Editor Tried and Tested| Well+Good

As a longtime ranch dressing lover, I can tell you that there is good ranch and there is bad ranch, plain and simple. Many dressings taste like straight-up mayo and have the texture of gloop. Most times, these also contain a s***load of extra sodium, sweeteners, and other additives or preservatives that you don’t really need in a dressing. And even if they taste decent, very few come close to the creamy deliciousness of a homemade ranch dressing. Mmm.

Enter, SideDish Classic Ranch Dressing ($36), the minimalist, scrumptious brainchild of recipe developer and cookbook author, Alex Snodgrass. It’s been sold out since launching a few weeks ago but it’s finally back in stock. While touted to be more conscious of dietary needs compared to many pre-packaged options, an important factor for me is taste. Because who wants a better-for-you condiment that skimps on flavor or fun? (Certainly not me.) After getting my hands on coveted samples I’m happy to report SideDish’s version of the savory stuff doesn’t disappoint.

Ingredients

The SideDish Classic Ranch Dressing has an ingredients list that is mercifully brief. There are a total of 12 whole ingredients, many of which come with the approval of 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. “They are generally anti-inflammatory plant compounds while avocado oil is high in heart-healthy unsaturated fats.”

Unlike traditional ranch dressing, this version doesn’t include buttermilk or sour cream—which is a bonus for folks who are sensitive to dairy. There are also no preservatives, no gluten, no seed oils, and no refined sugar—instead, it uses egg yolks and xanthan gum, a corn-derived thickener typically used in place of gluten, to get its creamy, herby consistency.

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Unfortunately, SideDish Classic Ranch Dressing isn’t vegan, but it is vegetarian. Plus, it’s Whole30 and paleo-approved for those who follow these dietary lifestyles. As for its nutritional profile, you’re looking at 20 grams of fat (2.5 of which are saturated fat), and 210 grams of sodium per 30 grams. According to Manian, “It’s not too high in sodium, slightly high in saturated fat, with not too many mystery ingredients.” As such, it makes for a “fairly good product,” however you choose to savor it.

Taste

A heads up: this stuff smells vinegary. After tasting it, however, the tanginess is mellowed and the dressing’s other ingredients take the spotlight, most specifically the herbs. This herby, acidic blend lends to the dressing’s signature lactic tang—and to me, is almost reminiscent of a dill-packed tartar sauce. Not everyone likes dill, of course, but if you enjoy the sprightliness of the herb, then you’ll like this.

It’s also got subtle hints of garlic and onion, which lend the sauce a savory edge. While I definitely miss the sweetness of some other ranch dressings to offset the acidity, its lack of sugar makes it great for people who want to limit their sugar intake—and also for those who prefer a more savory flavor. This makes it great for so many dishes, from classic salads to French fries and, yes, pizza (don’t knock it till you try it). Admittedly, the overall flavor is relatively mild but not so much to go unnoticed; it enhances rather than overwhelms meals, which, to me, is a great thing.

And the texture! It’s just right. It’s neither too thick nor too runny, making it pretty versatile. I enjoy it as a dressing over greens but I also love it as a dipping sauce and sandwich spread. If anything, it’s not as creamy as a dairy-based ranch dressing, but it’s not runny either. And it doesn’t leave a lingering aftertaste on my tongue, unlike so many of its thicker counterparts.

Final thoughts

SideDish’s dedication to using real ingredients stands out in its Classic Ranch Dressing. The flavor is lighter and fresher than many pre-packaged alternatives, and it manages a nice balance between savoriness and acidity. While it steers clear of ingredients found in traditional ranch dressing (buttermilk, sour cream, and mayo), it has just the right amount of creaminess to make it great as a dressing or dipping sauce. Just like its ingredients list, SideDish keeps it simple—and that’s precisely where it shines.

It’s no wonder why this three-pack sold out so fast. Get yours while it’s still in stock here. 

Shop more tasty products from SideDish

SideDish Chipotle Ranch Dressing (3-Pack) — $36.00

Want ranch with a spicy kick? Go with this dressing. Made with creamy avocado oil and smoky chipotle, it’s totally free of refined sugars and packed with healthy fats that your heart will love. Perfect for drizzling over grain bowls, spicing up a taco salad, or even adding a little zing to your roasted veggies.

SideDish Creamy Sesame Dressing (3-Pack) — $36.00

Perfectly nutty with a hint of umami, the Creamy Sesame Dressing is what 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 savory goodness without any unwanted extras. Try it as a marinade for tofu, a dressing on your soba noodle salad, or a dip for crunchy carrots and celery when you need a snack with serious flavor.

SideDish Miso Caesar Dressing (3-Pack) — $36.00

Meet your Caesar salad’s new BFF. This blend combines traditional Caesar flavors with a savory twist from miso, adding depth to every bite. Packed with probiotics from miso and made with heart-friendly avocado oil, it’s a dressing that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Pour it over crisp romaine, drizzle it on grilled chicken, or use it as a dip for your favorite veggies for a Caesar upgrade you didn’t know you needed.

SideDish The Essentials (3-Pack) — $36.00

Can’t decide? With SideDish’s Essentials Multipack, you don’t have to. This trio includes the Chipotle Ranch, Creamy Sesame, and Miso Caesar dressings, covering all your flavor bases from smoky to nutty to umami. Yum.