NASHVILLE, Tennessee (AP) — Ranch is the best-selling salad dressing in America and has held this title since surpassing Italian dressing near the end of the 20th century.
This beloved condiment is more than just a salad dressing; it’s a creamy companion to quintessential American dishes, embellishing everything from crispy hot wings to controversial pizza pairings. Its ubiquity makes ranch a staple in grocery stores and on restaurant menus, with entire cookbooks dedicated to its versatile flavor.
Ranch has garnered mixed feelings, hailed as the 'Great American Condiment' by some, while being dubbed 'extravagant and trashy' by others. Nevertheless, ranch dressing embodies nostalgia, a sentiment echoed by Nick Higgins, an executive at Hidden Valley Ranch’s parent company. The ranch fandom turns culinary disputes into lively debates, emphasizing the joy found in the condiment's popularity.
The story of ranch dressing evolves from an underdog to a multi-million-dollar industry, stemming from initial trials by plumbing contractor Steve Henson, who served it at his dude ranch in California. What started as a mix of buttermilk, herbs, and spices quickly became a sensation, leading to its eventual commercialization by Clorox and competition from various brands.
As ranch dressing celebrates its continued popularity in America, many believe it’s here to stay, maintaining its influence for generations to come.
