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?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

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 Sweet Honey Catalina dressing? ›

Ingredients : SUGAR, TOMATO PUREE (WATER, TOMATO PASTE), VINEGAR, SOYBEAN OIL, WATER, HONEY, SALT, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF REFINER'S SYRUP, MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, XANTHAN GUM, DRIED ONION, PHOSPHORIC ACID, POTASSIUM SORBATE AND CALCIUM DISODIUM EDTA (TO PROTECT FLAVOR), RED 40.

What is Catalina dressing made from? ›

Most Catalina dressings are made with a blend of ketchup, vinegar, sugar and oil. This recipe gets its zippy flavor from the addition of Worcestershire sauce, ground mustard and a dash cayenne pepper.

What 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? ›

No, Catalina dressing is not the same as French dressing. While both are popular salad dressings in the United States, they have different ingredients and flavor profiles.

Which is sweeter Catalina or French dressing? ›

Catalina dressing is similar to French dressing, but has less fat and more sugar.

What are the ingredients in Kraft 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, ...

What is the most unhealthy salad dressing? ›

And at the top of that list? Caesar dressing. Made up of mayonnaise, cheese, salt and oil (and all too often, anchovies), Caesar tends to be one of the least healthy options out there. Those ingredients cause it to be high in both saturated fats and sodium.

Why is Catalina dressing called Catalina? ›

No one can truly verify the origins of Catalina dressing. Some believe the Catalonia region of Spain may have inspired it, hence the etymology of its name, where its people loved the combination of sweet and savoury flavours. Most, however, believe it is the brainchild of Kraft Foods.

What is Olive Garden's salad dressing made of? ›

Ingredients. Water, Soybean Oil, Distilled Vinegar, Sugar, Salt, Eggs, Romano Cheese (Pasteurized Part Skim Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes), Dehydrated Garlic, Spice, Xanthan Gum, Dextrose, Annatto Color, Calcium Disodium EDTA Added to Protect Flavor, Natural Flavor.

Does Ken's make Catalina dressing? ›

Ken's California French Dressing is a classic red Catalina-style French. Moderate-bodied with a vivid red color. Sweet tomato notes are combined with a mild vinegar tang and subtle spicing.

What does Kraft Catalina dressing taste like? ›

Catalina dressing is tangy and sweet…just like French dressing. But it's not as creamy or spiced.

What is Olive Garden's dressing called? ›

Bhofack2/Getty Images. Olive Garden has two versions of its salad dressing: signature Italian and Light Italian. The signature Italian is a vinaigrette, but instead of olive oil and balsamic vinegar as you might expect, it's made with soybean oil and distilled vinegar.

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.

Is Russian dressing the same as Catalina? ›

While the two dressings share many of the same core ingredients, they are not identical. Both Catalina Dressing and Russian dressing contain Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and paprika. This combination of ingredients gives both dressings their sweet and savory tangy flavor.

How long does Catalina dressing last? ›

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.

Is Catalina dressing high in sugar? ›

French or Catalina dressing contains 1048 calories per 250 g serving. This serving contains 98 g of fat, 2.2 g of protein and 47 g of carbohydrate. The latter is 44 g sugar and 6 g of dietary fiber, the rest is complex carbohydrate.

Does Catalina dressing have sugar? ›

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.

Does Catalina dressing have milk in it? ›

This product is likely dairy free.

How much sugar is in Kraft Catalina dressing? ›

Kraft Catalina Salad Dressing
Sodium420.00 mg18%
Total Carbohydrate8.00 g3%
Dietary Fiber0.00 g0%
Sugars8.00 g
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