Catalina Salad Dressing – Barefeet within the Kitchen

Should you’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 case you ate taco salad within the 70s, 80s, or 90s, it was probably made with Catalina salad dressing.

Ranch dressing could have taken over in reputation 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 like at present is a far cry from the grocery retailer variations I recall.

Catalina Dressing

Catalina is contemporary, daring, tangy, and candy, (although quite a bit much less candy than industrial 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 like how straightforward they’re to make, and the very fact you possibly can regulate the flavors so simply to your tastes transforms on daily basis dishes into one thing further particular. Need a little bit 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 every part 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 manner, it received’t separate as shortly and doesn’t require as a lot shaking whenever 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 pink dressing. There’s simply one thing about Catalina dressing that ties all these flavors collectively completely.

The taco salads I recall from childhood have been normally made with plain tortilla chips, tossed entire into the salad or crushed a bit earlier than being added. Our buddies, Paul and Dian, launched us to a taco salad made with Doritos after we have been all newlyweds, and I cherished that variation a lot, we made our salads that manner 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 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 a fantastic dipping sauce for grilled rooster or greens, and naturally, it’s a terrific possibility for any variety of salads. So, even when taco salad isn’t your factor, a bottle of do-it-yourself Catalina dressing might be a fantastic addition to your condiment assortment.

If you’d like a little bit 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 almost infinite, too. Test them out and discover just a few new favorites!