4 Surprising Ways to Cook With Ranch Dressing

Go Beyond Vegetables in These Delicious, Out-Of-The-Box Recipes

By
Lizz Schumer
Lizz Schumer
Lizz Schumer
A journalist, writer, and author, Lizz Schumer has 10+ years of experience covering food and drink for a wide variety of well-known print and online publications.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 05/17/20
Bacon, Avocado, Ranch Sandwich

Grilled Cheese Social

If you always reach for the creamy, zesty goodness of ranch dressing when you're at the salad bar or mixing up some greens at home, have we got good news for you. The old standby has enjoyed a resurgence recently, and it's not just relegated to behind the sneeze guard. With these delicious recipes, you can enjoy one of your favorite salad fixings in new and exciting ways. Think main dishes, appetizers, snacks, and even pasta. Stock up on a few bottles next time you're at the grocery store—or better yet, make your own—we have a feeling you're going to need them. 

  • 01 of 04

    Ranch and Mustard Pork Chops

    Saucy baked pork chops

    The Spruce

    This recipe is a wonderful combination for a creamy, finger-lickin' good sauce for ranch and mustard pork chops. Add chopped garlic for an extra zesty flavor or some chopped celery for brighter color and crunch. Your whole family will love this simple weekday meal.

  • 02 of 04

    Baked Ranch Chicken Thighs

    Baked Ranch Chicken Thighs

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    Ranch gives these easy, baked ranch chicken thighs a zippy flavor that's truly addictive. Stash a few packets of ranch dressing mix in your pantry to make this quick and simple dinner any busy weeknight. This recipe calls for chicken thighs, but whole legs or drumsticks would also taste great. 

  • 03 of 04

    Buffalo Chicken Dip

    Buffalo Chicken Dip

    bhofack2 / Getty Images

    Taste chicken wings on a chip with this awesome Buffalo chicken dip. It's great for a potluck or as an appetizer at a casual party, and you can adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot sauce. Serve it with tortilla chips or small slices of toasted baguette. Crudite vegetables would be a lovely fresh complement. If you don't have a rotisserie chicken, shredded leftover chicken works just as well.

  • 04 of 04

    Versatile English Pea Salad

    Green Pea Salad With Easy Creamy Dressing

    The Spruce / Ana-Maria Stanciu

    Make the most of fresh spring peas or sprightly frozen ones in this fresh and versatile English pea salad. Chopped hard-boiled eggs make a popular addition, and crumbled bacon or diced ham will give it a smoky, meaty accent. Fresh dill or chives would also add a lovely herbal note, either stirred in or sprinkled on top as a garnish.