Marie’s Creamy Ranch,
7.2 points
(refrigerated)
12 ounces for $3.99;
33 cents per ounce
Per serving: 170 calories, 19 g fat
Comments: Nice, lemony-herb flavor; not very “ranch”-like; salty
Hidden Valley
The Original Ranch,
6.3 points
20 ounces for $4.99;
25 cents per ounce
Per serving: 140 calories, 14 g fat
Comments: Herbal notes; balanced; salty
Marzetti Classic Ranch, 6 points
(refrigerated)
15 ounces for $3.99;
27 cents per ounce
Per serving: 160 calories, 17 g fat
Comments: Dried onion flavor; balanced; acidic
Ken’s Steak House Ranch, 5 points
16 ounces for $2.85;
18 cents per ounce
Per serving: 140 calories, 15 g fat
Comments: Well spiced; dried-herb flavor; acrid aftertaste, salty
Kraft Ranch Dressing
& Dip, 4.7 points
24 ounces for $4.25;
18 cents per ounce
Per serving: 120 calories, 12 g fat
Comments: Thin flavor; tangy; sweet, salty
Wish-Bone Ranch,
3.7 points
16 ounces for $2.69;
17 cents per ounce
Per serving: 130 calories, 13 g fat
Comments: Bland; too herbal; cheesy flavor, salty
Made from scratch
Many bottled ranch dressings contain dried herbs and additives to thicken, emulsify and preserve the dressing. For a fresher version of ranch dressing, mix up the following ingredients and chill. Adapted from “Sara Moulton’s Everyday Family Dinners” (Simon & Schuster; $35).
Ranch dressing
Whisk together 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons finely chopped mixed fresh herbs (such as tarragon, chives and parsley) and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Press in 1 small garlic clove and add coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Refrigerate to store, up to 1 week.
