Catalina Salad Dressing – Barefeet within the Kitchen

In case you’re like me, you most likely loved a traditional 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 when you ate taco salad within the 70s, 80s, or 90s, it was seemingly 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 at present is a far cry from the grocery retailer variations I recall.

Catalina Dressing

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

I really like how straightforward they’re to make, and the actual fact you possibly can regulate the flavors so simply to your tastes transforms day-after-day dishes into one thing additional particular. Need just a little warmth? Add a pinch of cayenne. Or for a little bit of smoky taste, attempt a touch of smoked paprika as an alternative of the plain selection.

There’s nothing in any respect sophisticated about making most salad dressings, nothing in any respect. You simply mix the whole lot in a jar, seal it tightly with a lid, and provides it a shake. For dressings (like this one and traditional balsamic vinaigrette), I like to make use of the blender to emulsify the dressing. That means, it received’t separate as shortly and doesn’t require as a lot shaking once 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 often 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 liked that variation a lot, we made our salads that means for years. Now? No shock to anybody who is aware of me, I’m all about the Fritos. Nonetheless you make your taco salad, this dressing is a enjoyable and engaging 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 incredible dipping sauce for grilled hen 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 incredible addition to your condiment assortment.

In order for you just a little 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 pointers have fallen in love with consuming salads.

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