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For those following a ketogenic diet, finding suitable condiments can be a challenge. Many store-bought dressings are loaded with sugar and unhealthy additives. However, this keto Russian dressing recipe offers a tangy, creamy, and flavorful alternative that perfectly complements various dishes. It's a simple way to elevate your low-carb meals with a gourmet touch.
What is Russian Dressing?
Despite its name, Russian dressing is an American condiment, not Russian. It's similar to Thousand Island dressing but distinguished by its savory and slightly spicy profile. While Thousand Island dressing tends to be sweeter and often includes sweet pickles and an egg base, Russian dressing gets its unique flavor from ingredients like horseradish, hot sauce, and paprika.
Why Choose Keto Russian Dressing?
Traditional Russian dressing recipes often include ingredients that are not keto-friendly, such as sugar-laden ketchup. This keto version replaces those ingredients with low-carb alternatives, allowing you to enjoy the classic flavor without compromising your dietary goals.
Many store-bought sauces contain hidden sugars and fillers that aren’t great for keto. Thankfully, it’s so easy to make your own at home!
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Ingredients for Keto Russian Dressing
Here's what you'll need to create this delectable dressing:
- Mayonnaise: The base of the dressing, providing a creamy and silky texture. Homemade mayonnaise is ideal, but a high-quality store-bought version like Chosen Foods avocado oil mayonnaise or Primal Kitchen mayo can be used. Be sure to check the ingredients label to avoid unwanted additives like canola and soybean oil, cornstarch, potato starch, and sugar.
- Sugar-Free Ketchup: Essential for that classic Russian dressing tang. Primal Kitchen ketchup is a great option, as it uses minimal ingredients and no sweeteners. Homemade keto ketchup is another excellent choice.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a unique depth of flavor and a slight kick. Soy sauce or coconut aminos can be used as substitutes.
- Dijon Mustard: Contributes to the dressing's tanginess, a hallmark of Russian dressing.
- Onion Powder: For that subtle onion flavor.
- Hot Sauce: For a touch of heat. Adjust the amount to your preference.
- Salt and White Pepper: To enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Optional Ingredients:
- Fresh Parsley, Chives, and Dill: Fresh herbs add a vibrant flavor. If using dried herbs, reduce the quantity by two-thirds.
- Prepared Horseradish: For an extra kick.
- Smoked Paprika: To add a smoky flavor.
- Garlic Powder: For a savory touch.
- Minced Onion: Adds a stronger onion flavor. Yellow or white onion works well.
- Tamari: To add amazing depth of flavor to this dressing.
- Dill Pickle Relish: For a twist.
How to Make Keto Russian Dressing
This dressing is incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few simple steps:
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine all ingredients.
- Mix Well: Stir or whisk until thoroughly combined.
- Chill: Place the dressing in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Store: Store the dressing in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dressing can be used in various ways to enhance your keto meals:
- Reuben-Themed Dishes: Russian dressing is an essential element for Reuben-themed recipes.
- Salads: Use it as a dressing for green salads, chopped salads, or as a creamy addition to coleslaw.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve it as a dipping sauce for appetizers like sausage balls, sausage-stuffed mushrooms, keto chicken nuggets, or raw vegetables.
- Sandwiches and Wraps: Spread it on lettuce wraps, keto bread, burgers, brats, or sandwiches.
- Seafood: Drizzle it over seafood dishes like grilled shrimp skewers, chicken kebabs, Cajun Trinity crab cakes, or shrimp cakes.
- Veggies: Russian dressing goes great on veggies.
Variations and Tips
- Make it Whole30: Use paleo avocado oil mayo as a base and Primal Kitchen ketchup and Dijon mustard to keep it Whole30 compliant.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of horseradish and hot sauce.
- Ensure Creaminess: Double-check your ingredient measurements and use full-fat mayo for the best results.
- Make Your Own Mayo: Homemade mayo makes it taste even better!
Keto Russian Slaw Recipe
This recipe is inspired by the traditional Coleslaw but I have changed it to fit a healthy low-carb diet. There is no added sugar and I added a small twist by using Russian dressing instead of the regular mustard-based dressing. All this, especially the sriracha, horseradish and pickled cucumber give it a wonderful flavour boost!
Ingredients
Easy Russian Slaw Step by Step
- 1/4 medium head green or white cabbage (250 g/ 8.8 oz)
- 1/4 small head red cabbage (150 g/ 5.3 oz)
- 1/2 celeriac (80 g/ 2.8 oz)
- 1/2 fennel bulb (120 g/ 4.1 oz)
Russian dressing:
- 1/3 cup paleo mayonnaise (75 g/ 2.6 oz) - you can make your own
- 2 tbsp soured cream or coconut milk
- 1 tbsp Sriracha chili sauce (15 ml) - you can make your own
- 1 medium pickled cucumber, grated (65 g/ 2.3 oz)
- 1 tsp freshly grated horseradish
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (30 ml)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 2 tbsp chopped chivessea salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Wash, halve and thinly slice the cabbage and fennel or use a food processor with a grating blade.
- Make the Russian dressing. Finely grate the pickled cucumber and horseradish. Place the mayo, soured cream (or coconut milk), Sriracha sauce, lemon juice, finely chopped chives and parsley.
- Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Russian Dressing vs. Thousand Island Dressing
Both dressings share a mayonnaise and ketchup base, but key differences set them apart. Russian dressing incorporates spicy ingredients like horseradish and paprika, while Thousand Island typically omits these for a sweeter flavor profile.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Catalina Dressing vs. Russian Dressing
Catalina dressing is tomato-based and made with olive oil and vinegar, resulting in a completely different flavor profile and a less creamy texture than Russian dressing.
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