NASHVILLE, Tennessee (AP) — Ranch dressing has solidified its status as America's best-selling salad dressing, surpassing Italian in popularity since the late 20th century.
The creamy dressing is versatile, enhancing the flavor of everything from salads to hot wings, fried pickles, and even, controversially, pizza.
Found in grocery stores, recipes, and on countless menus, ranch has its own dedicated cookbooks and eateries.
While beloved by many, it has been called both the Great American Condiment and described as “extravagant and trashy.” According to Nick Higgins from Hidden Valley Ranch's parent company, the dressing evokes a sense of nostalgia that fuels a passionate fandom.
The product's widespread acclaim and occasional controversy are embraced by its creators. “It’s one of the things we can debate as people, and it’s OK, he noted. The journey of ranch dressing from a simple recipe to a staple of American cuisine reflects the nation’s entrepreneurial spirit.
Steve Henson, the dressing’s creator, began serving it at his plumbing business in Alaska. Its popularity skyrocketed when he offered it at Hidden Valley Ranch, leading to a DIY dry mix and later, a bottled version from Clorox, alongside competition from brands like Ken's and Kraft Foods.
Debbie Wilson Potts, whose family owns Cold Spring Tavern in California, was the first to serve Henson's dressing outside of his ranch. She recalled her aunt's excitement upon tasting it: “It took off in my mouth like a freight train.”
Paul Freedman cataloged ranch dressing among the culinary trends of the 1980s, paralleling its rise with the iconic Cool Ranch Doritos. After four decades of sustained popularity, ranch dressing seems set to remain a fixture in American kitchens.
This article is part of the AP's recurring series, “American Objects,” celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States. For additional stories on the anniversary, click here.
