As a long-time ranch dressing enthusiast, I can tell you that there is good ranch and there is bad ranch, plain and simple. Many dressings taste like pure mayonnaise and have a sticky texture. Most of the time, they also contain a lot of extra sodium, sweeteners, and other additives or preservatives that you don’t know about need in the dressing. Even though they taste good, few come close to the creamy goodness of homemade ranch dressing. Um.
SideDish Classic Ranch Dressing ($36) is the deliciously minimalist creation of recipe developer and cookbook author Alex Snodgrass. It’s been sold out since it launched a few weeks ago, but now it’s finally in stock. While it’s considered more dietary-friendly than many prepackaged options, a big factor for me is taste. Because who wants a condiment that’s better for you, but less flavorful or fun?? (Not me, of course.) After getting my hands on a mouth-watering sample, I’m happy to report that SideDish’s version of the delicious treat did not disappoint.
SideDish Classic Ranch Seasoning (3-Pack) — $36.00 USD
raw material: Avocado oil, water, egg yolk, apple cider vinegar, distilled vinegar, sea salt, garlic powder, lemon juice concentrate, onion powder, parsley, chives, spices, dill, rosemary extract, xanthan gum
Nutritional Facts (per serving): 180 calories, 20 g total fat, 2.5 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat, 15 mg cholesterol, 210 mg sodium, 0 g total carbohydrates, 0 g protein
- Dairy and gluten free
- Whole30 and Paleo approved
- No refined sugar or preservatives
- Versatile, can be used as a condiment or dip
- Sold as a set only
- expensive
raw material
The ingredient list for SideDish Classic Ranch Seasoning is very short. There are 12 complete ingredients, many of which are approved by registered dietitian and Well+Good contributor Christina Manian, RD.
“Avocado oil, apple cider vinegar, distilled vinegar, lemon, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, chives and dill are all green lights for me,” she says. Pear oil content is very high.
Unlike traditional ranch dressing, this version doesn’t contain buttermilk or sour cream, which is a bonus for people with dairy sensitivities. It’s also free of preservatives, gluten, seed oils and refined sugar, instead using egg yolks and xanthan gum (a corn-derived thickener often used in place of gluten) to achieve a creamy vanilla consistency.
Related stories
Unfortunately, SideDish Classic Ranch Dressing is not vegan, but it yes Vegetarian. Additionally, it’s Whole30 and Paleo approved, making it suitable for those who follow these dietary lifestyles. As for its nutritional content, it contains 20 grams of fat (2.5 grams of which are saturated fat) and 210 grams of sodium per 30 grams. According to Manion, “It’s not too high in sodium, a little high in saturated fat, and doesn’t have a lot of mystery ingredients.” So no matter how you choose to taste it, it’s “a pretty good product.”
taste
NOTE: This stuff smells like vinegar. Upon tasting, however, the flavor softens and the other ingredients of the dressing come into focus, especially the vanilla. This acidic mix of herbs gives the dressing its signature lactic flavor—almost reminiscent of dill-packed tartar sauce, to me. no everyone Sure, you like dill, but if you like the zing of this herb, you’ll love this.
It also has a hint of garlic and onion, which lends a salty flavor to the sauce. While I definitely miss the sweetness of some other ranch dressings to offset the acidity, it’s sugar-free, making it perfect for those who want to limit their sugar intake, as well as those who prefer a saltier flavor. This makes it perfect for many dishes, from classic salads to French fries and, yes, pizza (don’t knock it until you try it). Granted, the overall flavor is relatively mild, but it’s not that easy to ignore; it enhances rather than overpowers the meal, which to me is a great thing.
And texture! Just right. It’s neither too thick nor too watery, making it very versatile. I love it as a condiment for vegetables, but I also love it as a dip and sandwich spread. If anything, it’s not as creamy as dairy ranch dressing, but it’s not runny either. Unlike many of its stronger counterparts, it doesn’t leave a lingering aftertaste on my tongue.
final thoughts
SideDish’s commitment to using real ingredients stands out in its classic ranch dressing. It tastes lighter and fresher than many prepackaged alternatives, and has a good balance of saltiness and acidity. While it eschews the ingredients in traditional ranch dressing (buttermilk, sour cream, and mayonnaise), it has just the right amount of creaminess to make it perfect as a condiment or dip. Like its ingredient list, SideDish keeps it simple, and that’s where it shines.
No wonder this three-pack is selling out so fast. Get yours now while they’re still in stock here.
Shop for more delicious products from SideDish
SideDish Chipotle Ranch Seasoning (3-pack) — $36.00
Want the spiciness of ranch? Pair it with this seasoning. Made with creamy avocado oil and smoked jalapeños, it’s completely free of refined sugar and packed with healthy fats your heart will love. Perfect for drizzling over grain bowls, dressing up taco salads, or even adding a little pizzazz to grilled vegetables.
SideDish Creamy Tahini (3-Pack) — $36.00 USD
Creamy tahini has the perfect nuttiness and hint of umami that your veggie bowls and sushi rolls have been waiting for. It’s crafted with nutrient-rich sesame oil and zero artificial flavors, so you get all the delicious goodness without any unwanted extra ingredients. When you need a tangy snack, try it as a marinade for tofu, a dressing for soba salad, or a dip for crunchy carrots and celery.
SideDish Miso Caesar Dressing (3-Pack) — $36.00 USD
Meet your new best friend in Caesar Salad. This blend combines traditional Caesar flavor with the delicious taste of miso, adding depth to every bite. It’s packed with the probiotics found in miso and made with heart-healthy avocado oil, making it a nutritious and delicious condiment. Pour it over crisp lettuce, drizzle it over grilled chicken, or use it as a dip for your favorite vegetables for a Caesar upgrade you didn’t know you needed.
SideDish Essentials (3-Pack) — $36.00 USD
Can’t decide? With SideDish’s Essentials multi-pack, you don’t have to. The three spreads include Chipotle Ranch, Creamy Sesame and Miso Caesar, covering all flavor bases from smoky to nutty to umami. Um.
Our editors independently select these products. Purchases made through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.
