Join us as we revisit a beloved classic – Kraft Catalina dressing – with a healthier, homemade twist. Known for its unique blend of tangy and sweet flavors, Catalina dressing has been a staple in kitchens for generations. However, our easy-to-follow recipe elevates this classic condiment by using more wholesome ingredients, offering a more nutritious alternative without compromising on taste. Whether you’re drizzling it over a crisp salad, using it as a marinade, or incorporating it into creative dishes, this healthier version of an easy Copycat Kraft Catalina dressing recipe promises to add a burst of flavor to your meals while aligning with your health-conscious lifestyle.
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About this recipe
Yum! When I first discovered the original recipe for the copycat of Kraft Catalina Dressing I was super pleased with the end result.
It tasted just like it!
However, it’s REALLY sweet… too sweet if you ask me… I even got a sugar headache from it, and no one should suffer while trying to enjoy a salad.
So, I did what I always do, and tried to make it a bit healthier by doing some recipe development in the kitchen.
I can’t tell a difference, minus the lack of sugar-induced headache.
So, give it a try and see what you think.
I hope you like it too.
To see all of my recipes, go here.
To see all of my kitchen tips and helpers, go here.
To see all of my salad and dressing recipes, go here.
How to make catalina dressing (printable recipe card found here)
Healthier Catalina Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
½ Scant Cup Agave Nectar (or your favorite liquid sweetener)
1 teaspoon Salt
A Pinch of Paprika
½ teaspoon Dried Ground Chili Powder
¼ teaspoon Celery Seeds
¼ teaspoon Dry Mustard
About ¾ Tablespoons Dried Minced Onion
¼ Cup White Vinegar
3 Oz. Tomato Paste
½ Cup Avocado Oil
Instructions
Add all ingredients to a blender.
Put the blender lid on and mix for a minute or two.It’s super easy!
Store in an airtight container inthe refrigerator and shake before eachuse.
Notes
It tastes best when it’s had a few hours for the flavors to blend properly.
*If you think it’s too thick you can blend in a little bit of water.
Also, you can add even less agave if you think it’s still too sweet.*
Did you make this recipe?
Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest
Here are some other ideas on what you can use this dressing for:
Marinade: It makes a great marinade for meats such as chicken, pork, or beef. The acidity helps tenderize the meat, and the flavors infuse it with a delicious, tangy sweetness.
Dipping Sauce: Use it as a dipping sauce for appetizers like chicken wings, vegetable sticks, or even shrimp.
Glaze: Catalina dressing can be used as a glaze for grilled or roasted meats and vegetables, giving them a caramelized, slightly sweet coating.
Sandwich Spread: It can add a zesty twist to sandwiches or burgers, either as a spread on the bread or as a dressing for the sandwich fillings.
Stir-Fry Sauce: Add it to stir-fries for a sweet and tangy flavor. It can be mixed with other sauces like soy sauce or hoisin for an Asian-inspired dish.
Pasta Salad: Catalina dressing can be an excellent base for pasta salads, mixing well with both vegetables and pasta for a flavorful dish.
Baked Bean Enhancer: Add a bit of the dressing to baked beans for an extra layer of flavor.
Make sure to write me and let me know if there are any other ways you like to use it so that I can add them to the list!
FAQ’s
How long does this dressing stay fresh?
Once I have mixed up a batch of this yummy diy catalina dressing, I keep it in an airtight and refrigerated container for up to one week.
*I will add for questions and answers as they get sent to me.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our journey to recreate the iconic Kraft Catalina dressing in a healthier form has shown that it’s possible to enjoy the flavors we love while making choices that are better for our well-being.
This easy, homemade version not only brings a sense of accomplishment in preparing your condiments but also offers the flexibility to adjust ingredients to suit your dietary preferences.
Whether it’s used as a dressing for vibrant salads, a tangy marinade for grilled meats, or a unique addition to various dishes, this healthier Copycat Kraft Catalina dressing adds a delightful touch to any meal.
By choosing quality ingredients and controlling the nutritent content, we’ve turned a classic favorite into a guilt-free, more nutritious option.
So, the next time you crave that distinct sweet and tangy flavor, remember that a healthier, homemade version (a true catalina salad dressing substitute) is just a few simple steps away, ready to enhance your meals with both taste and wellness in mind.
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To see all of my recipes, go here.
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To see all of my salad and dressing recipes, go here.
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All of my salad & dressing recipes
*This article/recipe was originally shared to this website in 2012, and has since been updated to remain relevant, add a free printable recipe card, and improve user experience.
9 Is California French the same as Catalina dressing? A. Yes, the California French is a classic Catalina dressing, with bright red colour and notes of sweet tomato, tangy vinegar, and spicy paprika, among other ingredients. However, it has a thinner consistency than a classic French dressing.
Most Catalina dressings are made with a blend of ketchup, vinegar, sugar and oil. This recipe gets its zippy flavor from the addition of Worcestershire sauce, ground mustard and a dash cayenne pepper.
Catalina is often considered a subset of French dressing, with most of the same ingredients — ketchup, oil, vinegar, sugar, and other seasonings — but in different proportions. French dressing tends to contain more oil and spices, while Catalina has a higher proportion of ketchup.
Although both offer tanginess and sweetness, because Catalina is dominated by punchy ketchup, it tends to have a more acidic profile than its French relative. However, even though Catalina may have a more pronounced intensity due to this prominence of tart ingredients, it isn't always as nuanced as French dressing.
Catalina is often considered a subset of French dressing, with most of the same ingredients — ketchup, oil, vinegar, sugar, and other seasonings — but in different proportions. French dressing tends to contain more oil and spices, while Catalina has a higher proportion of ketchup.
The basic distinction between the two is that Catalina contains more ketchup, less oil, and usually fewer spices than French dressing, making for a deeper red-orange color. Because French dressing has more oil, it tends to taste creamier and look a paler shade of orange.
Ken's California French Dressing is a classic red Catalina-style French. Moderate-bodied with a vivid red color. Sweet tomato notes are combined with a mild vinegar tang and subtle spicing.
The ranch is hands down America's most beloved salad dressings. It is made from a number of ingredients such as buttermilk, mayonnaise, mustard, garlic, onion, chives, salt, and pepper. A creamier and richer version often features sour cream or yogurt for enhanced taste.
There are many variations of boiled dressing, and common ingredients include vinegar, sugar or honey, milk or cream, eggs or egg yolks, salt, mustard, cayenne and flour. Sometimes, the dressing is actually boiled but more often, it is gently cooked over boiling water in a double boiler.
Kraft. That's right—even Kraft has “accidentally vegan” creamy salad dressings, including Classic or Zesty Catalina and Fat Free Creamy French. The Creamy Italian is also milk- and egg-free, but the variety made with olive oil isn't, so be sure to check the ingredients.
Introduction: My name is Merrill Bechtelar CPA, I am a clean, agreeable, glorious, magnificent, witty, enchanting, comfortable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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