We all have that one friend that orders a side of ranch at every restaurant you go to. I’m that friend. You might roll your eyes at them (and me), but maybe it’s time to start listening to us folks and add this amazing dressing to more parts of your life. Here’s a list of 17 foods that just would not be the same without ranch.
1. French Fries
If you haven’t already been eating French fries with ranch, what have you been doing? Seriously, this is the only way to eat them. Just don’t drizzle the ranch on top… That’s weird.
2. Mozzarella Sticks
Expect to get weird looks from the waiter when you ask for ranch with these. Marinara sauce is the standard dipping sauce, but get both to spice things up a little.
3. Chicken Wings
Get ready to disown all of your friends who eat wings with blue cheese. Buttermilk ranch is hands down the best dipping sauce for hot wings. The zesty and slightly sour taste of the ranch totally tones down the spice of the buffalo sauce, creating the perfect combination.
4. Potato Salad
Cut down on the mayonnaise and sour cream to make a little room for the ranch when making this recipe. It will add a garden-y flavor that will make this potato salad a show-stealer side dish at any potluck.
5. Potato Chips
I’m not ashamed to say that I’ve actually eaten this as a full meal before, when Ruffles’ Potato Chips and ranch were the only two edible items in my pantry.
6. Steamed Vegetables
A healthy snack if you’re trying to steer away from the starchy side of fries with your hot wings. I personally love to eat steamed broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and celery with buttermilk ranch. Of course, you can always eat them raw and dip them in ranch, too.
7. Pizza
The ranch-dipped pizza debate is not nearly as heated as the pineapple-on-pizza one, but still controversial nonetheless. Just do it. You won’t regret it, trust me!
8. Loaded Potato Skins
This isn’t the first and definitely won’t be the last potato-based food in this article. There’s just something about the fluffy texture and taste of potatoes that combines so perfectly with ranch. Top that off with bacon and cheese, and you have the perfect plate of drunchies.
9. Breadsticks
Next time you’re at Olive Garden, ask them for a side of ranch with their bottomless breadsticks. Or just do what I do, and sneak a basket home to eat as a late night snack.
10. Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are despised by a lot of people, but they’re not as bad as children’s television shows make them out to be. All you have to do is add a little ranch. If you still aren’t really feeling them, here are more ways to spice up your Brussels sprouts.
11. Popcorn
All you need for this DIY ranch-flavored popcorn is microwaveable popcorn and Hidden Valley Ranch Mix. Use the mix as a seasoning once you’re done microwaving, and ta-da! Your study snack is complete.
12. Avocado Toast
Oh, millennials and their avocado toast. Drizzle a little ranch on your avocado toast to add a zesty layer of flavor.
#SpoonTip: If you just can’t get enough avocado, check out this creamy avocado dressing recipe. Just replace some of the sour cream with your favorite ranch and you’ll be all set.
13. Salad
Is it just me or does anyone else feel like they have a little salad on their ranch rather than the other way around? Regardless, I still feel like I’m doing my body a favor when I take a break from the carbs and eat a salad. Can’t do it without my trusty ranch, though.
14. Spaghetti & Meatballs
This one might be a little controversial but hey, it’s just like eating pizza with ranch. You have your carbs, tomato-based sauce, and cheese. It’s pretty much the same thing. At least your taste buds will think so.
15. Mashed Potatoes
Do I even need to explain why you need this in your life? Give this Thanksgiving classic a little makeover and you’ll be thanking yourself in no time.
16. Chicken Nuggets
Stop paying more for extra condiments at McDonald’s and just eat your nuggets with homemade ranch instead.
17. Cheetos
Honestly, Cheetos are amazing dipped in anything. Avoid the heavy, bloated feeling you get when you dip your Cheetos in cream cheese and switch it out for low-fat ranch instead. It’ll change your life.