Zesty Catalina Spinach Salad
This Zesty Catalina Spinach Salad is a delightful blend of fresh, vibrant ingredients that come together to create a deliciously satisfying dish. The homemade dressing, combining the tangy flavors of ketchup and red wine vinegar with the perfect hint of sweetness from sugar, elevates the salad to a new level. It's a family favorite at our gatherings, and I often prepare extra dressing to enjoy on other salads throughout the week. With colorful tomatoes, crispy bacon, and a satisfying crunch from chow mein noodles, this salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor. It's quick and easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights or as a side for your next barbecue.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil
1/2 cup (measured)
Ketchup
1/4 cup (measured)
Red wine vinegar
1/4 cup (measured)
Onion
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
Sugar
3 tablespoons (measured)
Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons (measured)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
Spinach
2 (10 ounce) bags (torn)
Tomatoes
2 large (diced)
Water chestnuts
1 (6 ounce) can (sliced and drained (optional))
Chow mein noodles
2 cups (measured)
Hard-cooked eggs
2 (chopped)
Cooked bacon
12 slices (crumbled (or can use jarred bacon bits))
Instructions
1
In a mason jar or a container with a tight-fitting lid, combine the vegetable oil, ketchup, red wine vinegar, finely chopped onion, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and salt.
2
Secure the lid and shake the jar vigorously until all ingredients are well mixed and the dressing is smooth.
3
In a large salad bowl, combine the torn spinach, diced tomatoes, sliced water chestnuts (if using), chow mein noodles, chopped hard-cooked eggs, and crumbled bacon.
4
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine, making sure all ingredients are evenly coated.
5
Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, zesty flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Catalina Spinach Salad?
It is a fresh and vibrant salad featuring torn spinach, diced tomatoes, bacon, and eggs, all tossed in a homemade tangy Catalina dressing.
What ingredients are in the homemade Catalina dressing?
The dressing consists of vegetable oil, ketchup, red wine vinegar, finely chopped onion, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and salt.
What type of greens are used for this salad?
The recipe calls for two 10-ounce bags of torn spinach.
How do you mix the salad dressing?
Combine all dressing ingredients in a mason jar or container with a tight lid and shake vigorously until smooth.
What provides the crunch in the Zesty Catalina Spinach Salad?
The satisfying crunch comes from chow mein noodles and optional sliced water chestnuts.
Can I use store-bought bacon bits?
Yes, you can use jarred bacon bits as a convenient alternative to 12 slices of freshly cooked, crumbled bacon.
Are water chestnuts a required ingredient?
No, the sliced and drained water chestnuts are an optional addition to the salad.
How should the eggs be prepared for this salad?
The recipe requires two hard-cooked eggs that have been chopped.
What kind of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar for its tangy flavor profile.
Is this salad easy to make?
Yes, it is described as quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
How many tomatoes are needed?
You will need two large tomatoes, which should be diced before adding to the salad bowl.
How much sugar is in the Catalina dressing?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of sugar to provide a perfect hint of sweetness.
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes, you can prepare extra dressing ahead of time and store it to enjoy on other salads throughout the week.
How much vegetable oil is used?
The dressing requires 1/2 cup of vegetable oil as its base.
Is the onion in the dressing cooked?
No, 1/4 cup of finely chopped raw onion is mixed directly into the dressing.
What is the serving suggestion for this salad?
It is recommended to serve the salad immediately after tossing with the dressing to maintain freshness and crunch.
How much Worcestershire sauce is needed?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce for added depth of flavor.
Is this salad suitable for a barbecue?
Yes, it's a great option as a side dish for barbecues and family gatherings.
How many chow mein noodles are added?
The salad includes 2 cups of measured chow mein noodles.
Does this recipe contain salt?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is included in the dressing ingredients.
Is the spinach used whole or torn?
The spinach should be torn before being combined with the other salad ingredients.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The exact number of servings is not specified, but it uses 20 ounces of spinach and multiple toppings, suitable for a large bowl.
What makes this salad 'zesty'?
The zesty flavor comes from the combination of ketchup, red wine vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in the homemade dressing.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
While it is tagged as vegetarian, it contains bacon and eggs; these would need to be omitted or substituted for a strict vegetarian diet.
How should I toss the salad?
Drizzle the dressing over the ingredients and gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Can I use a container other than a mason jar for the dressing?
Yes, any container with a tight-fitting lid that allows for vigorous shaking will work.
What size can of water chestnuts is needed?
The recipe calls for one 6-ounce can of sliced and drained water chestnuts.
Is the dressing thick or smooth?
The dressing should be shaken until it is completely smooth before being added to the salad.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
While the recipe lists specific ingredients, the zesty dressing would likely complement other fresh garden vegetables.
Why is the onion finely chopped?
Finely chopping the onion ensures it distributes evenly throughout the dressing without providing large chunks of raw onion.