thought. I'll go down the road to the other store. No luck. Over the next few weeks I called everyone I knew and asked them if they had seen Russian dressing anywhere in their grocery shopping travels. Apparently, the dressing had gone missing, or worse.
The Search Is On
Time to hit the Internet.
Russian dressing, I soon discovered, has been around since the early 1900s. It was a mainstay not only of my centric life, but of the Russian Tea Room in New York, Rombauer's Joy of Cooking, and even Larousse Gastronomique. How can such a noble tradition fade into oblivion?
Once past the history, I found an exciting clue on a web page called See the WORLD'S OLDEST Salad Dressing. The page featured a bottle of Seven Seas Russian Dressing. There I learned that Seven Seas is a Kraft brand. I went to Kraft's website and started searching using their product locator. No luck. Then I sent Kraft a hopeful inquiry using their "Other Contacts Form". My message was returned as "undeliverable". Geeze.
That pressing urge I felt in the grocery store had settled in to a dull ache. Since I couldn't find any bottled Russian dressing, it was time to call Mom.
Mom to the Rescue?
"Mom, remember that Russian dressing you used to make when we lived on Taylor Avenue?"
"Sort of," she said.
"How did you make it? I know it had ketchup, mayonnaise, pickles, vinegar, milk, and sugar in it. But I don't remember in what proportions."
"I don't either," she said.
"Aw, come on," I said. "You made that dressing every day I was in high school and college."
"It was a snap to make," she said.
"So," I said, "How did you make it?"
"I guess you put all those things you said together and mix it up," she said. "And make sure you use sweet pickles, not sour ones."
That's exactly how she made it. She never measured ingredients then, just as she never measures them now. What was I thinking?
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I Make My Memory
A few jars of mayonnaise, ketchup, and pickles later, here's what works for me. It's a thick, piquant dressing and makes four to six servings.
In a small bowl, add these ingredients one at a time, mixing well before adding the next:
- 3 mounded Tablespoons Miracle Whip salad dressing (if you want a thinner dressing, add a little milk now and beat it in well)
- 1 Tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon sweet pickle (gherkin) juice from the jar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 mounded Tablespoons ketchup
Blend in:
- 3 little sweet pickles (gherkins) minced finely
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste (the more, the better)
Cover and refrigerate.
My recipe has been taste-tested by my daughter, who loves it. I have yet to share it with Mom.
If you have any information regarding the bottled Russian dressing gone missing, please comment!
© 2008 Sally's Trove. All rights reserved.
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Comments
It's good... it's great... it's... MOMTASTIC! I did love that dressing, much more than the deli-bought one. Not nearly as much as I love you, but it's up there. Ma's voice is clear in my head... "You just mix them up!" Of course you mix them up, Ma!
I think this new hubbing habit of yours is great, both for you and for anyone lucky enough to stumble across what you're writing. Here's to many more!
You are so right, Zsuzsy. My mother's family is from Poland. They are wonderful old-school cooks. Not one of them measures a thing! Like I said, what was I thinking???? Thanks so much for the good words.
annemaeve, can't wait to see your first hub. You rock, girl! (I think we need to get Ma hubbing.)
Oh man, I hope Russian dressing is still available here. I love it. But if not, I can try your homemade recipe. It sounds delicious. And I love the background information as well. Probably most of the best recipes are "a little of this and a little of that".
This Russian dressing recipe has invaded my workplace... and it's a huge hit! I had planned to enjoy my iceberg lettuce, home-baked chicken, and grape salad all by my lonesome, but when I popped open my Tupperware full of Russian dressing, people started gathering around asking... "what's that?" Before I knew it, we were all dissecting my salad with our fingers and dunking each bite in creamy, tangy deliciousness. Russian tops ranch as a dipping sauce any day! Now, if only Sally's Trove would post the recipe for that baked chicken...
And what did the horses think about the Russian dressing, annemaeve? Thanks so much for the good words! One baked chicken recipe coming up.
UPDATE! I found a bottle of Ken's Steakhouse Russian dressing in my local Giant supermarket. Not only did I find it there, but I found a great review of it at http://www.epinions.com/content_417655066244?linki . I haven't tried the Ken's yet, but maybe you will, and let us know what you think about mine and Ken's.
My cardiologist says if it looks, tastes, or sounds good you can't have it. Well if you don't tell I won't. I had not realized the slipping away of the wonderful Russian dressing. Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks also for your kind comments on my recycling hub page. I really appreciate the info about the links. I have fixed them, it was a newbie mistake.
Since I sense a kindred spirit I will be looking for and reading your hubs. I do want you to know that you are couple ahead of me but I am on your heals with 4 so far. My wonderful wife says that when I disappear into my computer I come back a little more cheerful. My theory is that I can find folks like yourself and that is where I like to spend my time. Thanks again. NEIL
Neil, thanks for your wonderful words.
Fettuccini Alfredo, one of my favorite dishes, has another name which is "heart attack on a plate". So, since I'm not telling, you better not either!
Mmmm, so good on a wedge of iceburg lettuce! =)
"Mmmm" is right, Blogger Mom. In recent years iceburg lettuce has taken some bad press, being called "tasteless" and "bland". It has become the less-desired variety of salad greens, while the more exotic leaf lettuces dominate the market. As far as I'm concerned, iceburg has an unmistakably delicious flavor, a superior snappy texture, and you can shred the heck out of it so it blends nicely with Mexican cuisine. :)
Hear hear. Exotic greens are weird rabbit food. Iceberg is the way to go! I want to see someone try to make a lettuce bowl out of chickory. Ain't happenin'!
wow..great hub....how do you drawme like that using condiments! good job
funnebone, I'm just crazy about you and your work. But sometimes I guess I don't understand, or I don't speak your language...what is "how do you drawme like that using condiments" ? Do you mean that the pic up on the right looks like you as an underwear model? (omg) :)
I think sometimes there are boiled eggs added ? is that correct or is that not really Russian dressing? I made this and it is good, I added lots of pepper for kick -- then I tried a version with the chopped/mashed up boiled egg and it was good, but I was wondering which version is authentic?
I want the baked chicken recipe too S. !! =) Marisue
HaHa about the baked chicken! I need to get annemaeve together with a camera and a chicken one afternoon in order to finish up the hub for it that I have in the works. It absolutely will not be possible for me to take pictures and prepare the chicken at the same time, since prep requires that your hands get really messed up.
Follow that link up at the top, "Russian dressing" under "The Search Is On" for a history. Although the origin of the dressing isn't known, it is fairly certain that the earliest versions contained mayonaise and caviar. As for the eggs, I have never heard of chopping up eggs into the dressing. Which did you like better, with or without egg?
Ahhhh you've done it again ST--no wonder I am your loyal fan:-) Haven't thought about Russian dressing in years but now I have a recipe I'm gonna make some.....or maybe I'll just hie myself over to Giant and get some Ken's. Either way, my all time personal fav is "turkey on rye with cole slaw and russian dreessing" followed closely by russian dressing on a big chef's salad......and just for nostalgia I may make myself a "hearts of lettuce"salad with iceberg lettuce and you know what. Thanks to you and your mom for another great hub.
Robie, your comments are so cool. Yes, yes, YES to the turkey on rye with cole slaw and Russian dreessing! It gives you two opportunities to eat mayonnaise on the same sandwich. I love that combination!
My daughter and I did try the Ken's and, well, let's just say we like mine better. It's so easy to make. Just double the batch so you have enough for all the foods you want to pour it on this week.
Your fan, ST.
Well, each had a great taste...I'm not a big fan of boiled eggs but it worked in the dressing. I have to say tho...i think I liked it without best.
Can I add a link to your Russian Dressing recipe in a HUB I'm about to publish?? let me know I'm online but you can email me too either way....Marisue =)
OK--home made it is then--bye bye weightwatchers:-)
marisue, thanks for your thoughts on with egg or without egg. And, I would be honored if you would link to my hub. Please do.
Robie, I have good news for you. You can have the Russian dressing, just eliminate the sugar or use a substitute, and treat the dressing as low-fat mayonnaise in your food plan. Granted, you won't be allowed a large portion with this recipe. However, you can thin the dressing with skim milk to make it go a little farther!
marisue, thank you for linking to my hub. Now my hub links to yours. :)
yippeeee!! thanks!! Marisue
Russian dressing on iceberg lettuce sounds tasty.
My favorite deli in Boston made a Russian turkey sandwich with slaw on rye. I had one everyday resulting in Size 16 for 2 years until I moved out of there. They also used as condiment for their french fries.
Minnie's Mom, Robie2 shares your passion! (See her comment above.)
Russian dressing on french fries? I will die on the spot!
Thanks so much for stopping by.
Russian dressing on fries? Absolutely. When I lived in Utah, my friend ate something called fry sauce (seriously) which was a combination of ketchup and mayonaise. It was divine! I'm a little confused about the sweet pickles in your recipe. I thought Russian dressing did not have the sweet pickles, but thousand island dressing did (I always thought the islands were the pickles). Could be I just remember wrong--I haven't seen Russian dressing listed on the menu for years, but it is one of our favorites. Thanks for reminding me. I'll make it for dinner tonight.
minnow, thanks so much for stopping by.
Your Utah story reminds me of being in Holland in 1970, enjoying snacks from street vendors. A favorite was french fried potatoes served in a paper cone, sprinkled with salt, and lathered with mayonaisse and malt vinegar. There is no end of what can be done to french fries.
There is debate about what what differentiates Thousand Island from Russian. I don't have the answer. But I love the idea that the pickles might be the islands. How cool!
Please let us know how you like the Russian dressing from this recipe.
Best regards, ST.
Skip and Tad loved it. I made a smaller recipe, and Tad finished it off. It's a good thing we took that three mile walk this afternoon. Best, minnow
Minnow, I'm so sorry I didn't see your comment until now. So please forgive me for not responding sooner.
I am so glad Skip and Tad loved it. Two months later, are you still taking those three-mile walks? :)
Best wishes, S.
I was on goggle to search for Russian Dressing for an "old receipe" that I wanted to cook and "low and behold" there was your article. The recipe that I use Russian Dressing goes like this.
Chicken Breasts, I can of (Jellied) Cranberry Sauce, 1/2 16 oz. bottle of Russian Dressing, 1 package of Lipton Dried Onion Soup.
Cook all ingretiants in a Crock Pot on Low for 4 hours. Bake 1 1/2 hours @ 350 degrees. Serve. This dish tastes like barbeque chicken falling off the bone. Yum!!!
Margaret Ann, I am so glad you found this *old* recipe through Google and took the time to comment. And thanks so much for sharing your chicken dish. This dish sounds like one of those old-time, easy comfort foods. It is definitely on my list of new dishes to try!
Too funny and very well written! Blogging this on over to my Comfort Food Louisiana blog as Russian dressing has been a favorite in this culture for ages - now I know just how long from you: a century! Thanks for such a great hub!
Denny, I was so delighted to read your comment. First, thanks so much for linking here from there. Second, when I read the intro to your blog, I realized that the Russian dressing interest among the folks in Louisiana might have a lot to do with its Jewish population.
It used to be that in the neck of the world where I grew up, metropolitan New York and congested New Jersey, Jewish delis and bakeries were plentiful. That's different now. The Jewish deli is going the way of the dinosaur. Fortunately for me, there's a deli just a few miles away that not only serves outstanding meals but also sells deli items. Shortly after I wrote this Hub, I discovered, to my delight, that Pumpernick's sold their homemade Russian dressing by the pound. Of course, I bought some! Turned out that mine is very similar to theirs, although my daughter says mine is better (a lot to be said for "pride and prejudice").
Thanks so much!
oh i am gonna tell mom to ry it :D ill come back soon when it is done ! n ill tell ya :D:D lol...still thumbz up
plz do!
tks 4 stpg by.
It's delicious!!!! Hope your mom likes it too.
My husband just found WishBone Russian dressing at Meijers in Michigan :-)
Heather, thanks for the tip. Unfortunately, there is no Meijers near us. But the good news is that now we know WishBone and Ken's Steakhouse are available. I'd like to think this little Hub had something to do with that!
I had almost the same experience today in the supermarket, not the first time, and here I am. Looking for the ONLY thing to have on my corned beef /swiss cheese/red cabbage on pumpernickel ( the 'red reuben). Buckets of that wan 1000 Islands stuff around, but not for me. I've made Russian periodically for myself for years anyway, I like a zing to it. This time I'm going to try a little Ken's Country French in place of the catsup and I always add a touch of mustard. I didn't realize it actually WAS NOT available anyore, or so limited - what a shame!. Its easy to make though, and worth it!
fran, when we are passionate about our Russian dressing, there's no stopping us to get what we want. Thank you so much for adding your angst to mine.
At least we know now that Ken's and WishBone are on the market in places, and in some good old Jewish delis you can get their own, and you can always make mine or yours. Life is good!
I just have to tell you, this continues to be a new favorite dressing for my family. They love your recipe and request it everytime I make salad. We pepper it to an extreme but it's just yummy!! Simple, refreshingly "fresh!" Forget the bottled dressing - nevah again once you taste this! =))
Marisue, that's so funny about "pepper it to an extreme". One day, I made the dressing and left out the pepper. Just not thinking, I guess. Well, the dressing tasted exactly like Miracle Whip with ketchup and sweet pickles. No more, no less. The pepper is a major key to this taste sensation. (I just now modified the recipe, thank you!) Thanks so much for your comment, and cheers to your family!
Kraft quit making Russian Dressing a while back, not enough demand for it. I actually called them and asked because my husband and I love it and have not been able to buy any in over a year. Wishbone and Ken's don't hold a candle to the (not non-existent) Kraft Russian, not even close to as good. My one question about the recipe is: Are you sure about the Miracle Whip? That stuff makes me gag, yuck! I don't remember ever tasting any type of a Miracle Whip taste in Kraft's Russian Dressing...and I had been eating it for over 20 years. Kraft's did not have any celery salt, any celery anything. It was bright red, sugary sweet and tangy. Very delicious. Oh well, someday maybe I will find the Kraft recipe.
Hey Russianlover, this recipe is what I grew up with. Definitely, there are many variations. But I'll give you a challenge...make this recipe with Miracle Whip, and then make it with mayo (your own or store-bought)...I think you will see the difference right away. Also, don't forget the pepper. If you leave it out, the entire taste sensation disappears.
Thanks so much for reading and commenting.
Sally
Ken's makes a decent traditional Russian dressing and Wish Bone makes a crappy, syrupy kind. Yeah, I have noticed over the last couple of years it is getting harder to find it around here. I personally think it's crap on salads (and fries? barf) but absolutely essential for a variety of sandwiches, particularly Pastrami on Rye and Reubens.
I also live in SE Pa (Philly to be exact)-- if you're a fan of Russian dressing and deli sandwiches, check out Koch's Deli on Locust and 43rd some time (across from the CVS)-- best sandwiches ever, especially the Reubens (and they put their excellent Russian dressing on most of the sandwiches). Be warned, however, it will take at least 15-20 minutes for them to make your sandwich, often longer. Well worth it in my opinion, though.
Hi Omar,
If you ever find yourself in Montgomeryville on 309 at Upper State Road, try Pumpernick's Deli. They'd been in CC for a couple of generations, I think, and then they moved up here about 4 years ago. They make their own Russian dressing which you can buy by the pound. Their classic Jewish deli fare is, of course, outstanding, and their pickle bar is unique.
Thanks for the word on Koch's. I get down there now and again, so I'll try it out.
I'll be sure to try it
It sound delicious food. I like it. Thanks for share. great recipes.
Prasetio30, thank you so much for reading and commenting.
Wish Bone still makes their old stand by Russian Dressing, in fact I"m eating a salad with it right now! Got it at Ralphs in San Diego (Kroger elsewhere) Enjoy!
Salad lover, yes they do still make the old standby. And we're all grateful for it! Thanks so much for reading and commenting.
Thank You SO-O-O-O-O much! I've been looking for Russian Dressing for at least a year. Today was my last try. Decided to search for it on the web and found this site. Now I know why I couldn't find it. Thanks for the recipe. Will be making soon.
Ya-Ya, thanks so much for reading and commenting. I assure you, this recipe will delight you.
as a lover of this stuff since i was a kid my mom made chicken over rice with this and it is great.i have found the dressing and have been havibg it shipped to me from canada of all places.had some just yesterday when my wife made my favorite dish if chicken over rice with russian dressing and lipton union soup mix it is the bomb.
marti, there is comfort food and then there is comfort food. There is nothing better than what you described. To marry Russian dressing with Lipton onion soup mix is to die for!
It does not surprise me that your source of Russian dressing is from outside of the country that spawned it. How resourceful are we that we can make it or procure it. There's a lot to be said about this incredible food sensation.
Thanks so much for your comment.
I'm pretty sure that Russian Dressing was merely renamed rather than banished a long time ago, and is very widely available under the new name "Thousand Island dressing"
That being said, I LOVE your homemade recipe, and if you are going to use it on a sandwitch - like a Ruben, I reccommend adding just a touch of hot sauce for a tasty kick!
Bea, you bring up some interesting thoughts about Russian vs. Thousand Island. Some agree that they are mostly the same, but with different names. Others see it quite differently. Here's a great series of posts at snopes.com where folks weigh in with their knowledge and opinions on the subject:
http://message.snopes.com/showthread.php?t=23536
Thanks so much for the good words. Love your tip about adding a touch of hot sauce for the Reuben!
Zsuzsy Bee says:
2 years ago
I would think a lot of heritage recipes were measured like this..a pinch of this and a smidge of that and yum a perfect dish
good hub regards Zsuzsy