Homemade Catalina Dressing Recipe

Catalina dressing is one of those nostalgic recipes that feels like it’s been passed down through family kitchens for generations. It’s tangy, a little sweet, and perfectly balanced with a touch of savory flavor. I first decided to make it at home after realizing how much better homemade dressings taste compared to bottled versions from the store. There’s something special about whisking together fresh pantry ingredients and seeing a creamy, vibrant red dressing come to life.

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This recipe is not only easy but also customizable—you can tweak it to be sweeter, spicier, or more garlicky, depending on your taste. It’s a dressing that works wonderfully on leafy green salads, taco salads, or even as a marinade for grilled chicken or shrimp. Once you make it yourself, you’ll see why it became a staple in so many households.

Why We Love This Catalina Salad Dressing Recipe

What makes Catalina dressing so irresistible is its versatility. The flavor combination of sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky is hard to beat. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you rethink reaching for a store-bought bottle because the homemade version tastes fresher, richer, and far less processed.

I love how quickly this dressing comes together—no special equipment is required, just a whisk and a bowl (or a blender if you want it extra smooth). Another reason I adore it is that it’s a crowd-pleaser. Even the pickiest eaters who usually skip dressing will want to drizzle a little Catalina on their salads.

Its specialty lies in its balance: the tang of vinegar, the sweetness of sugar or honey, the richness of oil, and the depth of spices. Unlike creamy dressings, this one feels light but still bold in flavor. It elevates even a simple bowl of lettuce into something delicious and memorable.

Ingredients You Need

Here’s your Catalina Dressing ingredients section in clean bullet point style, without using that long dash:

• Ketchup for sweetness and deep tomato flavor
• Red wine vinegar for a bright, tangy kick
• Oil to create a smooth, silky texture
• Paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder for layered flavor
• Sugar or honey to balance acidity with sweetness
• Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to add savory depth
• Optional pinch of cayenne pepper for gentle heat

How Much Time Will You Need

One of the best things about this recipe is how fast it is to prepare. From start to finish, you’ll need no more than 10 minutes.

Prepping the ingredients (measuring them out) takes about 5 minutes. Whisking them together takes another 2–3 minutes. If you’re using a blender or food processor, it’s even quicker. After mixing, it’s best to let the dressing rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can meld together. But if you’re in a hurry, you can use it right away.

So in total: 10 minutes active time, 30 minutes resting time (optional but recommended).

How to Make This Catalina Dressing

Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your dressing turns out smooth, flavorful, and perfectly balanced every single time.

Step – 1: Gather your ingredients
Measure out ketchup, red wine vinegar, olive oil (or vegetable oil), sugar or honey, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Having everything ready makes the process smooth.

Step – 2: Combine the base
In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup and vinegar until they are fully incorporated. This creates the tangy-sweet foundation of the dressing.

Step – 3: Add the oil
Slowly drizzle in the oil while whisking continuously. This helps emulsify the dressing and ensures it doesn’t separate later. The mixture should start to look silky and slightly thickened.

Step – 4: Season it up
Add paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until the seasonings are fully dissolved. Taste at this point—it should already have that sweet-tangy flavor with a smoky undertone.

Step – 5: Adjust sweetness and spice
Stir in sugar or honey to balance the acidity. If you enjoy a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder. Whisk until smooth.

Step – 6: Chill before serving
Transfer the dressing to a jar or airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend together beautifully.

Step – 7: Serve and enjoy
Shake or stir before using, then drizzle it generously over your favorite salad, grain bowl, or use as a marinade for grilled meats.

Serving Suggestions

One of the best things about Catalina dressing is its gorgeous, vibrant red-orange color. It instantly brightens up a salad or plate, so presentation matters just as much as flavor.

I like to serve Catalina dressing in a clear glass jar or small carafe so guests can see its bold color. For salads, drizzle the dressing in a zigzag pattern over the greens just before serving, rather than mixing it in early—this not only keeps the salad crisp but also makes it look beautiful.

If you’re using it as a marinade, I recommend brushing a little extra over the meat once it’s grilled. The glossy finish makes chicken, shrimp, or pork look mouthwatering. For roasted veggies, pour the dressing into a small bowl on the side so guests can dip as they like.

How to Store It

Homemade Catalina dressing keeps surprisingly well. Once prepared, transfer it to an airtight glass jar or bottle and store it in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 10 days.

Each time before using, give the jar a good shake to recombine the ingredients, since natural separation can happen. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in small portions, but I recommend making it fresh—it takes so little time, and the flavor is always brighter.

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