Easy Copycat Kraft Catalina Dressing Recipe (2024)

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Join us as we revisit a beloved classic – Kraft Catalina dressing – with a healthier, homemade twist. Known for its unique blend of tangy and sweet flavors, Catalina dressing has been a staple in kitchens for generations. However, our easy-to-follow recipe elevates this classic condiment by using more wholesome ingredients, offering a more nutritious alternative without compromising on taste. Whether you’re drizzling it over a crisp salad, using it as a marinade, or incorporating it into creative dishes, this healthier version of an easy Copycat Kraft Catalina dressing recipe promises to add a burst of flavor to your meals while aligning with your health-conscious lifestyle.

Easy Copycat Kraft Catalina Dressing Recipe (1)

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About this recipe

Yum! When I first discovered the original recipe for the copycat of Kraft Catalina Dressing I was super pleased with the end result.

It tasted just like it!

However, it’s REALLY sweet… too sweet if you ask me… I even got a sugar headache from it, and no one should suffer while trying to enjoy a salad.

So, I did what I always do, and tried to make it a bit healthier by doing some recipe development in the kitchen.

I can’t tell a difference, minus the lack of sugar-induced headache.

So, give it a try and see what you think.

I hope you like it too.

  • To see all of my recipes, go here.
  • To see all of my kitchen tips and helpers, go here.
  • To see all of my salad and dressing recipes, go here.

How to make catalina dressing (printable recipe card found here)

Easy Copycat Kraft Catalina Dressing Recipe (2)

Healthier Catalina Dressing Recipe

Ingredients

  • ½ Scant Cup Agave Nectar (or your favorite liquid sweetener)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • A Pinch of Paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Dried Ground Chili Powder
  • ¼ teaspoon Celery Seeds
  • ¼ teaspoon Dry Mustard
  • About ¾ Tablespoons Dried Minced Onion
  • ¼ Cup White Vinegar
  • 3 Oz. Tomato Paste
  • ½ Cup Avocado Oil

Instructions

    Add all ingredients to a blender.

    Put the blender lid on and mix for a minute or two.It’s super easy!

    Store in an airtight container inthe refrigerator and shake before eachuse.

Notes

It tastes best when it’s had a few hours for the flavors to blend properly.

*If you think it’s too thick you can blend in a little bit of water.

Also, you can add even less agave if you think it’s still too sweet.*

Did you make this recipe?

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Other ways to use this dressing

Here are some other ideas on what you can use this dressing for:

  • Marinade: It makes a great marinade for meats such as chicken, pork, or beef. The acidity helps tenderize the meat, and the flavors infuse it with a delicious, tangy sweetness.
  • Dipping Sauce: Use it as a dipping sauce for appetizers like chicken wings, vegetable sticks, or even shrimp.
  • Glaze: Catalina dressing can be used as a glaze for grilled or roasted meats and vegetables, giving them a caramelized, slightly sweet coating.
  • Sandwich Spread: It can add a zesty twist to sandwiches or burgers, either as a spread on the bread or as a dressing for the sandwich fillings.
  • Stir-Fry Sauce: Add it to stir-fries for a sweet and tangy flavor. It can be mixed with other sauces like soy sauce or hoisin for an Asian-inspired dish.
  • Pasta Salad: Catalina dressing can be an excellent base for pasta salads, mixing well with both vegetables and pasta for a flavorful dish.
  • Baked Bean Enhancer: Add a bit of the dressing to baked beans for an extra layer of flavor.

Make sure to write me and let me know if there are any other ways you like to use it so that I can add them to the list!

FAQ’s

How long does this dressing stay fresh?

Once I have mixed up a batch of this yummy diy catalina dressing, I keep it in an airtight and refrigerated container for up to one week.

*I will add for questions and answers as they get sent to me.

Conclusion


In conclusion, our journey to recreate the iconic Kraft Catalina dressing in a healthier form has shown that it’s possible to enjoy the flavors we love while making choices that are better for our well-being.

This easy, homemade version not only brings a sense of accomplishment in preparing your condiments but also offers the flexibility to adjust ingredients to suit your dietary preferences.

Whether it’s used as a dressing for vibrant salads, a tangy marinade for grilled meats, or a unique addition to various dishes, this healthier Copycat Kraft Catalina dressing adds a delightful touch to any meal.

By choosing quality ingredients and controlling the nutritent content, we’ve turned a classic favorite into a guilt-free, more nutritious option.

So, the next time you crave that distinct sweet and tangy flavor, remember that a healthier, homemade version (a true catalina salad dressing substitute) is just a few simple steps away, ready to enhance your meals with both taste and wellness in mind.

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and supporting my endeavors to make people’s lives a little easier/better/more affordable.

If you liked this post, or found it helpful in any way, please make sure to share it with your family, friends, and co-workers via social media.

Or you could even send them the direct link via email. Whichever way you choose to spread the love, I super appreciate it! ~Sarah

Easy Copycat Kraft Catalina Dressing Recipe (3)

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Check out my other content

  • To see all of my recipes, go here.
  • To see all of my kitchen tips and helpers, go here.
  • To see all of my salad and dressing recipes, go here.

Here are direct links to some of my fave’s:

All of my salad & dressing recipes

Best Zesty Italian Dressing Mix (Bulk Recipe)
Lemon Berry Fluff Salad
Easy Egg Salad Sandwich Recipe (Video)
From Scratch Homemade Pasta Salad and Dressing Recipe
Easy Copycat Kraft Catalina Dressing Recipe
Coleslaw Ramen Chicken Salad
Kick-Butt Pasta Salad Recipe
Family Favorite Veggie Salad

*This article/recipe was originally shared to this website in 2012, and has since been updated to remain relevant, add a free printable recipe card, and improve user experience.

Easy Copycat Kraft Catalina Dressing Recipe (4)
Easy Copycat Kraft Catalina Dressing Recipe (5)
Easy Copycat Kraft Catalina Dressing Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are the ingredients in Kraft Catalina dressing? ›

Ingredients. Tomato Puree (Water, Tomato Paste), Vinegar, Water, Soybean Oil, Sugar, Fructose, Salt, Contains Less than 2% of Modified Food Starch, Phosphoric Acid, Dried Onion, Potassium Sorbate and Calcium Disodium EDTA (to Protect Flavor), Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum, Dried Garlic, Red 40, Blue 1.

What dressing is the same as Catalina dressing? ›

Catalina is often considered a subset of French dressing, with most of the same ingredients — ketchup, oil, vinegar, sugar, and other seasonings — but in different proportions. French dressing tends to contain more oil and spices, while Catalina has a higher proportion of ketchup.

Is Kraft Catalina dressing the same as French? ›

Catalina dressing is considered a type of French salad dressing, The main difference between the two is that Catalina dressing tends to be thinner and a brighter shade of red than French dressing. Catalina dressing's shade of red is due to its high ketchup content.

What is classic Catalina dressing? ›

ingredients
  • 12 cup ketchup.
  • 12 cup sugar.
  • 12 cup red wine vinegar.
  • 12 cup onion, grated.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika.
  • 12 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.
  • 1 cup salad oil.
  • salt and pepper.

What are the ingredients in Kraft Italian dressing? ›

VINEGAR, WATER, BLEND OF VEGETABLE OILS (SOYBEAN OIL, CANOLA OIL), SUGAR, SALT, GARLIC*, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF RED BELL PEPPERS*, ONIONS*, XANTHAN GUM, SPICE, OLEORESIN PAPRIKA (COLOR), POTASSIUM SORBATE AND CALCIUM DISODIUM EDTA (TO PROTECT FLAVOR).

What are the ingredients in Kraft salad dressing? ›

Water, Soybean And Canola Oil, Vinegar, Sugar, Egg Yolks, Salt, Modified Cornstarch, Modified Milk Ingredients, Xanthan Gum (Thickener), Yeast Extract (Natural Flavour Enhancer), Dried Garlic, Sorbic Acid (Maintains Quality), Dried Onions, Natural Flavour, Phosphoric Acid (Enhances Tartness), Spices, Dried Parsley, ...

Does Russian dressing taste like Catalina? ›

Russian and Thousand Island are both ketchup- and mayonnaise-based dressings with tangy flavors and creamy textures. Some people may even associate them with other red-tinted vinaigrettes like Catalina dressing or French dressing.

Is Sweet and Tangy French the same as Catalina dressing? ›

Although both offer tanginess and sweetness, because Catalina is dominated by punchy ketchup, it tends to have a more acidic profile than its French relative. However, even though Catalina may have a more pronounced intensity due to this prominence of tart ingredients, it isn't always as nuanced as French dressing.

What are the ingredients in Kraft French dressing? ›

SOYBEAN OIL, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, VINEGAR, WATER, SALT, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF WHEY (FROM MILK), MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, PAPRIKA, SORBIC ACID AND CALCIUM DISODIUM EDTA (TO PROTECT FLAVOR), POLYSORBATE 60, DRIED GARLIC, XANTHAN GUM, GUAR GUM, YELLOW 6, YELLOW 5, NATURAL FLAVOR.

How long does Kraft Catalina dressing last after opening? ›

When does catalina dressing expire? Unopened store-bought Catalina dressing can usually last about 12 to 18 months past the printed date on the package when stored in a cool, dark cupboard. Once you've opened the bottle, it's best to use it within 3 to 6 months, even if it's refrigerated.

What is zesty catalina dressing? ›

Zesty Catalina Flavor: Made with tomatoes, vinegar, sugar and spices for a signature tangy and sweet taste.

What is the most popular salad dressing in us? ›

Ranch Dressing

The ranch is hands down America's most beloved salad dressings. It is made from a number of ingredients such as buttermilk, mayonnaise, mustard, garlic, onion, chives, salt, and pepper.

Does Catalina dressing have sugar? ›

Ingredients. Sugar, Tomato Puree (Water, Tomato Paste), Vinegar, Vegetable Oil (Soybean and/or Canola Oil), Water, Salt, Contains Less than 2% of Modified Food Starch, Dried Onions, Phosphoric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum, Dried Garlic, Red 40, Blue 1, Potassium Sorbate and Calcium Disodium EDTA (to Protect Flavor).

Does Catalina Dressing have eggs? ›

This product is likely egg free.

Does Kraft Catalina dressing have dairy? ›

Yes! We believe this product is dairy free as there are no dairy ingredients listed on the label.

References

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