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Photo: Charlotte & Johnny Autry
A please-everyone salad topper, a dip for your pizza crust or a gateway to getting your kids to eat their veggies—however you ranch, you’re not alone. It’s the nation’s most popular salad dressing and condiment, according toStatistica, which calculated figures based on the U.S. Census data and Simmons National Consumer Survey. Ranch outsells every dressing out there, including Caesar, Thousand Island, Creamy Italian and more. We tried more than 30 kinds to find the best store-bought ranch dressings—here are our favorite bottles to buy. Plus, learn what to look for on the label.18 Easy Salad Dressings Worth Making, Not Buying5 Best Ranch Dressings
A please-everyone salad topper, a dip for your pizza crust or a gateway to getting your kids to eat their veggies—however you ranch, you’re not alone. It’s the nation’s most popular salad dressing and condiment, according toStatistica, which calculated figures based on the U.S. Census data and Simmons National Consumer Survey. Ranch outsells every dressing out there, including Caesar, Thousand Island, Creamy Italian and more. We tried more than 30 kinds to find the best store-bought ranch dressings—here are our favorite bottles to buy. Plus, learn what to look for on the label.
18 Easy Salad Dressings Worth Making, Not Buying
5 Best Ranch Dressings
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Charlotte & Johnny Autry
130 cal, 125mg sodium
This plant-based pick starts with the brand’s Vegenaise to achieve that signature ranch creaminess without any eggs or dairy. Cider vinegar provides a slightly sweet tang.
02of 05Marzetti Simply 60 Buttermilk Ranch DressingCharlotte & Johnny Autry60 cal, 220mg sodiumMarzetti’s light version is our favorite in the low-cal category. Unlike others in its class, it isn’t overly sweet, salty or gloppy. It’s nicely balanced with less than half the calories of the original.
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Marzetti Simply 60 Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
60 cal, 220mg sodium
Marzetti’s light version is our favorite in the low-cal category. Unlike others in its class, it isn’t overly sweet, salty or gloppy. It’s nicely balanced with less than half the calories of the original.
03of 05Marzetti Classic Ranch DressingCharlotte & Johnny Autry140 cal, 200mg sodiumThe thickest on the list, we love that this ranch is great for dipping while still being drizzleable enough for salad. The prominent garlic flavor also makes it a standout.
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Marzetti Classic Ranch Dressing
140 cal, 200mg sodium
The thickest on the list, we love that this ranch is great for dipping while still being drizzleable enough for salad. The prominent garlic flavor also makes it a standout.
04of 05Litehouse Homestyle Ranch Dressing & DipCharlotte & Johnny Autry120 cal, 230mg sodiumBits of garlic and onion sprinkled throughout this dressing add nice pops of flavor while sour cream and buttermilk team up as a pleasantly tart base.
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Litehouse Homestyle Ranch Dressing & Dip
120 cal, 230mg sodium
Bits of garlic and onion sprinkled throughout this dressing add nice pops of flavor while sour cream and buttermilk team up as a pleasantly tart base.
05of 05Hidden Valley Original Ranch Topping & DressingCharlotte & Johnny Autry130 cal, 260mg sodiumOf all the shelf-stable bottles we tried (and believe us, there were a lot), this has the freshest taste. Plus, you just can’t beat the nostalgic taste of the buttermilk and herb combo.
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Hidden Valley Original Ranch Topping & Dressing
130 cal, 260mg sodium
Of all the shelf-stable bottles we tried (and believe us, there were a lot), this has the freshest taste. Plus, you just can’t beat the nostalgic taste of the buttermilk and herb combo.
What to Look for on the Label
Note the Sodium Content
Like all processed foods, these dressings can be fairly high in sodium. Luckily, there are many herbs and spices in ranch recipes that create excitement, so there’s no need to sacrifice flavor. We found plenty of options that keep sodium to 260 milligrams or less per 2-tablespoon serving.
Be Wary of “Light”
Keep It Simple and Chill
Some brands (especially shelf-stable ones) contain north of 20 ingredients, including stabilizers and preservatives—something to keep in mind if you are trying to avoid additives. While we didn’t find any red-flag chemicals across the category, we did prefer the fresher flavor of refrigerated ranches.
Our Favorite Ways to Enjoy Ranch Dressing
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