Homemade Catalina Dressing

Classic store-bought dressing with an updated flavor profile.

Homemade Catalina Dressing

Makes about 1 cup

Growing up my brother and I each had our preferred salad dressings. For him it was always Italian and for me it was Catalina.until I was older and my tastes changed to wanting something a little less sweet. However, recently, I had a random craving for the Catalina dressing of my childhood. With that, I started experimenting and came up with this perfect homemeade version of the classic. I’ve updated the flavor profile and added deeper flavor to keep you coming back for more.

“Recipe Tips:

1. The rice syrup is mainly for texture but also adds a bit of sweetness and depth. In place of the rice syrup, you can use honey or light corn syrup. If using honey, do not add the brown sugar to begin with. After mixing, add 1 t at a time up to 3 t total to reach your desired sweetness.”

Ingredients

1 garlic clove, grated

*2 T Korean rice syrup

2 T rice vinegar

1 T dark brown sugar

1.5 t yondu or soy sauce

1.5 t gochujang

1 t Worchestershire

0.75 t Asian mustard or Dijon

0.50 t onion powder

0.50 t garlic powder

Pinch of MSG – optional

4 T vegetable oil

3 T ketchup

Recipe Know-how

1.      In a medium mixing bowl, whisk all of the ingredients except the oil and ketchup.

• Be sure to mix until completely combined.

• Add the oil and ketchup and whisk until smooth.

• Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.

• Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.

2.      Serve with your favorite salad.