Sauce|Condiment | Vegetarian

Catalina Dressing

N/A (proprietary blend) Allergens: Soy|Sulfites
catalina dressing

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family N/A (processed food)
  • Primary Cuisine American
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Soybean oil|Tomato paste|Vinegar|Sugar

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 vibrant orange, sweet-tangy salad dressing characterized by its tomato, vinegar, and sugar base, often with a hint of paprika.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet, Tangy, Savory, Tomato
TextureSmooth, Viscous, Emulsified
AromaTomato, Vinegar, Sweet
AcidityMedium

Technical Metrics

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

Nutrition Facts

Per 2 tbsp (30g)
Calories150 kcal
Total Fat10 g
Saturated Fat1.5 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein0 g
Total Carbohydrate15 g
Dietary Fiber0 g
Total Sugars13 g
Calcium5 mg
Iron0.1 mg
Potassium20 mg

Chef’s Secret

Catalina dressing makes an unexpectedly delicious marinade for grilled chicken or pork, imparting a sweet, tangy, and slightly caramelized crust.

Substitutions

Best Match

French Dressing

1:1

Very similar sweet, tangy, and creamy profile; often interchangeable in recipes.

Russian Dressing

1:1

Shares a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet base, but with horseradish and chili notes.

Homemade Tomato Vinaigrette

1:1

Allows control over sweetness and ingredients, less creamy but fresh tomato flavor.

Sweet & Sour Sauce

1:1 (in marinades)

Buying Guide

Check sugar and sodium content if monitoring intake. Look for bottles with clear ingredients.

Flavor Pairings

Iceberg lettuce grilled chicken shrimp beef tacos coleslaw.

Recipes Using Catalina Dressing

Awesome Catalina Chicken image 127
5 Ingredients Or Less 5 Ingredients Or Less Easy Main Ingredient

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!

See Complete Recipe
Bean And Frito Salad image 225
Vegetarian 3 Steps Or Less Cuisine Kid Friendly

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!

See Complete Recipe