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.
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.
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- To see all of my salad and dressing recipes, go here.
How to make catalina dressing (printable recipe card found here)
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 in the refrigerator and shake before each use.
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.*
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
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.
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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
*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.
