Catalina dressing – the name just rolls off the tongue, doesn’t it? This vibrant, tangy dressing is a staple on tables across America, but its origins remain a delicious mystery. Some say it’s named after Catalina Island off the coast of California, while others believe it was inspired by a chef’s wife named…you guessed it, Catalina!

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring a perfectly balanced Catalina dressing every time. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a dressing that’s bursting with flavor!

Table of Contents

What Exactly is Catalina Dressing?

Imagine a creamy, ketchup-based dressing with a delightful tang from vinegar and a hint of sweetness. That’s Catalina dressing for you! It’s incredibly versatile, perfect for adding a zesty kick to salads, burgers, sandwiches, or even as a dipping sauce for fries and veggies.

Why you’ll love this recipe:

Quick and easy: Ready in under 10 minutes!
Pantry staples: Uses common ingredients you likely already have.
Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, tanginess, and spiciness to your liking.

Catalina Dressing Ingredients:

Let’s gather our flavor players:

Main Ingredients:

½ cup ketchup: This forms the base of our dressing.
¼ cup mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and balances the tanginess. You can use regular or light mayonnaise.
2 tablespoons white vinegar: Provides a classic tang. Apple cider vinegar can also be used for a slightly sweeter flavor.

Flavor Enhancers:

1 tablespoon sugar: Balances the tanginess and adds a touch of sweetness. Feel free to adjust to your preference.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a savory depth of flavor.
½ teaspoon paprika: Lends a subtle smoky note.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall taste. Adjust to your preference.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of heat. Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor.

Optional Add-ins:

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a complex, savory depth.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: For an extra layer of tanginess.
Pinch of cayenne pepper: If you like it spicy!

Tools You’ll Need:

Medium mixing bowl: For combining all the ingredients.
Whisk: To ensure a smooth and well-combined dressing.
Airtight container: For storing the leftover dressing.

Let’s Make Catalina Dressing!

Follow these simple steps for a delicious homemade dressing:

Combine the base: In your mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, mayonnaise, and white vinegar.
Add the flavor enhancers: Add the sugar, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Mix it up: Whisk all the ingredients together until they are completely combined and the dressing is smooth.
Taste and adjust: Give the dressing a taste test. Add more sugar for extra sweetness, vinegar for more tang, or salt and pepper to your liking.
Optional add-ins: If you’re feeling adventurous, stir in your favorite add-ins like Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, or cayenne pepper.
Chill and serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Catalina Dressing FAQs:

Got questions? We’ve got answers!

Can I make Catalina dressing ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, the flavors intensify when the dressing sits in the refrigerator. You can make it up to 2 days in advance.
What can I substitute for the mayonnaise? For a dairy-free option, try using vegan mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt.
My dressing seems a bit thin. Can I thicken it? Refrigerating it for longer will help. For a thicker consistency, add a tablespoon of mayonnaise at a time until you reach your desired thickness.

Bowl of Creamy Catalina Dressing

Serving Your Catalina Dressing:

The possibilities are endless!

Classic Salad: Drizzle it over a bed of crisp lettuce, crunchy vegetables, and your favorite toppings for a refreshing salad.
Burger Booster: Spread it on your burger buns for a tangy, creamy twist.
Dipping Delight: Serve it alongside crispy fries, chicken tenders, or fresh vegetables for a flavorful dipping sauce.

Chef’s Tip: “For an extra layer of flavor, try grilling or roasting your favorite vegetables (like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini) and toss them with Catalina dressing while they’re still warm. The heat will help the flavors meld beautifully!” – Chef Michael, Family Cuisine

Fresh Salad with Catalina Dressing

Storing Your Catalina Dressing:

Keep it fresh and flavorful!

Store your leftover Catalina dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Ready to Spice Up Your Meals?

There you have it – a classic Catalina dressing recipe that’s as simple as it is delicious! Give it a try and let us know how you like it in the comments below.

Happy cooking!

P.S. Don’t forget to check out our other delicious sauce and dressing recipes on Family Cuisine. We’ve got something for every taste bud!

Article by Family Cuisine

We are the food lovers, the taste testers, the kitchen experimenters who make up the familycuisine.net team. We're chefs, home cooks, and culinary enthusiasts who have come together to share our passion for food with you. With the help of AI, we're able to bring you the most delicious, reliable, and exciting content from around the world.