National Ranch Day
Add punch of flavor to everything, from wings to veggies — perfect for dipping, drizzling, or even drinking (if you're brave enough)
Usually a sidekick for a variety of other foods, National Ranch Day brings that delightful flavor of this delicious dressing to the forefront of attention.
No longer a condiment or an afterthought, ranch dressing is definitely the special guest star of the day!
History of National Ranch Day
The story of ranch dressing dates back several decades, to the late 1940s. In fact, the claim to the first creation of this strictly American condiment goes to a man named Steve Henson who originally thought of the concoction of buttermilk and herbs when he was working in Alaska.
After moving to California and purchasing the Hidden Valley dude ranch in California, Henson started serving and selling his salad dressing commercially. The company grew through mail-order and started to become very popular throughout the United States.
Ranch style dressing was originally sold as dry packets of herbs and spices that were meant to be mixed with milk and mayonnaise. Today, it can still be found in this powdered style, which is particularly easy for travel, or it can be purchased in bottles that are pre-mixed and ready to eat.
Now, one of the most popular salad dressings and condiments that is sold in the United States. Beyond just pouring it on top of salads, ranch dressing has some other versatile serving options that can’t be beat!
National Ranch Day is here to show appreciation for and pay attention to the deliciousness of ranch dressing.
How to Celebrate National Ranch Day
Take a break from boring and enjoy National Ranch Day with lots of fun and different ways to celebrate. Get started with some of these ideas:
Enjoy Ranch Dressing
One of the best things that can be done in honor of National Ranch Day is to include it in any and every meal and snack eaten on this day! Of course, ranch dressing can be poured on top of a delicious and nutritious salad, but there are other ways to eat it also.
Make it up into a delicious dip for veggies like carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and celery. Or use it for dipping items like chicken nuggets or fish sticks.
Other ideas for eating ranch might include drizzling it on top of tasty pizza or a pile of french fries. Some people like to put ranch dressing on corn on the cob, or even on top of chili. Of course, it is delicious with buffalo wings!
Whatever way is preferred, this is definitely the day for getting creative with ranch dressing.
Hold a Ranch Dressing Taste Test
National Ranch Dressing Day is a great time to have fun checking out which ranch dressing is the best one of all. It might be fun to host a ranch dressing taste test in the breakroom at work or just in the kitchen at home.
Have coworkers or friends participate in a blind taste test, have each person vote on which one is best, and then name the winning brand as the reigning champion!
National Ranch Day FAQs
Why is ranch dressing so popular in the United States?
Ranch dressing became the most popular salad dressing in the U.S. in the 1990s. Its creamy, tangy flavor complements nearly everything, from veggies to pizza.
The founder, Steve Henson, originally developed it as a convenience for feeding workers in remote Alaska in the 1950s.
Hidden Valley Ranch, his brand, became a household staple, selling millions annually. Today, ranch is not just a dressing—it’s a cultural phenomenon.
Are there international versions of ranch dressing?
Yes! While Americans love ranch, other countries tweak it to their tastes. In Sweden, “gräddfil” is a popular tangy cream similar to ranch.
In Japan, people mix mayonnaise with soy sauce to achieve a ranch-like flavor. International adaptations often use local herbs like dill or garlic to make it their own.
What’s the weirdest food people dip in ranch dressing?
Surprisingly, ranch is paired with bizarre foods, including fried pickles, doughnuts, and even Oreos.
Ranch lovers have shared creative—and divisive—pairings on social media. Restaurants have embraced the trend with ranch-tasting menus featuring ranch cocktails and desserts.
Was ranch always a dressing?
No. Ranch started as a seasoning mix. Steve Henson created it as a dry blend of spices for recipes.
Hidden Valley Ranch sold packets of the seasoning mix before bottling it as a dressing. Today, the seasoning is still a favorite for popcorn, potato chips, and even roasted vegetables.
Do other countries celebrate a Ranch Day equivalent?
While National Ranch Day is unique to the U.S., other nations have food-focused days. Italy celebrates World Pasta Day, while Japan loves Curry Day.
However, America’s obsession with ranch dressing makes its dedicated day unique. International visitors often find America’s ranch fixation fascinating.
How much ranch do Americans consume annually?
Americans consume over $1 billion worth of ranch annually. It’s the best-selling salad dressing for over 30 years.
Beyond salads, people pour it on pizza, wings, and burgers. The versatility of ranch has cemented its status as an all-American condiment.
Why is ranch often paired with spicy foods?
Ranch dressing’s creamy base neutralizes heat, making it perfect for spicy foods like buffalo wings.
Its cooling effect comes from dairy fats binding to capsaicin, the compound responsible for spiciness. This scientific reaction makes ranch a must-have condiment for fiery dishes.
What’s the largest ranch-related celebration ever held?
A Las Vegas casino set a Guinness World Record in 2018 by creating a 500-gallon ranch fountain.
The extravagant display included endless veggies, wings, and breadsticks for dipping. It showcased America’s love for this iconic dressing in a truly larger-than-life way.
Are there ranch-flavored snacks outside the U.S.?
Yes! Ranch-flavored chips and popcorn are exported globally. In the Philippines, ranch seasoning is used for fried snacks. Ranch’s tangy appeal has made it a global hit, even in countries where ranch dressing isn’t widely available.
Is ranch dressing healthy?
Ranch isn’t health food but can be part of a balanced diet. Light versions offer lower calories, while homemade recipes avoid preservatives.
Pairing ranch with veggies remains a clever trick to encourage healthy snacking. Moderation is key for enjoying ranch guilt-free.
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