When my oldest son Ramsey started eating salads at just four years old, this Sweet and Tangy Catalina Dressing quickly became his favorite. I can’t even count the number of batches I made to keep up with his requests! Over time, it became a family favorite—not just for Ramsey, but for my husband Woody too. Even my youngest, Aubrey, is now all in. Finding a dressing that pleases everyone in the family isn’t always easy, but this one hits the mark.
It’s not just my family that loves this recipe. Among all the dressings I’ve shared, this one has been one of the most requested by my followers, right behind ranch and blue cheese. And it’s easy to see why. Its perfect blend of sweet, tangy and savory flavors is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It’s a go-to for garden salads, a flavorful marinade for grilled chicken or shrimp, a drizzle over roasted veggies or even a dip for fresh veggies.
If you’re ready to skip the store-bought bottles and enjoy something fresher, tastier and simple to make, this recipe is for you.
Dressing Insights
Making Catalina dressing from scratch is easier than you might think, and the results are absolutely worth it. By skipping the unnecessary preservatives and additives often found in store-bought versions, you get a dressing made with fresh, simple ingredients that deliver bold, authentic flavor. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever reached for the bottled kind!
Here’s a breakdown of what makes each ingredient shine:
- Grapeseed Oil: This neutral, heart-healthy oil forms the creamy base for the dressing without overpowering the flavor. You can also use other neutral oils like avocado oil or sunflower oil, but keep in mind they may slightly alter the flavor profile.
- Unsweetened Ketchup: Adds a natural tomato sweetness and depth without the extra sugar found in traditional ketchup.
- Red Wine Vinegar: The star acid that delivers a tangy punch to balance the sweetness.
- Pure Honey or Maple Syrup: Provides just the right amount of natural sweetness while keeping the dressing refined-sugar-free.
- Tomato Paste: Adds a concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the dressing for a rich consistency.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Brings savory richness with an umami flavor—a deep, satisfying taste that enhances the overall depth. Be sure to choose a vegan Worcestershire sauce for plant-based diets.
- Liquid Aminos or Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Deepens the flavor profile with a hint of saltiness and complexity. Liquid aminos are naturally gluten-free and vegan, making them a great option for enhancing flavor while accommodating dietary preferences.
- Spice Blend: A carefully balanced mix of onion powder, garlic powder and sweet paprika adds warmth, depth and just the right amount of kick to tie everything together.
Dressing Build Blocks
With just a handful of pantry staples, many of which you likely already have, you can create a delicious and preservative-free alternative to store-bought Catalina dressing. The best part? You can easily adjust the sweetness, tanginess or spice to suit your taste perfectly!
- 1/2 cup grapeseed oil (or your preferred neutral oil)
- 1/3 cup unsweetened ketchup
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup pure honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon liquid aminos or low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2-1 teaspoon sweet paprika
Build Your Dressing
Making Sweet and Tangy Catalina Dressing is as simple as it gets. With just a blender or food processor and a few straightforward steps, you’ll have a fresh and flavorful dressing ready in no time.
- Gather and Measure: Prepare and measure all the ingredients for easy combining. Having everything ready ensures the process is seamless.
- Blend Until Smooth: Add all the ingredients to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend on high until the dressing is completely smooth and well-emulsified.
- Taste and Adjust: Sample the dressing and tweak the flavors to your liking. Add more honey or maple syrup for sweetness, an extra splash of vinegar for tanginess or a pinch of paprika for warmth.
- Chill to Develop Flavors: Transfer the dressing to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Shake Before Serving: Since separation is natural, give the dressing a good shake before using to ensure it’s well-mixed.
- Store Properly: Keep leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If it thickens as it chills, stir in a splash of water or your preferred liquid to adjust the consistency before serving.
Customize Your Dressing
This Sweet and Tangy Catalina Dressing is versatile enough to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Whether you are adjusting it to be vegan, gluten-free or experimenting with new flavors, it is easy to make this recipe your own. You can even explore different ways to use it beyond salads. Here are a few simple ways to customize it!
- Make It Vegan: Swap honey for maple syrup and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is vegan-friendly.
- Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and liquid aminos instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Add more or less honey or maple syrup to suit your preference for sweetness.
- Dial Up the Tanginess: Increase the red wine vinegar if you prefer a sharper tang.
- Use It Beyond Salads: Try it as a marinade for grilled chicken or tofu, a drizzle over roasted vegetables, or a flavorful dip for fresh veggies.
Let Me See Your Dressing
If you enjoy this Sweet and Tangy Catalina Dressing, which I’m quite sure you will, drop a comment below and share your pics on Instagram (@that.salad.lady) and TikTok (@thatsaladlady). Don’t forget to add the hashtags #thatsaladlady and #buildyourbowl. Add the hashtags #thatsaladlady and #buildyourbowl too.
Love it? Pin it on Pinterest and share it on Facebook using #thatsaladlady. I can’t wait to see your creations!
Sweet and Tangy Catalina Dressing
8
servings5
minutes170
kcal5
minutesA healthier homemade alternative to store-bought, this Catalina dressing uses simple ingredients, packs bold flavor and is ready in minutes.
Ingredients
1/2 cup grapeseed oil (or your preferred neutral oil)
1/3 cup unsweetened ketchup
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup pure honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon liquid aminos or low-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2-1 teaspoon sweet paprika
Directions
- Gather and Measure: Prepare and measure all the ingredients for easy combining. Having everything ready ensures the process is seamless.
- Blend Until Smooth: Add all the ingredients to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend on high until the dressing is completely smooth and well-emulsified.
- Taste and Adjust: Sample the dressing and tweak the flavors to your liking. Add more honey or maple syrup for sweetness, an extra splash of vinegar for tanginess or a pinch of paprika for warmth.
- Chill to Develop Flavors: Transfer the dressing to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Shake Before Serving: Since separation is natural, give the dressing a good shake before using to ensure it’s well-mixed.
- Store Properly: Keep leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If it thickens as it chills, stir in a splash of water or your preferred liquid to adjust the consistency before serving.
Notes
- Vegan and Gluten-Free Alternatives: To keep the dressing vegan and gluten-free, use a vegan Worcestershire sauce and gluten-free liquid aminos. Swap honey for maple syrup to make it fully plant-based.
- Oil-Free Dressing Options: For an oil-free version, substitute the oil with unsweetened applesauce, silken tofu or aquafaba. Adjust the consistency as needed by adding a bit more liquid.
- Versatile Uses: This dressing is delicious as a marinade for grilled chicken or shrimp, a drizzle over roasted vegetables or even a dip for fresh veggies.
This information is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate. Please review my full disclaimer to get a clear understanding of the nutrition and health information and resources presented and written on my website.
