Homemade Catalina Dressing Recipe

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Making your own salad dressings at home is a great way to elevate your meals while controlling what goes into your food. This easy homemade Catalina dressing recipe combines a perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, making it a wonderful alternative to store-bought salad dressing. With simple ingredients like apple cider vinegar, onion powder, and garlic powder, this dressing is an easy choice for anyone looking to create their own salad dressings.

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Why Make Homemade Catalina Dressing?

Unlike store-bought versions, which often contain high fructose corn syrup and additives, this homemade option offers a clean, fresh taste with layers of flavor. Inspired by classic French dressing, this recipe is quick, budget-friendly, and customizable. Whether you’re trying to avoid unnecessary preservatives or prefer the satisfaction of making your own homemade salad dressing, this recipe is a great idea for your next salad night.

Ingredient List for Homemade Catalina Dressing

• 1/2 cup ketchup (or tomato paste for a thicker consistency)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (can substitute with red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar for a different tangy note)
• 1/8 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup avocado oil (can substitute with olive oil, grapeseed oil, or canola oil for variation)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Kosher salt and pepper to taste

Optional add-ins:

• A pinch of chili powder for a spicy kick
• A dash of lemon juice for added brightness
• A sprinkle of celery seeds for enhanced flavor

How to Make Homemade Catalina Dressing: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this tangy and savory dressing at home is incredibly simple. With just a few pantry staples and a bit of mixing, you can have a delicious homemade Catalina dressing ready in no time. Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure a perfect result every time.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you begin, make sure you have all the ingredients ready. This ensures the process goes smoothly and saves you from having to stop midway. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ketchup or tomato paste (for the base and that signature tangy sweetness)
• Apple cider vinegar or your choice of vinegar (red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar for variations)
• Sugar (white sugar works best for balancing flavors, but alternatives like honey or maple syrup can be used)
• Avocado oil (or other oils like olive oil, grapeseed oil, or canola oil for a different texture)
• Worcestershire sauce (adds depth and umami to the dressing)
• Seasonings: paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper

Mix the Base Ingredients

Start by combining the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and sugar in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Use a whisk to blend these ingredients until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. This forms the base of your dressing, providing the tangy and sweet flavors Catalina dressing is known for.

Add the Oil

Gradually pour in the avocado oil while whisking continuously. Adding the oil slowly helps emulsify the dressing, creating a creamy and cohesive texture. If you’re using a food processor or blender, this step becomes even easier as the machine does the emulsifying for you.

Season and Adjust

Once the oil is fully incorporated, add the Worcestershire sauce, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. Taste the dressing and make adjustments as needed. For example:

• Add more vinegar if you prefer a tangier flavor.
• Sprinkle in additional paprika for a smoky undertone.
• Mix in a small dash of chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Blend for a Smoother Consistency (Optional)

If you want an ultra-smooth texture, transfer the dressing to a food processor or blender and blend for 30 seconds to one minute. This step ensures all the ingredients are perfectly combined and gives the dressing a velvety consistency. Personally, I put it all in a mason jar and shook it for a good 30 seconds or so.

Store Properly

Pour the finished dressing into an airtight container, such as a mason jar or a salad dressing bottle. Seal it tightly and refrigerate. The dressing will keep for about a week in the fridge. Be sure to give it a good shake or stir before each use, as natural separation may occur. If you love salads, try our Homemade Caesar Salad!

Serving Suggestions

This dressing pairs beautifully with a variety of salads. Use it as a topping for your favorite salad or even as a dipping sauce for fresh veggies. Its orange color and rich, tangy taste also make it a fantastic addition to creamy French dressing recipes or as a substitute for Russian dressing in sandwiches.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple recipe: Made with simple ingredients you probably already have.
• Customizable: Adjust the flavors to suit your taste.
• Healthier alternative: Avoid the soybean oil and additives found in store-bought dressings.
• Versatile: Works for salads, marinades, and even as a sauce.

Common Questions

Q: Can I use other oils?
Yes! Substitute the avocado oil with olive oil, grapeseed oil, or canola oil for a slightly different texture and flavor.

Q: Can I make this low-carb?
To make a low-carb version, replace the white sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or stevia.

Q: Is this similar to Kraft Foods’ bottled Catalina?
This homemade version captures the essence of a bottle of Catalina dressing but with a fresher, richer taste and no unwanted ingredients.

Conclusion

Homemade Catalina dressing is a great way to add a tangy, sweet, and savory flavor to your meals. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus, it’s healthier than store-bought dressings because you can skip the unnecessary additives and adjust the flavor to your liking. Whether you’re using it on your favorite salad, as a marinade, or even as a dip, this dressing is sure to make your meals taste better. Once you try this recipe, you might not want to go back to store-bought dressing again! Give it a try and enjoy the fresh, homemade flavor.

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