National Ranch Dressing Day

Person casually drizzling ranch dressing over a plate of fresh salad outdoors, wearing a sunhat, picnic setting.. — National ranch dressing day illustration

Hey there, ranch dressing aficionados! Get ready to dip into the deliciousness of National Ranch Dressing Day! This saucy celebration happens every year on March 10th, and it's the perfect excuse to embrace your love for this creamy condiment. So grab a fork (or a carrot stick) and let's dive into the ranch-induced frenzy!

When is Ranch Dressing Day?

It's national ranch dressing day on the 10th March.

The Birth of Ranch Dressing

Before we dig into the internet history, let's take a saunter down the memory lane of ranch dressing. Created by a Nebraska-native named Steve Henson, ranch dressing started as a humble dressing for the guests at the Hidden Valley Ranch in the 1950s. Little did Steve know that his tangy creation would become a worldwide phenomenon!

Fast forward a few decades, and the internet hops on board the ranch train. Social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram exploded with hashtags like #RanchLoversUnite, spreading the love for this creamy delight. And as days turned into years, the popularity of ranch dressing skyrocketed, earning its very own National Day.

The Internet's Obsession

When it comes to the internet and ranch dressing, the bond is unbreakable. Food bloggers, influencers, and even celebrities took to their platforms to share their love for ranch. Mouthwatering recipes featuring ranch dressing flooded food blogs, YouTube channels, and TikTok accounts. From classic ranch dressing to unique ranch-infused concoctions, the possibilities are endless!

But the internet's obsession with ranch dressing doesn't end with food. People have found hilarious and unconventional ways to incorporate ranch dressing into their lives. Ranch-flavored lip balm, anyone? Or how about a ranch-scented candle to set the mood for your next cozy gathering? The internet never fails to surprise us with its dedication to the ranch cause.

History behind the term 'Ranch Dressing'

1954

The Invention of Ranch Dressing

In 1954, a man named Steve Henson developed what would later become known as ranch dressing. Steve, along with his wife Gayle, owned a guest ranch called Hidden Valley Ranch in Santa Barbara, California. As a chef, Steve wanted to create a versatile dressing that could be used on salads, as a dip, and even as a sauce. He combined buttermilk, herbs, and spices to create the original recipe for ranch dressing.

1949

The Invention

In 1949, a plumber named Steve Henson and his wife Gayle opened a guest ranch in Santa Barbara, California. At their Hidden Valley Ranch, they served a special salad dressing that quickly gained popularity among the visitors.

1956

Hidden Valley Ranch Mix

Two years later, in 1956, Steve and Gayle Henson realized the potential of their ranch dressing and began packaging it in dry mix form. They sold the Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix to guests at their ranch as a souvenir.

1954

Bottling the Secret Recipe

Recognizing the potential of their homemade dressing, the Hensons decided to bottle and sell it. They formed the Hidden Valley Ranch Food Products, Inc. in 1954, and began mass-producing their unique dressing.

1972

Supermarket Shelves

Initially, Hidden Valley Ranch dressing was primarily sold to local California markets and served at the Hensons' ranch. It wasn't until 1972 that it made its way onto supermarket shelves, allowing people across the country to enjoy this flavorful dressing.

1972

Clorox Acquires Hidden Valley Ranch

In 1972, the Clorox Company recognized the popularity of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing and acquired the brand. With their extensive distribution network, Clorox was able to introduce Hidden Valley Ranch dressing to a wider audience, making it accessible to people across the United States.

1983

Ranch Goes Mainstream

By the early 1980s, ranch dressing had gained significant popularity and become a staple in many American households. It became the best-selling dressing in the United States, surpassing other favorites like French and Italian dressings. Ranch dressing's creamy and tangy flavor profile appealed to a wide range of tastes, leading to its widespread use as a dip, topping, and even a flavoring agent.

1983

Acquisition by Clorox

Due to its growing popularity, the Clorox Company acquired Hidden Valley Ranch Food Products, Inc. in 1972. This acquisition helped expand the reach of ranch dressing even further and solidified its position as a popular condiment in American households.

1992

Ranch Dressing Goes International

Ranch dressing's popularity continued to grow beyond U.S. borders. In 1992, Hidden Valley Ranch dressing was introduced to the Canadian market, where it quickly became a favorite dressing and dip. Today, ranch dressing is enjoyed in various countries around the world, showcasing its global appeal.

1992

America's Favorite Dressing

By the early 1990s, ranch dressing had surpassed all others to become the most popular salad dressing in the United States. Its creamy and tangy flavor profile resonated with Americans, making it a staple on not only salads but also as a dip for vegetables, chicken wings, and more.

Today

Versatile and Iconic

Today, ranch dressing is not only enjoyed in the United States but has also gained popularity worldwide. Its versatility as a dip and dressing has made it a favorite choice for many. From its humble beginnings at the Hidden Valley Ranch to becoming a cultural icon, ranch dressing continues to be a beloved and delicious addition to meals.

Did you know?

Did you know that Americans consume approximately 63 million gallons of ranch dressing each year? That's enough to fill 95 Olympic-sized swimming pools! Now, that's a whole lot of tangy goodness!