Whether you want to add a bit of flair and flavor to a salad or as a spread on your sandwich, Thousand Island and Russian dressings are a great alternative to single-flavored condiments. As an integral part of the Reuben Sandwich, Russian dressing gives a great mixture of the sweet and the spicy and stands up on a sandwich that hosts such heavy hitters as sauerkraut, corned beef and rye bread. If you want less of a kick and more of a background highlight, try using Thousand Island dressing in place of Russian. The recipes outlined here offer both traditional and time-saving versions for both popular dressings.

Thousand Island Dressing Recipe

1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup chili sauce or ketchup
2 tablespoons chopped pimiento-stuffed olives
2 tablespoons finely chopped green bell pepper
1 tablespoon chopped onion
1 teaspoon minced pimiento

Blend all ingredients well and refrigerate. Makes 2 cups.


Fast Thousand Island Dressing Recipe

1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup chili sauce, or ketchup
2 tsp Dijon mustard
3-4 Tablespoons finely diced dill pickle


Russian Dressing Recipe

1/4 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons water
1 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup ketchup
juice of 1 lemon, 2 to 3 tablespoons
1 tablespoon vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons celery seed
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup grated onion

In a saucepan, cook sugar and water until it spins a thread, about 230°. Cool syrup. Combine remaining ingredients; add syrup and whisk to blend well. Chill thoroughly.
Makes about 2 cups of Russian dressing for salad.


Fast Russian Dressing Recipe

1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 teaspoon ketchup
1/2 teaspoon horseradish
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
salt and pepper to taste

Always prepare dressings with fresh ingredients that have been kept at proper temperatures for a healthy bite. Any unused portions of dressing should be stored in clean, airtight containers and kept in the refrigerator. Both dressings can be kept in this manner for up to one week. Enjoy!