Sweet, tangy, and bursting with bold flavor, this homemade Catalina Dressing is a delicious addition to everything from green salads to marinades and taco salads. With its signature vibrant red color and perfectly balanced blend of ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings, this easy homemade dressing comes together in just minutes. Once you taste the fresh, homemade version, you’ll never want to buy bottled Catalina dressing again!
Love homemade dressings and want more? Then try our Buttermilk Ranch Dressing or our Yogurt Dill Dressing.
Catalina Dressing is a tomato-based salad dressing known for its sweet, tangy flavor and vibrant red-orange color. Often compared to French dressing, Catalina dressing typically has a thinner consistency and a slightly sweeter taste. It’s commonly used on green salads, taco salads, pasta salads, and as a flavorful marinade for chicken, pork, and vegetables.
Why I Love This Recipe
- I have always loved Catalina Dressing
- Excellent on a green, crunchy salad
- Easy to make
- I have all the ingredients already
- Make as little or as much as you need
HELPFUL ITEMS FOR THIS RECIPE
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Cuisinart Food Processor, Dishwasher Safe 11-Cup
Ninja Professional Plus Blender
2 Pack 4 Oz Classic White Ceramic Small Creamer Pitcher with Handle
Catalina Dressing Ingredients
This homemade Catalina Dressing is sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky with a beautiful red color. Perfect for salads, marinades, taco salads, and dipping.
Ingredients
Ketchup – This makes the traditional color to the dressing and the flavor.
Red wine vinegar and granulated sugar – One adds tang and the other sweetness; they balance each other out.
Neutral oil – This is not a place where you want the oil to stand out, so use canola or light olive oil.
Worcestershire sauce – This adds a savory depth. (Make sure this is gluten-free if you need that).
Sweet paprika – You can use smoked paprika, which would work amazingly as a marinade for chicken.
Onion powder and garlic powder – These both add flavor and depth to the dressing.
Salt and black pepper – I use Kosher salt and freshly grinded black pepper.
Lemon juice – This brings out the other flavors and makes the dressing bright.
How to Make Catalina Dressing
Add all ingredients to a bowl or blender.
Whisk or blend until completely smooth and emulsified.
Taste and adjust as needed:
- More sugar for sweetness
- More vinegar for tang
- A pinch more paprika for depth
Chill at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
Recipe Pro Tips
Storage
Store Catalina Dressing in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake or whisk well before each use, as separation is natural.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Catalina Dressing the same as French dressing?
Not exactly. While both are tomato-based, Catalina dressing is generally thinner, sweeter, and tangier than traditional French dressing.
Can I make Catalina Dressing ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for several hours as the flavors have time to blend.
Can I use Catalina Dressing as a marinade?
Absolutely. It’s excellent for marinating chicken, pork, and even vegetables before grilling or roasting.
Is Catalina Dressing gluten-free?
Most homemade Catalina Dressing recipes are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on packaged ingredients such as ketchup and Worcestershire sauce if you’re avoiding gluten.
LOVE A HOMEMADE DRESSING AND WANT MORE?
Homemade dressing is cheaper and so much better than store-bought. Here are a few more of our favorites.
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Pin it HERE!!
Catalina Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup red wine vinegar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup neutral oil canola or light olive oil
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a bowl or blender.
- Whisk or blend until completely smooth and emulsified.
- Taste and adjust as needed:
- More sugar for sweeter
- More vinegar for tang
- A pinch more paprika for depth
- Chill at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
Let us know what you think!
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