Catalina Dressing: A Sweet-Tangy Sensation

Homemade Catalina salad dressing

Catalina dressing is a tangy and sweet condiment, easily recognized by its vibrant red color. Made with ingredients like oil, vinegar, ketchup, and sugar, it’s often enhanced with spices such as cayenne, mustard powder, or Worcestershire sauce.

What is Catalina dressing?

Catalina dressing is classified as a variant of French dressing, yet it possesses its own unique identity. The dressing boasts a smooth, pourable consistency and a striking reddish-orange color. It was said to be inspired by the sunny, vibrant atmosphere of Catalina Island off the coast of California. This reminds me of family dinners and summer barbecues.

Homemade Catalina dressing
Catalina vs French dressing: Catalina is smooth, sweet and tangy. While the French dressing is creamy, tangy, and less sweet.

While Catalina dressing shares similarities with other popular dressings, it maintains its distinct character. Here’s how it compares:

  • French Dressing: Catalina is often considered a subset of French dressing but typically has a more pronounced sweetness and a brighter color.
  • Russian Dressing: Both contain a tomato base, but Catalina lacks the mayonnaise found in Russian dressing, resulting in a thinner consistency.
  • Thousand Island: Catalina is smoother in texture, missing the chopped pickles and other chunky elements characteristic of Thousand Island.

Catalina dressing recipe

Known for its bold combination of sweetness and tang, Catalina salad dressing blends the sugary notes of ketchup with the acidity of the vinegar, offering a more pronounced tangy flavor. When I first tasted classic Catalina dressing, I was impressed by how each ingredient contributed to the overall flavor profile without overpowering the others.

This is how to make the Catalina dressing:

Homemade Catalina salad dressing

Catalina Dressing

A tangy and sweet homemade salad dressing that blends ketchup, red wine vinegar, and olive oil with a touch of Worcestershire sauce and spices.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Course Condiment
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, whisk together the ketchup, vinegar, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder until smooth.
  • Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify.
  • Add salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) to taste.
  • Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Notes

You can add other ingredients to the recipe to make it more tasty:
  • A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
  • Substitute honey for sugar for a more complex sweetness.
  • Incorporate finely chopped fresh herbs like basil or oregano.
  • Reduce sugar content and add a touch of stevia for sweetness for a low-calories version.
  • Include a small amount of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
Keyword Catalina dressing, easy recipes, homemade condiment, homemade salad dressing, red wine vinaigrette, sweet and tangy

You can try other versions of this salad dressing:

1. Creamy Catalina dressing

Creamy Catalina salad dressing represents a delightful variation that adds richness to the original recipe. This version incorporates mayonnaise or heavy cream, resulting in a smoother, more luxurious texture. The creaminess softens the tangy notes, creating a milder flavor profile that appeals to those who prefer less acidity in their dressings.

2. Catalina Vinaigrette

For those seeking a lighter option, Catalina vinaigrette offers a refreshing alternative. This version reduces the amount of oil and increases the vinegar content, resulting in a thinner, more pourable consistency. Catalina vinaigrette works particularly well on delicate greens and summer salads, where its bright flavors can shine without overwhelming the other ingredients.

How to use

1. As a Salad Dressing: Its vibrant flavor complements a wide variety of ingredients:

  • Crisp iceberg or romaine lettuce
  • Juicy tomatoes
  • Crunchy cucumbers
  • Sliced red onions
  • Grated carrots
  • Croutons for added texture

I’ve discovered that Catalina salad dressing pairs exceptionally well with salads that include fruit, such as mandarin oranges or sliced strawberries. The dressing’s tangy sweetness enhances the natural flavors of the fruit, creating a harmonious blend of tastes and textures.

2. As a Condiment for Sandwiches and Burgers: Its bold flavor cuts through rich meats and adds zest to vegetables. I particularly enjoy using Catalina dressing on:

  • Grilled chicken sandwiches
  • Turkey clubs
  • Veggie burgers
  • Wrap sandwiches with mixed greens

3. As a Dipping Sauce: Its smooth consistency and balanced flavors make it ideal for a variety of finger foods:

  • Fresh vegetable crudités
  • Crispy chicken tenders
  • Mozzarella sticks
  • Potato wedges or fries

4. In Marinades and Cooking

Catalina dressing excels as a marinade for various proteins. Its acidity helps tenderize meat, while its sugar content promotes caramelization during cooking. Some popular uses include:

  • Marinating chicken breasts for grilling
  • Glazing pork chops in the final stages of cooking
  • Basting shrimp skewers on the barbecue
  • Incorporating into meatloaf mixtures for added moisture and flavor
  • Balancing flavors in dishes
    • Acidity Balance: Catalina dressing’s tanginess balances rich, creamy dishes.
    • Sweetness Control: A touch of soy sauce or salt can counteract the dressing’s sweetness in savory meals.
    • Heat Complement: Its sweet-tangy profile enhances spicy elements for a complex flavor.

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