This homemade Catalina Dressing is a secret kitchen weapon. Perfect for salads but versatile enough to use in many more dishes, this dressing is a game-changer. Healthier and tastier than store-bought versions, it is inexpensive and ready in just 5 minutes. In fact, this dressing is my secret ingredient when I make my delicious Dorito taco salad.
Making Your Own Dressings at Home is Fun and Smart!
Ever thought about making your own salad dressings? Well, here’s why it’s a great idea. First, homemade dressings like this Catalina dressing are healthier. They don’t have all the extra sugar or weird stuff you can’t pronounce that you find in most bottles at the store. Plus, you can decide what goes in, so it’s just how you like it!
Making dressings at home also means they’re not super processed. This means they are made from real, simple foods, and that’s a lot better for your body. And because you’re using fresh stuff, they taste much better too!
The best part is homemade dressings can be cheaper. You just need a few basic things that you might already have in your kitchen. So, it’s kinder to your wallet and your body.
If you like this Catalina dressing recipe, then you will love the other dressings I’ve made. From my easy-to-make Asian salad dressing, the classic Caesar dressing, creamy balsamic dressing, fan-favorite Olive Garden salad dressing, to the always popular blue cheese dressing and trusty homemade ranch dressing. There’s a dressing for every salad and every mood! I hope that you give them a try and love them as much as I do.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Catalina Dressing
- Healthier: Store-bought dressings often contain preservatives and unnecessary additives. With this homemade Catalina dressing, you control the ingredients, making it a healthier choice for you and your family.
- Quick and Easy: Making this dressing is as simple as adding ingredients to a blender and pressing start. In just five minutes, you will have a fresh, homemade dressing ready.
- Versatile: Although this dressing is a star in salads, its use extends beyond greens. From marinades to dipping sauces, the possibilities for this homemade Catalina dressing are endless.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you need to make it:
- Red Wine Vinegar: Any good dressing starts with an acid, red wine vinegar provides that much-needed tang. If you don’t have red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar can serve as a substitute.
- Tomato Ketchup: This ingredient contributes to the dressing’s signature sweetness and tangy tomato flavor.
- Honey: This natural sweetener rounds out the flavors in the dressing. If you don’t have honey, granulated sugar works well.
- Canola Oil: A mild-tasting oil that lets the other flavors shine. If you don’t have canola oil on hand, any other neutral-flavored oil like sunflower, avocado, or grapeseed oil will work.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth of flavor to the dressing. In a pinch, soy sauce can be used as a substitute, but this will alter the flavor slightly.
- Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: These three spices provide the dressing with a warm, smoky flavor. Regular paprika can be used in place of smoked if needed.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
How To Make Homemade Catalina Dressing
- Add all ingredients to your blender except for the oil. This includes red wine vinegar, tomato ketchup, honey, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Blend all ingredients until you achieve a smooth consistency. This should take about 30 seconds.
- Slowly add the oil in a steady stream while the blender is running at low speed.
- Taste your dressing and adjust the flavors to your liking. You can add more honey or sugar for sweetness, vinegar for more tang, or spices to your preferences.
Recipe Tips
- Blend well: Make sure to blend your ingredients thoroughly for a smoother dressing.
- Add oil slowly: Adding the oil slowly helps it mix better with the other ingredients.
- Adjust to taste: Don’t forget to taste your dressing and adjust the amount of salt and pepper as needed.
Storing Tips
Pour your homemade Catalina dressing into an airtight container or bottle and store it in the fridge. The dressing will keep for up to two weeks.
You can also freeze any leftover dressing in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
How to use Catalina Dressing
The magic of Catalina dressing is in its versatility! This dressing isn’t just for salads, it can be used in lots of different and exciting ways. Here are some tasty ideas:
- Taco Salad: This dressing gives a sweet and tangy boost to a Taco Salad. It makes the vegetables, cheese, and meat taste even better! For an exciting twist, why not try my popular Dorito Taco Salad? The flavorful crunch of Doritos coupled with the tangy Catalina dressing is a match made in culinary heaven.
- Burgers and Sandwiches: Why use plain old ketchup when you have Catalina dressing? Try it on your burgers or sandwiches for a unique sweet and tangy twist.
- Dipping Sauce: Catalina dressing is also perfect as a dip. Whether it’s for chicken nuggets, fries, or veggies, this dressing will add an extra flavor punch.
- Marinade or Sauce: Drizzle Catalina dressing on chicken, beef, or pork before cooking, or use it as a sauce when your dish is ready. It adds a sweet and tangy flavor that really complements the taste of the meat.
Recipe FAQs
Some people believe it was first made in Catalonia, Spain, and that’s where the name comes from. Others think that the Kraft Company was the first to make it.
While they’re similar, Catalina dressing is thinner and tastes more tomato-ey and it’s sweeter than French dressing.
They may look alike, but they’re different. Russian dressing has chili sauce and mayo in it while Catalina dressing uses vinegar, oil, and ketchup.
Yes, you can use any neutral-flavored oil you have on hand. Sunflower, avocado, or grapeseed oil will work.
Yes, although a blender gives the smoothest result, you can also use a food processor, a stick blender, or whisk the ingredients together in a bowl or shake in a jar.
Yes! In fact, the flavors meld and develop more fully if made ahead of time.
The dressing can be made gluten-free. Just ensure your Worcestershire sauce is a gluten-free brand.
More Homemade Dressing Recipes
This homemade Catalina dressing is a simple and quick recipe that delivers on flavor. It’s a healthier, tastier alternative to store-bought dressings and can easily elevate your salads and more.
Did you try this recipe? Don’t forget to rate it, leave a review, and pin it on Pinterest. I’m excited to hear about your homemade Catalina salad dressing!
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Homemade Catalina Dressing
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup (120 ml) red wine vinegar
- ⅓ cup (80 g) tomato ketchup
- ¼ cup (60 ml) honey Can substitute with equivalent amount of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup (120 ml) canola oil
Instructions
- Add the red wine vinegar, tomato ketchup, honey (or granulated sugar if substituting), Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to your blender.
- Secure the lid on your blender and blend all ingredients together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. This should take about 30 seconds.
- Slowly add the oil in a steady stream while the blender is running at low speed.
- Taste the dressing and, if needed, adjust the seasonings. Add more honey or sugar for sweetness, more vinegar for acidity, or more spices for flavor.
- You can serve the dressing immediately, or store it in the fridge. It will last for up to two weeks in a sealed container. Remember to shake well before using if it's been stored in the fridge.
Notes:
- Allergens: Contains products derived from soy (Worcestershire sauce) and may contain traces of gluten.
- Variations: Swap out ingredients to suit your taste. Try red pepper flakes for spice or celery seed for extra flavor.
- Serving Ideas: Great on salads, as a dip, or as a garnish for burgers and meats.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container or bottle in the fridge for up to 2 weeks for freshness.
Nutrition Information
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
© Little Sunny Kitchen
jess says
this is the best dressing and I put it on almost all my salads, and I cannot thank you enough for sharing this amazing reicpe
Little Sunny Kitchen says
You’re welcome, Jess! That is so amazing to hear!
April says
I never knew you could make this at home! It turned out great – sweet and tangy, just like the bottled stuff, but fresher and better. Really good!
Little Sunny Kitchen says
Thank you for the kind review, April! I’m so happy you found this recipe and enjoyed it!
Shar says
This Catalina dressing recipe is such a hit! I think it is way better than store bought. It is packed with flavors and so delicious!
Little Sunny Kitchen says
I’m so glad to hear it was a hit, Shar! Thank you for the wonderful review!