Kraft Russian dressing and Catalina dressing are two popular salad dressings with some similarities, but they are not exactly the same. While both have a creamy, tangy flavor, there are some key differences in ingredients and taste that set them apart. This article will compare and contrast Kraft Russian dressing and Catalina dressing looking at history, ingredients, nutrition, uses, taste, and more.
History of Kraft Russian Dressing
Kraft Russian dressing was introduced by Kraft Foods in 1936. It was one of the first “pourable” salad dressings that could be easily poured from a bottle. Before this, most salad dressings were made fresh at home. Kraft’s tangy Russian dressing became popular as store-bought salad dressings gained wider acceptance and use.
Kraft’s Russian dressing gets its name from a salad dressing that was served at New York’s Russian Tea Room restaurant in the early 1900s. The Russian Tea Room dressing contained ingredients like chili sauce and horseradish that gave it a zippy, spicy flavor. Kraft’s version adapted this flavor into a thicker, creamier dressing made with common household ingredients like mayonnaise and tomato paste.
History of Catalina Dressing
Catalina dressing was introduced in the 1930s-1940s in California by the Cardinali family. It was originally called Cardinali’s Famous French Dressing and was served at the family’s restaurants in Hollywood. They later renamed it Catalina dressing and began bottling and distributing it commercially.
The early Catalina dressing recipes were oil-based vinaigrettes made with vinegar, oil, and tomato paste. As bottled, mass-marketed Catalina dressings were developed, the recipe evolved into a mayonnaise and ketchup-based blend. The tangy tomato, sweet vinegar, and creamy texture made Catalina a popular dressing, especially on salads and sandwiches.
Kraft Russian Dressing Ingredients
Here are the main ingredients in Kraft Russian dressing:
- Soybean oil: The main oil used in the dressing.
- High fructose corn syrup: A sweetener that balances the tang.
- Water: Thins out the dressing.
- Tomato paste: Gives the dressing its orange-red color.
- Distilled vinegar: Adds tangy flavor.
- Egg yolks: Used as an emulsifier and thickener.
- Salt: For flavor.
- Onion and garlic powder: Provide savory notes.
- Spices and paprika: Addwarm spice flavors.
The creamy texture of Kraft Russian dressing comes from using egg yolks and oil emulsified into a thick, rich dressing. The tomato paste gives it an orangey-red color that distinguishes Russian dressing from other creamy dressings.
Catalina Dressing Ingredients
Catalina dressing also has some key ingredients in common with Russian dressing, though the specific proportions vary by brand. Core ingredients in Catalina include:
- Soybean or canola oil
- High fructose corn syrup
- Tomato paste
- Vinegar (often a mix of red wine, white, and cider vinegars)
- Worcestershire sauce
- Onion and garlic powder
- Salt
- Natural flavors
Instead of using egg yolks like Russian dressing, Catalina gets its thickness from tomato paste and cornstarch. The vinegar adds a tangy bite while Worcestershire sauce brings savory, umami notes. The balance of sweet and tangy flavors makes it a versatile dressing.
Nutrition Facts Comparison
Russian and Catalina dressing have a similar nutrition profile as creamy, emulsified dressings. Here’s how they compare:
| Nutrition Facts | Kraft Russian Dressing (2 Tbsp) | Kraft Catalina Dressing (2 Tbsp) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 110 | 100 |
| Total Fat | 11g | 9g |
| Sodium | 180mg | 270mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 4g | 7g |
| Protein | 0g | 0g |
Both dressings are high in fat from oil and egg yolks or thickening agents. Russian dressing has slightly more calories and fat than Catalina per serving. Catalina dressing has higher sodium content. Both are low in protein and don’t offer much nutritional value beyond some vitamin A from tomato paste.
Uses for Russian and Catalina Dressing
Russian and Catalina dressings can both be used in many of the same ways, despite their differences. Here are some popular uses for each dressing:
Russian Dressing
- On salads, especially hearty grain and potato salads
- As a sandwich spread
- As a dip for vegetables
- In coleslaw recipes
- As a topping for grilled meats like hamburgers
- As a marinade ingredient for beef, pork, or vegetables
Catalina Dressing
- On green salads, wedge salads, chef’s salads
- As a chicken salad dressing
- On sandwiches like turkey, ham, or roast beef
- As a dip for pretzels or crackers
- In seafood salad recipes
- As a marinade for grilled meats and vegetables
Both can be used in similar ways as a creamy, flavorful salad dressing or sandwich topping. Russian dressing’s more potent flavors work well in heartier dishes and as a marinade. Catalina’s lighter tang is better for delicate salads and dipping.
Taste and Flavor Comparison
While Russian and Catalina dressings are both tangy, tomato-based dressings, they have some taste differences:
Kraft Russian Dressing
- Sweeter, less acidic taste
- Creamy, thick texture
- Intense tomato flavor
- Slight horseradish and chili pepper bite
- More pronounced savory, earthy flavor
Kraft Catalina Dressing
- More tart, tangy, vinegar taste
- Milder sweetness
- Thinner texture
- Milder overall tomato flavor
- Worcestershire sauce adds savory depth
- Hints of onion and garlic
Russian dressing has a very sweet, creamy profile offset by horseradish and spices. Catalina is a bit lighter and brighter tasting thanks to more vinegar. Both make tasty but distinct flavor additions to salads, sandwiches, vegetables, and other foods.
Comparison Chart
Here is a quick summary comparing Kraft’s Russian dressing and Catalina dressing:
| Attribute | Russian Dressing | Catalina Dressing |
|---|---|---|
| History | Introduced by Kraft in 1936, modeled after Russian Tea Room dressing | Introduced in 1930s-40s in California by Cardinali family |
| Base ingredients | Mayonnaise, tomato paste | Oil, tomato paste, vinegar |
| Texture | Thick, creamy | Moderately thick |
| Flavor profile | Sweeter, horseradish and spice notes | More tangy, bright, savory |
| Uses | Salads, sandwiches, dips, marinades | Salads, sandwiches, chicken, seafood |
Conclusion
While Kraft Russian dressing and Catalina dressing are both creamy, tomato-based salad dressings, they have distinct ingredients, textures, flavors, and ideal uses. Russian dressing tends to be sweeter and spicier, while Catalina is brighter and more tangy. Both make flavorful additions to salads, sandwiches, vegetables, and as marinades or dips. When choosing between them, consider your taste preferences and how you plan to use the dressing.
Some key differences to remember:
- Russian dressing is thicker, sweeter, and spicier.
- Catalina dressing has more vinegar flavor and is more tangy.
- Russian pairs well with heartier foods and as a marinade.
- Catalina works better with delicate salads, chicken, and seafood.
While they have similarities, Russian and Catalina dressings have unique tastes and uses. Both are flavor-boosting staples that can add a tasty touch to a variety of recipes and dishes when used properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Russian dressing spicy?
Russian dressing has a slight spicy flavor, usually from horseradish and chili peppers. However, it isn’t very hot or spicy compared to truly spicy condiments like hot sauce or mustard. The spice helps balance the sweetness but for most brands is pretty mild.
What is Russian dressing made of?
Russian dressing contains mayonnaise for a creamy base along with tomato paste for color and flavor. It also contains spices like paprika, onion, garlic, horseradish, and sometimes chili powder or cayenne. Additional ingredients like sugar, vinegar, salt, and citrus make the dressing sweet, tangy, and boldly flavored.
Is Russian dressing good for you?
Russian dressing is fairly high in calories, fat, and sodium and low in nutrients, so it’s not the healthiest choice. Using it sparingly on salads or sandwiches is fine, but the high oil content from mayo makes it a dressing you don’t want to overconsume. Homemade versions can cut down on some of the processed ingredients.
What foods do you use Catalina dressing on?
Catalina dressing is very versatile and can be used on green salads, wedge salads, seafood salads, chicken salads, and sandwiches of all kinds. It’s also good as a veggie dip or dressing for tacos, burgers, ribs, fries, baked potatoes, and more. Catalina’s bright, tangy flavor works well on a variety of foods.
Is Catalina dressing keto-friendly?
Most brands of Catalina dressing are considered keto-friendly since they only contain 1-3g of carbs and sugar per serving. As long as it fits your daily carb limit, using Catalina dressing should not knock you out of ketosis. Be sure to check labels for added sugars.
Recipe Ideas
Here are some recipe ideas using Russian dressing and Catalina dressing:
Russian Dressing
- Russian Potato Salad – potatoes, peas, onion, Russian dressing
- Russian Coleslaw – shredded cabbage, carrot, onion, Russian dressing
- Russian Burger Sauce – Russian dressing, ketchup, relish
- Russian Chicken – chicken baked with Russian dressing, spices
- Russian Cucumber Salad – cucumbers, vinegar, dill, Russian dressing
Catalina Dressing
- Catalina Chicken Salad – chicken, celery, onion, apple, Catalina dressing
- Catalina Grilled Veggies – grilled zucchini, peppers, red onion, Catalina
- Catalina Cod – baked cod fillets topped with Catalina
- Catalina Coleslaw – cabbage, carrots, Catalina dressing
- Catalina Ranch Chicken Wings – baked wings tossed in Catalina and ranch dressing
Get creative and make your own signature dressing recipes using Russian, Catalina, or a tangy blend of both!