Salad dressing is an integral part of any salad. It adds flavor, moisture, and texture to lettuce and other salad ingredients. With hundreds of salad dressings to choose from, deciding on the number one most popular dressing is no easy task. However, by looking at sales data, consumer surveys, and reviews, a clear winner emerges for the title of number one salad dressing in America – ranch dressing.
What are the most popular types of salad dressing?
While there are countless varieties of salad dressings available, most fall into a few common categories:
- Creamy dressings – Ranch, blue cheese, Caesar, Thousand Island
- Vinaigrettes – Balsamic, red wine, Italian
- Oil and vinegar – A mixture of oil and vinegar, sometimes with herbs and spices
- Salty/savory dressings – Green goddess, feta, Greek
- Sweet dressings – Poppyseed, strawberry vinaigrette, honey mustard
- Exotic/spicy dressings – Ginger, sesame, Thai peanut
Of these categories, creamy dressings like ranch, blue cheese, and Caesar tend to be the most popular options, especially ranch dressing which tops polls and sales numbers year after year.
What does the data say about the most popular salad dressing?
Looking at the hard numbers paints a very clear picture of America’s favorite salad dressing. According to a 2016 survey by the Association for Dressings and Sauces, ranch is preferred by about 47% of American consumers when eating salads both at home and while dining out. This dwarfs other popular dressings like vinaigrettes and Caesar dressing which come in at 11% and 10% preference respectively.
Ranch’s dominance is also clear when looking at food service and retail sales data:
- Ranch dressing accounts for about 60% of all salad dressing sales in the United States
- Over $230 million worth of ranch dressing was sold in 2020 just through retail outlets like grocery stores
- Restaurants purchase about $300 million worth of ranch dressing each year to serve to customers, often going through gallons of it each week
Simply put, both at home and in restaurants, consumers choose ranch dressing more than any other salad topping. Whether it’s served alongside crispy lettuce or used as a dip for vegetables and chips, Americans have an insatiable appetite for this creamy, savory dressing.
What do reviews and critics say about ranch dressing?
Beyond sales numbers and surveys, food critics and reviewers also tend to agree that ranch dressing is a cut above other salad toppings. Some of the reasons ranch comes so highly rated include:
- Its creamy, smooth texture perfectly coats lettuce leaves and other vegetables
- The combination of savory, salty, tangy, and cooling flavors are widely appealing
- It’s versatile enough to pair well with many salad ingredients like tomatoes, bacon, onions, etc.
- Ranch has become a nostalgic flavor for many people who grew up with it
- Homemade ranch made with fresh herbs and spices is simple to prepare and tastes superior to store-bought versions
Reviews of specific ranch dressings will debate the merits of different brands or homemade versions. But most agree that ranch itself is hard to beat when it comes to salad toppings. Its unique and addicting flavor has made it a dominant dressing for decades.
What are some other popular commercial salad dressings besides ranch?
While ranch unquestionably claims the top spot, there are some other bottled and pourable dressings that have carved out a niche:
| Dressing | Taste / Uses |
|---|---|
| Caesar | Tangy, briny, rich – Pairs well with Romaine and Parmesan |
| Balsamic Vinaigrette | Sweet yet acidic – Great with greens, chicken, and fruits like strawberries |
| Thousand Island | Sweet, creamy, tangy – Often found on wedge salads and Reubens |
| Blue Cheese | Pungent, creamy, strong – Pairs well with bold lettuces like iceberg |
| Honey Mustard | Sweet, mild, and a touch tangy – Works well with chicken, ham, apples |
These dressings along with oil and vinegar are likely the next most consumed after ranch. However, none come close to surpassing ranch in popularity and sales.
What are some reasons why ranch dressing is so popular?
There are many factors that contribute to why ranch has remained the undisputed champion salad dressing for decades:
- Addictive flavor – The combination of creaminess, saltiness, garlic, onions, and herbs like dill make ranch nearly irresistible. The flavors meld together into a tangy, savory topping unlike any other dressing.
- Nostalgia – Many millennials and Gen Xers grew up with ranch dressing constantly on the table and remember it fondly. It’s a comforting nostalgic flavor.
- Versatility – In addition to salads, ranch excels as a dip for pizza, wings, veggies, and chips. It also can be used to dress up sandwiches, wraps, and more.
- Convenience – Shelf-stable bottled ranch ensures you always have some on hand. It requires no prep work like homemade dressings.
- Cooling qualities – The creaminess and tang help cool and balance hot and spicy foods. It cools chili peppers, hot wings, etc.
Ranch simply has an alchemical mix of flavors, nostalgia, and versatility that no other dressing has been able to match. America has shown for decades that when it comes to salad toppings, ranch rules.
What are some ways to use ranch dressing creatively beyond salads?
While ranch and salads are a classic pairing, the uses for ranch extend far beyond lettuce. Some creative ways people have incorporated ranch into other dishes and foods include:
- Using it as a marinade or injected into proteins like chicken, beef, or pork before grilling
- Adding a dollop on top of pizza, flatbreads, bruschetta
- Mixing it into dips like artichoke, spinach, or crab dip
- Serving it alongside fries, tater tots, or other fried foods as a dip
- Mixing it with crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar to top baked potatoes
- Shaking up the traditional Caesar dressing by replacing Worcestershire with ranch
- Swirling it into soups like potato, tomato, or chicken noodle
- Spiking deviled egg filling with some ranch for extra flavor
- Drizzling over nachos, hot dogs, chili dogs, and other game day foods
Ranch’s tang works well to cut through the richness of carb and protein-heavy dishes. Its garlic, onion, and herb flavors infuse anything they touch with extra dimension. Due to its cooling nature, it also balances spicy foods excellently. So do not limit yourself to just salads when it comes to enjoying this versatile dressing.
What are some ways to make homemade ranch dressing?
While store-bought ranch is convenient, many people prefer the fresher flavor of homemade ranch dressing. Luckily, making your own only takes 10-15 minutes and a few simple ingredients:
Basic Homemade Ranch
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 Tbsp dried parsley
- 2 tsp dried dill
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Whisk together all ingredients until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate for at least an hour for best flavor. Shake or stir before serving.
Creamy Homemade Ranch
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and refrigerate for an hour before serving for maximum flavor. Pairs perfectly with fresh crispy vegetables.
Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp milk
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Mix together all ingredients in a bowl until thoroughly combined. Let sit for at least an hour in the refrigerator so flavors can blend. Give it a stir before drizzling over your salad.
Conclusion
With its tangy, creamy signature flavor and widespread popularity across all age groups, ranch dressing has staked its claim as the number one salad dressing in America. This versatile condiment not only dresses up fresh lettuces but also can be used to elevate snacks, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and more. While delicious bottled options abound, homemade ranch made with high quality ingredients allows you to take this salad staple to the next level of flavor. So whether you are whipping up a backyard BBQ salad or just need a dip for your pizza crust, reach for the ranch – America’s favorite salad dressing.