Have you had Catalina dressing? It is slightly sweeter, redder, and spicier than French dressing. You can use this homemade Catalina dressing recipe to add a unique flavor to your salads.
I was creating a dressing for my Southwest Pasta Salad and it wasn’t quite working. The dressing needed something but I couldn’t put my finger on what it was. Salsa would be too spicy and I already had taco seasoning. Then I saw some leftover spaghetti sauce in the refrigerator and decided to add some. The result was a truly amazing salad dressing.
The flavor of the homemade salad dressing reminded me of something, but I couldn’t quite figure out what it was. And then it hit me, the flavor was similar to a Catalina dressing – sweet and spicy with a tomato undertone.
The leftover spaghetti sauce is the secret ingredient. I don’t always have leftover spaghetti sauce on hand, so I came up with a plan. I have started freezing a cup of two of leftover spaghetti sauce in ice-cube trays. Once the cubes are frozen I transfer them to an airtight container. Each ice-cube equals 2 tablespoons. I can thaw the spaghetti sauce quickly and add it to recipes when I need a little something something.
Homemade Catalina Dressing Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup lime juice (use this tip when limes are on sale)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/3 cup Spaghetti Sauce (or ketchup + 2 teaspoons Italian seaoning mix)
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions:
Add all of the ingredients to a small bowl or cruet. Stir or shake well to combine all of the ingredients.
This dressing is not as thick as a store-bought Catalina. If you want it to be thicker, place the mixture in a small sauce pan, add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and cook over a medium-low flame until the dressing has reached its desired consistency.
Refrigerate it until you are ready to serve the salad. Keep unused portion in a covered container in the refrigerator.
Printable Recipe for Homemade Catalina Dressing
Homemade Catalina Dressing
Ingredients
- juice and zest of 2 limes ~ 1/4 cup lime juice (use this tip when limes are on sale)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/3 cup Spaghetti Sauce or ketchup + 2 teaspoons Italian seaoning mix
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a small bowl or cruet.
- Stir or shake well to combine all of the ingredients.
- Refrigerate it until you are ready to serve the salad.
More Homemade Salad Dressing Recipes
Honey Mustard Salad Dressing Recipe
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April @ The 21st Century Housewife says
I am so glad you shared this recipe with the Hearth and Soul hop, Alea! Catalina dressing is one of my favourites, but I can’t get it here in England. Now I can make it for myself!
Melynda@Moms Sunday Cafe says
I am always looking for more homemade salad dressings! Thanks for sharing with the Hearth and Soul.
Tricia says
SO smart!
Kacey @ cookingwithkacey says
This looks so good and easy. I make taco salad with Catalina dressing, and this would make it even better I’m sure!
Amy @ A Little Nosh says
My husband LOVES Catalina dressing..can’t wait to try this one.
I’d be thrilled if you’d link this recipe up at Tastetastic Thursdays!
Swathi says
Love the home made sauce, thanks for sharing and hosting hearth and soul blog hop.