Catalina Dressing

N/A (Compound Food Product) Condiment / Dressing

Catalina Dressing Condiment / Dressing

At a Glance

  • Category Condiment / Dressing

The Forktionary Angle

"A classic American dressing that offers a unique balance of sweetness and tang, perfect for adding a vibrant splash to salads and marinades."

Definition

A sweet and tangy, tomato-based French dressing variant, typically bright orange-red and creamy with a mild spice.

Main Flavor Components Ketchup/tomato paste, vinegar, sugar, oil, spices
Primary Use Salad dressing, marinade for chicken/pork
Typical Shelf Life (Unopened) 12-18 months

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Catalina Dressing are:

Sweet Tangy Tomato Mildly Spiced

Chef’s Secret

Use Catalina dressing as a surprising secret ingredient in sloppy joe mix or baked bean recipes for an added layer of tangy-sweet depth and color.

Best Substitutes

French dressing

Ratio 1:1

Russian dressing

slightly richer
Ratio 1:1

homemade sweet vinaigrette

Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Check expiration dates. Look for brands without excessive artificial colors or high-fructose corn syrup if preferred.

Recipes Using Catalina Dressing

Main Ingredient Main Ingredient Ground Beef Potluck

Trash Bag Taco Salad

This crowd-pleasing Trash Bag Taco Salad is perfect for potlucks, camping trips, or summer picnics! Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, this make-ahead recipe requires minimal prep and cleanup. The secret? A sturdy plastic bag does the mixing for you! Get ready for rave reviews – this one disappears fast!

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Course Preparation Salads Corn

Aimee's Specialty Taco Salad

Craving a taco salad that's bursting with flavor and freshness? Look no further! Aimee's famous Taco Salad recipe is a family favorite, so good that it's practically legendary. This isn't your average taco salad; it's a vibrant mix of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. Get ready to experience the magic!

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Side Dishes 30 Minutes Or Less Side Dishes Time To Make

Another Catalina Pasta Salad

This creamy, dreamy Catalina Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleaser! Inspired by a chili-mac pasta salad, this recipe uses rotini pasta for a fun twist. Skip the eggs (unless you love that eggy aroma!) and focus on the vibrant flavors of Catalina dressing, mayo, and crisp green peppers. Make it ahead for a stress-free potluck dish or enjoy it the same day – the longer it chills, the better it tastes! This recipe offers a customizable approach, allowing you to adjust the dressing quantity to your liking.

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Dinner Party Main Ingredient Dinner Party Pork

Bacon Tomato Spinach Salad

Crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh spinach tossed in a warm, savory dressing! This vibrant salad is ready in 10 minutes and is the perfect light yet satisfying meal or side dish. Get the recipe now!

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Easy 4 Hours Or Less Whole Chicken Dietary

Awesome Catalina Chicken

This mouthwatering Catalina Chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights! Prep it the night before or that morning – simply pop it in the oven while you toss a salad, and dinner is ready. Enjoy tender, juicy chicken bathed in a sweet and tangy Catalina sauce. A family favorite, this recipe is easily adaptable – we love it with just chicken breasts, but feel free to experiment!

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Vegetables Low Carb Salads Dietary

Bacon Spinach Salad

This delicious Bacon Spinach Salad recipe is a family favorite, inspired by the Kraft "Food & Family" booklet! Crisp spinach, savory bacon, and your choice of add-ins (like grilled chicken!) come together in a light yet satisfying salad perfect for a weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch. Easily customizable to your taste, this recipe is a great way to incorporate more salads into your meal plan. Add grilled chicken for a complete protein-packed meal!

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Vegetables Healthy Vegetables To Go

Barbecued Potatoes

Fall-off-the-bone tender barbecued potatoes! This easy side dish is perfect for your next potluck, cookout, or backyard barbecue. A family favorite passed down from a friend, these potatoes are bursting with smoky BBQ flavor. The number of potatoes is approximate as I receive them fresh from a local gardener – adjust the recipe based on your potato size!

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4 Hours Or Less 4 Hours Or Less 5 Ingredients Or Less Easy

Baked Catalina Chicken

This classic recipe, unearthed from a vintage Kraft recipe handout, delivers juicy, tangy chicken in just 70 minutes! A surprisingly simple combination of cranberry sauce, French onion soup mix, and dressing creates a sweet and savory glaze that will become a family favorite. Perfect for a weeknight meal, this recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables and whole wheat rolls.

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Main Ingredient Preparation Occasion Beginner Cook

Bean And Frito Salad

This vibrant Bean and Frito Salad is the perfect crunchy side dish for your next Mexican fiesta or backyard barbecue! A simple recipe ready in minutes, it's easily customizable – use Fritos, Doritos, or your favorite corn chips for a unique flavor twist. The satisfying blend of creamy beans and salty chips is irresistible!

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