13 Things To Know Before Eating Ranch Dressing
You'll never look at the condiment the same way again.
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Ranch has been the country's bestselling salad dressing for years (take that, Thousand Island!), largely because it's so versatile. From chicken fingers to french fries, fried pickles to corn dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches to taquitos, ranch goes with anything. But there are a few things to know before you start ordering it by the gallon.
There's An Interesting Story Behind Its Name
Back in 1949, Steve Henson invented ranch dressing while working in the Alaska bush. The dressing was an attempt to get grouchy, finicky bush workers to eat their vegetables. Turns out, it worked.
Hidden Valley Is An Actual Place
We've got Henson's dude ranch — Hidden Valley — to thank for the name of our favorite condiment. The ranch started out as an overnight getaway spot for tourists (he moved out to California after his time in Alaska), but the popular salad dressing quickly out-shined the ranch itself.
There's Nothing 'Healthy' About A Salad With Ranch
Made with mayo, buttermilk, and herbs, ranch dressing drizzled over a house salad packs nearly 380 calories and 33 grams of fat. Those numbers might sting a little if you're on a diet, but at least they taste great going down.
Ranch Consumption Skews Toward 'The Ranch Belt'
Think of it as the Bible Belt, but with condiments. Midwesterners love ranch dressing. And frankly, why shouldn't they? Ranch makes everything better.
There's An Entire Restaurant Devoted To The Condiment
Everything on Twisted Ranch's menu — from the brisket to the guac — is infused with ranch. There's even ranch-flavored vodka. We'll let you decide whether that's going too far — or worth booking a trip to St. Louis, where the restaurant's based, ASAP.
Ranch Would Taste Better If It Were On Some Pizza
By now, you've probably tasted the magic of pizza with ranch dressing. And child, if you haven't yet, follow me. Come this way. Let me show you the light. If you're new to this blessed combination, pepperoni and ranch is usually a safe bet for the uninitiated. But once you're in the big leagues, there's nothing like jalapeño, Canadian bacon, and pineapple with ranch. Mmmmm.
The Average American Consumes Ranch 15 Times Per Year
This number is shocking. Once or twice a month? That cannot be right. Has all of America suddenly decided it doesn't love hot wings and mozzarella sticks anymore? Did they start leaving all the boring stuff off the veggie platter, and thus do away with the need for ranch? 15 times?! For true ranch fanatics, we expect that number to be twice as high. Make that 10x.
Bottled Ranch Does Not Always Equal Better
Sure, it's more convenient, but the consistency is less gelatinous, and the overall flavor tends to be tangier. Not convinced? Try this recipe.
The Original Recipe Has Gotten Lost In Translation
Henson's recipe used only buttermilk, mayo, spices, and herbs, but since taking over the recipe, Hidden Valley has made a nonperishable version with a few extra additions. The new formula is said to taste pretty different than the original Ranch. Think vegetable oil, water, egg yolk, sugar, phosphoric acid, xanthan gum, and MSG. But hey, it tastes pretty incredible.
It Sparked One Of The Greatest Chips Of All Time: Cool Ranch Doritos
Or, as Europeans call them, Cool American Doritos? Cool Ranch Doritos arrived on the scene in 1987 as a result of the ranch craze in the U.S. And thank goodness they did. Super Bowl parties and sleepovers would just feel empty without them. Psst: dip them in Ranch, or use them to make these Cool Ranch chicken tenders for a magnified flavor explosion.
You Can Drink From A Ranch Waterfall
Forget fondue or chocolate fountains. The next time you need a fix, plug in this ranch fountain and let its goodness roll over your chicken wings and carrots. If you're feeling really bold, go ahead and stick your face under it. We won't judge.
It's Not Just For Carrot-Dipping
Ranch makes a formidable guest star in entree dishes, too. Add it to buffalo ranch burgers, king ranch chicken casserole, mashed potatoes, taco casserole, CBR lettuce wraps, and tomatillo dressing for a creamy kick.
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