Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is a creamy salad dressing that originated in the United States. It is typically made from a base of buttermilk, salt, garlic, onion, herbs (like chives, parsley, and dill), and spices mixed into a mayonnaise or sour cream base.

Manufacturers add ranch dressing for its tangy, savory flavor and creamy texture. It is commonly used as a salad dressing, but also as a dip for vegetables, chips, and chicken wings, and as a sauce for sandwiches and wraps.

Ranch dressing is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. Its health impact depends on its overall nutritional content, particularly fat and sodium, which can be high. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated many individual ingredients found in ranch dressing, such as fats, spices, and preservatives, setting guidelines for their use. Evidence on the health effects of typical consumption is mixed, with some studies linking high intake of creamy dressings to increased calorie consumption, while others focus on the benefits of consuming vegetables with dressings.