NASHVILLE, Tennessee (AP) — Ranch dressing has claimed its stake as the best-selling salad dressing in America, dethroning Italian dressing by the end of the 20th century. While it still enhances iceberg and romaine salads, ranch dressing has evolved into a condiment for an array of dishes, from pizza to hot wings, and even fried pickles.
Its widespread appeal has transformed it into an essential element of American cuisine, easily accessible in grocery stores, recipes, and restaurant menus. Entire cookbooks and dedicated restaurants celebrate the flavor of ranch.
Affectionately dubbed the Great American Condiment by some, ranch dressing also finds itself criticized as extravagant and trashy by others. Nick Higgins, an executive at Hidden Valley Ranch's parent company, noted that ranch dressing taps into a deep sense of nostalgia, which helps fuel a devoted fanbase.
Henson's journey began in Alaska, where he first served his homemade ranch to plumbing guests at Hidden Valley Ranch. The dressing was such a hit that it soon evolved into a DIY dry mix, later becoming bottled by Clorox after gaining national popularity. Major brands such as Ken's, Kraft Foods, and Wish-Bone followed suit.
Debbie Wilson Potts, owner of Cold Spring Tavern in California, was among the first to serve Henson’s ranch dressing outside its original location. Her family has long appreciated ranch's robust flavor, a sentiment echoed throughout the nation. Today, ranch dressing is often cited in discussions of American food icons, sitting comfortably alongside sushi and gourmet trends.
In his writings, Paul Freedman considers ranch dressing emblematic of the 80s culinary fads, noting its sustained popularity over the following decades. As America embraces its ranch obsession, it seems likely that this creamy condiment will continue to reign supreme on kitchen tables and restaurant menus alike.
This story is part of a recurring series marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. To explore more about American culinary history and culture, click here.
