Catalina Salad Dressing – Barefeet within the Kitchen

If you happen to’re like me, you in all probability loved a basic taco salad greater than as soon as in your childhood. It’s a staple for a lot of household and potluck occasions and has been for years. And in the event you ate taco salad within the 70s, 80s, or 90s, it was doubtless made with Catalina salad dressing.

Ranch dressing might have taken over in recognition for a lot of salad lovers (and pizza lovers, vegetable lovers, chip lovers, you get my level), however Catalina nonetheless has a spot within the fridge for many people. That mentioned, the do-it-yourself Catalina dressing I really like right this moment is a far cry from the grocery retailer variations I recall.

Catalina Dressing

Catalina is contemporary, daring, tangy, and candy, (although so much much less candy than industrial variations!) with loads of zesty flavors to maintain issues attention-grabbing. At this level in my life, I might write an ode to do-it-yourself salad dressings.

I really like how straightforward they’re to make, and the very fact you may modify the flavors so simply to your tastes transforms each day dishes into one thing additional particular. Need slightly warmth? Add a pinch of cayenne. Or for a little bit of smoky taste, attempt a splash of smoked paprika as a substitute of the plain selection.

There’s nothing in any respect difficult about making most salad dressings, nothing in any respect. You simply mix all the things in a jar, seal it tightly with a lid, and provides it a shake. For dressings (like this one and basic balsamic vinaigrette), I like to make use of the blender to emulsify the dressing. That method, it received’t separate as rapidly and doesn’t require as a lot shaking while you’re prepared to make use of it.

I used this batch of Catalina dressing in an old-school taco salad, and wow, was this ever nostalgic. Crunchy crisp lettuce, seasoned ground beef, shredded cheese, tomatoes, and crunchy tortilla chips, all tossed with this zesty purple dressing. There’s simply one thing about Catalina dressing that ties all these flavors collectively completely.

The taco salads I recall from childhood had been normally made with plain tortilla chips, tossed entire into the salad or crushed a bit earlier than being added. Our associates, Paul and Dian, launched us to a taco salad made with Doritos after we had been all newlyweds, and I cherished that variation a lot, we made our salads that method for years. Now? No shock to anybody who is aware of me, I’m all about the Fritos. Nevertheless you make your taco salad, this dressing is a enjoyable and attractive flash from the previous.

I do know I don’t actually need to say this, however hey, that’s what I do, proper? Catalina dressing isn’t only for taco salad. It makes an awesome dipping sauce for grilled rooster or greens, and naturally, it’s a terrific choice for any variety of salads. So, even when taco salad isn’t your factor, a bottle of do-it-yourself Catalina dressing may very well be an awesome addition to your condiment assortment.

If you need slightly extra salad inspiration, take a look at How to Eat Salad Every Day (and actually like it!) That’s the spine to my salad-loving life, and so many individuals who’ve tried the following tips have fallen in love with consuming salads.

Along with all of the salad concepts, the dressing options are practically limitless, too. Test them out and discover a couple of new favorites!