How to Make Catalina Dressing

Salad dressings are very convenient in a bottle, I'll be the first to admit. But when I read the ingredient list on that bottle, it really makes me pause.

So often I see high fructose corn syrup and a bunch of unpronounce-able preservatives. No thanks!

When I can, I try to make my own. And not only is it easy, but the dressing is also typically better than the bottled version.

This homemade Catalina dressing is a perfect example. This salad dressing is both sweet and tangy, perfect on any salad where you want a little sweetness added to the mix.

Why I love this Catalina Dressing Recipe

Like I said, this Catalina dressing is sweet and tangy, delicious and easy, and takes minutes to make. It's like French dressing, but it has slightly different proportions. More ketchup is a key difference, the ketchup gives Catalina dressing its distinctive color.

I originally developed this to use on a large Dorito taco salad. But I've found it works on other green salads as well. Pretty much any salad that could use a touch of sweet will taste fantastic with this Catalina dressing!

What is Catalina Salad Dressing?

Catalina salad dressing is a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy dressing with a vibrant red color. It is often made with a base of tomato-based ingredients, (mine uses ketchup) combined with vinegar, sugar, and oil. Spices like paprika, onion powder, and chili powder add complexity to the flavor.

Catalina vs French Dressing

Both French and Catalina dressing start with a tomato base, which is why they are both reddish in color. Catalina dressing tend to be a little tangier and sweeter, with a slight kick of paprika. It is thinner than French dressing, and typically more reddish-orange rather than the coral hue of French dressing.

Catalina dressing is more popular for taco salads and sometimes as a marinade for meats, whereas French dressing is more versatile and used for traditional salads or as an all-purpose dressing.

Homemade Catalina Dressing ingredients

How to make Catalina Dressing

This dressing is so easy, you'll wonder why you've never made it before!

1. Just measure the ingredients into a blender.
2. Cover and blend until well mixed. I try for a good 30 to 60 seconds just to be certain everything is combined.

3. When you remove the blender cover, you'll see a slightly thick dressing, the perfect consistency for spooning or pouring onto a salad.

How to store Homemade Catalina Dressing

For best flavor, transfer to a jar, cover and refrigerate at least an hour. This allows the flavors to develop fully.

Catalina Salad Dressing Recipe tips and tricks

This recipe makes a batch of about 20 ounces of salad dressing. My Dorito Taco Salad uses 2 cups (16 ounces) so you will happily find yourself with a little extra. You'll love trying it on all sorts of green salads!

The one cup of sugar might seem like a lot. I have tried making the dressing with ¾ cup and it is still pretty good, so if you need a reduced sugar option that might work for you. I left the recipe with a full cup because I ultimately decided I still like it better that way. 😃

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📖 Recipe