Zesty Catalina Salad Dressing
Elevate your salads with this homemade Zesty Catalina Salad Dressing, a vibrant and tangy alternative to store-bought options. Perfect for tossed green salads, coleslaw, and as a marinade, this dressing blends a medley of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Made from pantry staples like ketchup, vinegar, and a dash of spices, this recipe yields approximately 2 cups of fresh dressing. Easy to prepare, it’s perfect for meal prep or sharing with friends at your next gathering. Keep it chilled for a refreshing taste whenever you need a burst of flavor!
2
Servings
1440
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar
1 cup (Granulated)
Salt
2 teaspoons (Regular)
Paprika
1 dash (Ground)
Chili powder
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Celery seed
1/2 teaspoon (Whole)
Dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Grated onion
to taste (Fresh)
Vinegar
1/2 cup (White or apple cider)
Ketchup
2/3 cup (Regular)
Vegetable oil
1 cup (Canola or other neutral oil)
Instructions
1
In a blender, combine the sugar, salt, paprika, chili powder, celery seed, dry mustard, grated onion, vinegar, and ketchup.
2
Blend on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and the ingredients are well combined.
3
With the blender running, gradually add the vegetable oil until the dressing is emulsified and slightly thickened.
4
Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or onion to taste.
5
Pour the dressing into a clean jar or a squeeze bottle.
6
Seal the jar and refrigerate the dressing for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
7
Before serving, shake the jar vigorously to mix the contents, as separation may occur.
Nutrition Information
159.5g
Fat
198g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Catalina Salad Dressing?
Zesty Catalina Salad Dressing is a vibrant, tangy, and sweet homemade condiment made from a blend of ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and various spices.
How do I make homemade Zesty Catalina Salad Dressing?
To make this dressing, blend sugar, salt, paprika, chili powder, celery seed, dry mustard, onion, vinegar, and ketchup until smooth, then slowly emulsify with vegetable oil.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include sugar, salt, paprika, chili powder, celery seed, dry mustard, grated onion, vinegar, ketchup, and vegetable oil.
How long should I chill the dressing before serving?
It is recommended to refrigerate the dressing for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld properly.
How much dressing does this recipe produce?
This recipe yields approximately 2 cups (or 16 ounces) of fresh salad dressing.
Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?
Yes, you can use either white vinegar or apple cider vinegar depending on your taste preference.
What type of oil is best for Catalina dressing?
A neutral oil like vegetable oil or canola oil is best to ensure the flavors of the spices and ketchup shine through.
How should I store the leftover dressing?
Store the dressing in a clean, sealed jar or squeeze bottle in the refrigerator.
Why did my dressing separate in the fridge?
Natural separation is common for homemade dressings. Simply shake the jar vigorously before serving to recombine the ingredients.
Is this Catalina dressing recipe gluten-free?
The recipe is generally gluten-free, but you should always check the label of your ketchup and spices to ensure no gluten-containing additives are present.
Can I use this dressing as a marinade?
Yes, this zesty dressing works wonderfully as a marinade for chicken, beef, or even grilled vegetables.
Is Catalina dressing the same as French dressing?
While similar, Catalina dressing is usually thinner and has a more pronounced tang and red color compared to the creamier, orange-hued French dressing.
How many calories are in this dressing recipe?
The entire recipe contains approximately 1440 calories, primarily from the oil and sugar content.
Can I substitute honey for the sugar?
Yes, honey can be used as a substitute for sugar, though it may slightly alter the flavor profile and viscosity.
What kind of salads go best with Catalina dressing?
It pairs perfectly with taco salads, simple tossed green salads, and even as a base for coleslaw.
Can I make this dressing without a blender?
Yes, you can whisk the ingredients vigorously in a bowl, though a blender provides a more stable and smooth emulsion.
Is this recipe vegan?
Most ingredients are plant-based, but you should verify that your sugar and ketchup brands follow vegan processing standards.
How long will this homemade dressing last?
When kept refrigerated in an airtight container, the dressing typically stays fresh for 1 to 2 weeks.
Can I use onion powder instead of grated onion?
Yes, you can substitute onion powder if you prefer a smoother texture without the fresh onion bits.
Does this dressing contain dairy?
No, this Zesty Catalina Salad Dressing recipe is completely dairy-free.
Is the dressing spicy?
It has a mild 'zest' from the chili powder and paprika, but it is not considered spicy or hot.
Can I freeze Catalina dressing?
Freezing is not recommended as it will likely break the oil emulsion and change the texture upon thawing.
What makes the dressing 'Zesty'?
The combination of vinegar, dry mustard, and chili powder provides the characteristic zesty and tangy bite.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar to your preference, but keep in mind this will increase the relative tartness of the vinegar.
Is it better to use fresh or dry mustard?
This recipe calls for dry mustard as it integrates better into the blended emulsion.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe is easy to double for large gatherings or meal prep; just ensure your blender has enough capacity.
What can I use instead of celery seed?
If you don't have celery seed, you can omit it or use a small amount of celery salt while reducing the added salt.
Can I use olive oil for this recipe?
You can use light olive oil, but extra virgin olive oil may impart a strong flavor and can solidify when refrigerated.
How do I ensure the dressing is well emulsified?
The key is to pour the oil in a very slow, steady stream while the blender is running.
Can I add garlic to this dressing?
Absolutely! Adding a clove of fresh garlic or a dash of garlic powder can enhance the savory profile of the dressing.