29 Recipes That Prove Ranch Dressing is the Best Dressing (2024)

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29 Recipes That Prove Ranch Dressing is the Best Dressing (1)Christina RiveraUpdated: Jan. 05, 2022

    If you're limiting your use of ranch dressing to a mere salad topping, you are seriously missing out. This collection of recipes with ranch dressing will show you what a bottle of ranch can really do!

    1/29

    Taste of Home

    Prep once and feed the family twice when you double this chicken mac and cheese and freeze half of it. I created it for the people I love most, using ingredients they love most. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida

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    2/29

    Chicken Tostada Salad

    If I don't have any tostada shells on hand for this speedy salad, I just heat taco shells, break them in half and lay them flat on the plates. It works just as well. Great Southwest flavor! —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah

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    3/29

    Cashew-Chicken Rotini Salad

    I’ve tried many chicken salad recipes over the years, but this is my very favorite. It’s fresh, fruity and refreshing, and the cashews add wonderful crunch. Every time I serve it at a potluck or picnic, I get rave reviews—and ( always come home with an empty bowl! —Kara Cook, Elk Ridge, Utah

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    4/29

    Creamy Herb Grilled Salmon

    I have a huge herb garden and love using herbs in almost everything I cook. Living in the Pacific Northwest, we eat a lot of wild-caught salmon, so I use fresh herbs in this moist and delicious grilled recipe. On cooler days, bake it instead. —Michelle Glassmeyer Wunsch, Bothell, Washington

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    5/29

    Bacon Pea Salad

    My husband absolutely loves peas. My middle son isn't the biggest fan, but he loves bacon. So I decided to combine the two, and it was perfect! This salad is an awesome side dish, especially for barbecues. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas

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    6/29

    Taste of Home

    Avocado-Ranch Chicken Wraps

    My grandchildren love these wraps. My daughter gave me the recipe years ago, and now I make them as an afternoon snack or a light meal. I make the dressing from a simple ranch dressing mix. —Janice Stoltenow, Lebanon, Missouri

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    7/29

    Chicken Chili Wonton Bites

    Everyone needs a surefire, grab-and-go tailgate or picnic recipe. Wonton wrappers filled with chicken and spices make flavorful bites for fun on the run. —Heidi Jobe, Carrollton, Georgia

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    8/29

    Taste of Home

    Cucumber Shell Salad

    Ranch dressing is the mild coating for this pleasant pasta salad alive with the fresh flavors of crunchy cucumber, onion and green peas. Someone always seems to want the recipe! —Paula Ishii, Ralston, Nebraska

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    9/29

    Buffalo Chicken Salad

    Delicious, and even better—quick! This buffalo chicken salad is a summer staple at our house. Sometimes we cook the chicken on the grill, then sprinkle the hot sauce over it with the dressing, because you've gotta have that kick! —Cori Cooper, Flagstaff, Arizona

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    10/29

    Loaded Potato Salad

    Get a load of this loaded potato salad with sour cream, bacon, shredded cheddar, green onions and more. The ingredients come together to give you all the richness of restaurant potato skins at your next picnic. —Monique Boulanger, Greenwood, Nova Scotia

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    11/29

    Tuna-Filled Shells

    Hot tuna's a hit when you mix it with sizable pasta shells and a cheesy sauce. Dill also complements the fish nicely in this cream comfort food. It's a great change of pace from the traditional tuna casserole. —Connie Staal, Greenbrier, Arkansas

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    12/29

    Taste of Home

    Bacon-Cheddar Potato Croquettes

    Instead of throwing out leftover mashed potatoes, use them to make this potato croquette recipe. The little baked balls are yummy with ranch dressing, barbecue sauce or Dijon mayonnaise for dipping. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia

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    13/29

    Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip

    If you like spice, you'll love this slow-cooker Buffalo chicken dip. It's super cheesy and full of rich flavor, and really has that Buffalo wing taste! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    14/29

    Taste of Home

    Buffalo Chicken Pasta

    Buffalo chicken is a favorite in our household. Combine it with pasta and you have the ultimate comfort food. If you prefer less spicy food, the addition of sour cream, ranch dressing and mozzarella provides a creamy texture and cooler flavor that nicely balances the spice in this buffalo chicken pasta dish. —Kathy White, Henderson, Nevada

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    15/29

    Turkey Ranch Wraps

    Here's a cool idea that's ready to gobble up in no time. It's a terrific use for deli turkey. Just add lettuce, tomato, green pepper, shredded cheese and ranch dressing for a flavorful blend. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    16/29

    Quick Bacon Potato Salad

    My family was tired of the same old potato salad at family functions, so I created this potato salad with bacon. Now I'm always asked to bring it to potluck gatherings. —Tami Gallagher, Eagan, Minnesota

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    17/29

    Taste of Home

    Creamy Herb Deviled Eggs

    This variation of deviled eggs incorporates ranch dressing and Greek-style yogurt. The eggs fly from the serving dish at work. —Jenni Dise, Lakeside, Arizona

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    18/29

    Taste of Home

    My favorite sandwich is turkey with avocado, so I created this healthy quesadilla with ingredients I often have in the fridge and pantry. —Karen O'Shea, Sparks, Nevada

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    19/29

    Sausage Wonton Stars

    These fancy-looking appetizers are ideal when entertaining large groups. The cute crunchy cups are stuffed with a cheesy pork sausage filling that kids of all ages enjoy. We keep a few in the freezer so we can easily reheat them for late-night snacking. —Mary Thomas North Lewisburg, Ohio

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    20/29

    Taste of Home

    Ranch Potato Casserole

    We operate a busy fruit farm. I cook every day for my family, so I appreciate this dish for another reason—I can put it together a day ahead and bake it just before we're ready to eat. —Lydia Schnitzler, Kingsburg, California

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    21/29

    Taste of Home

    Provolone Chicken Pizza

    Just pick up a ready-made pizza crust and rotisserie chicken on the way home, and enjoy a fresh, cheesy pizza in less time than it takes to order one not even half as good! —Shelly Fisher, Hermiston, Oregon

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    22/29

    Nacho Cheese Beef Bake

    My daughter came up with this recipe when she was visiting her fiancé's family. Her future father-in-law thought she was a pretty good cook after sampling it! —Kendra McIntyre, Webster, South Dakota

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    23/29

    Zippy Breaded Pork Chops

    Need a perky update for baked breaded pork chops? These chops with ranch dressing and a light breading will bring a delightful zing to your dinner table. —Ann Ingalls, Gladstone, Missouri

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    24/29

    Taste of Home

    Grilled Potatoes with Bacon-Ranch Sauce

    These potatoes are tender and good all by themselves, but pairing them with the sauce creates a perfect combination—a side dish compatible with any entree cooked on the grill. —Craig Carpenter, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania

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    25/29

    Crumb-Coated Ranch Chicken

    How do you get so much flavor out of a five-ingredient-or-fewer recipe? Ranch dressing is the key! Enjoy this simple dish on busy weeknights or with company for special occasions. —LaDonna Reed, Ponca City, Oklahoma

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    26/29

    Taste of Home

    Chicken Ranch Flatbreads

    To get my son to try new things, I revamped this mini pizza. Mr. Picky ate it, so it’s definitely family-friendly, even for those with fussy tastes. —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia

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    27/29

    We love skirt steak in our house. To make it a meal, I created a ranch-inspired bread salad with the best flavor combinations - creamy, tangy, sweet and fresh. — Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut

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    28/29

    California Shrimp Tacos with Corn Salsa

    After trying fish tacos, I fell in love. I wanted to recreate them at home and though Why not use shrimp? It's an affordable healthy way to feed my seafood-loving family. —Kayla Peters, Cecilia, Kentucky

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    29/29

    Cheese Tomato Egg Bake

    While making eggs, I wanted something different, so I created this egg bake. We loved it! I hope you will, too. —Jonathan Miller, Naugatuck, Connecticut

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    Originally Published: February 28, 2018

    29 Recipes That Prove Ranch Dressing is the Best Dressing (2024)

    FAQs

    What makes ranch dressing so good? ›

    Scratch ranch relies on fresh herbs and aromatics, which bring bite and those pops of grassy flavor that dried or powdered versions never can, so you get an eating experience that is elevated. Usually, ranch recipes will contain fresh buttermilk, and sometimes sour cream as well, for a tang that is really balanced.

    What percent of Americans say that ranch is their favorite salad dressing? ›

    Ranch. According to a 2017 survey by The Association for Dressings and Sauces, Ranch is the most popular salad dressing in America, with 40% of respondents choosing it as their favorite. Ranch is a versatile dressing that can be used on salads, as a dip, or even as a marinade.

    How to make Hidden Valley Ranch dressing taste better? ›

    The list of Hidden Valley seasoning mix packets is plentiful, so be sure to look for the one proclaiming to be the buttermilk receipt. From there, get creative. Add some heat with cayenne, throw in some fresh herbs, or take your homemade ranch dressing up a notch by adding lavender.

    What was the most popular dressing before ranch? ›

    In 1992 Ranch beat out Italian as the most sold dressing. People started using the dressing for more than just salads. A Fort Worth, Texas Pizza Hut claimed to have to order 8 to 12 gallons of ranch each week. They said that most customers were using it for dipping pizza crust.

    What is a fun fact about ranch dressing? ›

    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.

    Why is restaurant ranch so creamy? ›

    While many restaurants use mass produced ranch mix, they often add it to a higher-quality base. This might include milk, buttermilk, sour cream, or mayonnaise. So when you notice that the ranch in a restaurant tastes better than the bottled dressing from the store, what you're really tasting is delicious, creamy fat.

    What is the number 1 salad dressing? ›

    Ranch Dressing

    The ranch is hands down America's most beloved salad dressings. It is made from a number of ingredients such as buttermilk, mayonnaise, mustard, garlic, onion, chives, salt, and pepper. A creamier and richer version often features sour cream or yogurt for enhanced taste.

    Which state loves ranch the most? ›

    Ranch dressing is ubiquitous in Iowa. You'll find it on salads, veggies and alongside French fries and cheese curds — and sometimes even on pizza and tacos.

    Who eats the most ranch dressing? ›

    When it comes to ranch dressing, the Midwest doesn't mess around. A variety of popular memes might explain it best: Ranch can be found in pizza aisles and kegs and is considered part of the Midwest starter pack, notes CheezBurger.

    What can I add to ranch dressing to make it better? ›

    Speaking of condiments, stir in some barbecue sauce or pesto. Basil pesto is great, but I actually prefer dill pesto here. Since ranch seasoning already has a good amount of dill, it simply amplifies it. (If you're wondering if dill pesto is simply basil pesto with dill instead of basil, you are correct.)

    Why is ranch so good with pizza? ›

    Essentially, the acid from the dressing cuts the grease from all that cheese and pepperoni and gets you ready for the next bite. It's a palate cleanser of sorts.

    Is ranch just garlic mayo? ›

    Is ranch like garlic mayonnaise? Not really, that's aioli. Ranch is more like buttermilk, green onion, garlic, black pepper mayonnaise. There's a lot more going on in ranch than just garlic and mayo.

    What is the oldest salad dressing? ›

    French dressing is the oldest one on our list, but vinegar and oil dressing goes back nearly two-thousand years to ancient Babylonia.

    What is the most expensive ranch dressing? ›

    This bottle's no joke. It's covered in 75 carats' worth of jewels, making it valued at $35,000. You could almost buy three brand-new Nissan Versas for that. But Hidden Valley knows you can't put a price tag on love, be it the holy matrimony kind or the condiment-you-drizzle-on-everything variety.

    What country invented ranch dressing? ›

    United States

    Why is ranch dressing so addictive? ›

    natural and artificial flavors. this is part of the reason why ranch is so addicting. and you can't stop eating it, because it has all these ingredients in here, like MSG, that excite neurons in your brain, and they're quite literally addictive.

    Is ranch dressing good or bad for you? ›

    If you like creamier dressings, don't worry about cutting them out of your diet. While they are more caloric, using them in moderation—no, you shouldn't drench your salad in ranch, but there's no harm in sticking to the two-tablespoon serving size— is a great way to make salads and vegetables tastier.

    What gives ranch The ranch flavor? ›

    What makes ranch ranch? It's a combination of creaminess (from buttermilk, sour cream, sometimes mayonnaise) and herbaceousness (often parsley, thyme, dill), plus a long pull of allium (onion and garlic) and a shot of black pepper.

    Is ranch dressing good for you? ›

    The bottom line. Ranch dressing is a staple in many kitchens. It may promote healthy eating if it encourages you to eat more salads or vegetables. However, you should be aware that some brands are full of fats and other ingredients that might undermine your healthy eating goals.

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