Yes, It's OK to Love Ranch as a Grown-Up

Ranch dressing isn't just for kids! Ranch can be enjoyed by adults, too, and is much more versatile than you might think. Ranch can be the perfect addition to appetizers, side dishes, and even main courses. It's not just for children, and it's not just for dipping. It's OK to love ranch as an adult—it really is! So stock up on the ranch seasoning and sauce, and get in the kitchen today.

Start Slideshow

1 of 15

Low-Cal Crispy Chicken Nuggets with Cilantro Ranch Dressing

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Don’t worry—we’re giving you permission to love chicken nuggets as a grown-up, too. To upgrade this classic from childhood staple to adult indulgence, make your own ranch dressing with fresh cilantro mixed in. From there, it’s super easy to cut up a few chicken breasts into nuggets, coat them with bread crumbs, and bake.

2 of 15

Air-Fryer Pickle Chips

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Looking for a healthier alternative to fried pickles? Just grab your air fryer! Instead of frying in oil, these pickle chips get the crispy, crunchy coating from a quick trip to the air fryer, so you can snack on them guilt-free. And, of course, fried pickles always need a dipping sauce—this one is made with creamy ranch dressing and spicy sriracha.

3 of 15

Buffalo-Ranch Macaroni and Cheese

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You might not be able to spot the ranch just by glancing at this slow cooker mac and cheese, but you’ll definitely taste it! This simple five-ingredient supper takes everything we love about gooey macaroni and gives it a mouthwatering upgrade. In addition to cheese and pasta, ranch seasoning mix and spicy cayenne pepper sauce make this dinner even more delish than the classic.

Mac attack! Check out these other cheesy recipes.

4 of 15

Butterhead Salad with Smoky Ranch

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Ranch dressing and salads are obviously a match made in heaven, but instead of reaching for a bottle, just make your own! Including the time needed to make the dressing, this simple salad can be tossed together in just 20 minutes. Plus, you can store any leftover ranch in the fridge for up to a week afterward. (Goodbye, store-bought dressing!)

5 of 15

Ranch Deviled Eggs

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Deviled eggs, meet ranch dressing. To add a taste of your favorite dressing to the appetizer table, mix in dry ranch dressing mix with the yolks, yogurt, and green onion. Then use this dressed-up mix to fill egg whites, jalapeño peppers, and roma tomatoes for a new and tasty take on classic deviled eggs.

6 of 15

Fiesta Lime Chicken

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This chicken recipe is a full-on fiesta! Let it marinate for a few hours before grilling, then cover it in a delicious mix of ranch dressing and lime seasoning. To take this chicken recipe to the next level, add melted cheese and serve with Spanish rice.

Need a little more spice? Check out these quick and healthy Mexican recipes!

7 of 15

BLT Pasta Salad

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This easy pasta salad tastes just like the favorite sandwich. A mix of bow tie pasta, romaine lettuce, crispy bacon, and cherry tomatoes bring BLT flavors, while creamy ranch dressing and mayo transform it into a yummy pasta salad. Take this salad to a summer picnic for a much quicker way to serve up BLTs to a crowd.

8 of 15

Pizza Cake

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

If you can’t resist dipping a slice of pizza into a cup of ranch, then this extreme pizza cake is for you! The layers of dough and classic toppings like mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, sausage, and mushrooms are delicious all on their own, but this recipe becomes next-level when you drizzle ranch dressing on top of your slice. If you have a family of ranch-lovers, you can drip it over the entire cake, or just let everyone squiggle as much as they want on their own slice.

9 of 15

Buffalo Cauliflower

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Want a lighter alternative to buffalo wings? These cauliflower bites have all the spicy flavor of classic wings, but you’ll sneak in a serving of veggies instead. Just like any other buffalo snacks, these cauliflower "wings" are at their best when dipped in creamy ranch dressing.

10 of 15

Make-It-Mine Slow Cooker Party Mix

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

When you make this easy mix, your snacks will be the life of the party. You can mix and match your cereal, nuts, and seasonings. (We’re definitely going to make the version with dry ranch seasoning!) Plus, you can make it right in your slow cooker. Party snacks don’t get much easier than this!

11 of 15

Fajita-Ranch Chicken Wraps

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Want a way to make chicken fajitas extra creamy and delicious? When the chicken and peppers are fresh out of your skillet, toss them with ranch dressing for a wrap recipe that magically makes fajitas even tastier than usual. Add fresh salsa and cheddar cheese before wrapping the mix in a tortilla, and this easy recipe gets even yummier.

12 of 15

Potato Salad with Country Ranch Dressing

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This easy potato salad recipe is a mix of classic ingredients and new twists. Give this dish an extra kick by mixing ranch dressing mix and a dash of cayenne pepper into the mayo—it’ll be just as creamy as classic potato salad but with even more flavor. Classic red potatoes and hard-cooked eggs also play a role in this recipe, and it’s dressed up even further with avocado and corn.

Try these other potluck-perfect potato salad recipes!

13 of 15

Avocado Ranch Tuna Melts

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Put a slightly new spin on a classic tuna melt by topping it with ranch dressing. To be more specific, we mixed trendy mashed avocado with ranch dressing and broccoli slaw to top off creamy tuna salad. Anything else you add to this open-face sandwich is up to you, but we like to keep it simple with melted cheddar cheese and a pickle spear.

14 of 15

Ranch Pork Roast

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Let this pork roast cook low and slow in your slow cooker all day long, and you'll walk in the door at the end of the day greeted with a mouthwatering dinner. You can cook red potatoes right alongside the roast, so you’ll also have a yummy side dish ready to go. And the best part? The whole thing is covered in creamy, craveable ranch sauce.

15 of 15

Creamy Ranch Chicken

View Recipe

Chicken, bacon, and ranch (one of the tastiest food trios out there!) all play a part in this 30-minute pasta recipe. Dry ranch dressing mix gives the creamy sauce extra flavor, while chicken and bacon add protein and deliciousness. You can finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top if you'd like, but this indulgent recipe may not need it.

Replay gallery

Account

More

Yes, It's OK to Love Ranch as a Grown-Up

1 of 15

Low-Cal Crispy Chicken Nuggets with Cilantro Ranch Dressing

1 of 15

2 of 15

Air-Fryer Pickle Chips

2 of 15

3 of 15

Buffalo-Ranch Macaroni and Cheese

3 of 15

4 of 15

Butterhead Salad with Smoky Ranch

4 of 15

5 of 15

Ranch Deviled Eggs

5 of 15

6 of 15

Fiesta Lime Chicken

6 of 15

7 of 15

BLT Pasta Salad

7 of 15

8 of 15

Pizza Cake

8 of 15

9 of 15

Buffalo Cauliflower

9 of 15

10 of 15

Make-It-Mine Slow Cooker Party Mix

10 of 15

11 of 15

Fajita-Ranch Chicken Wraps

11 of 15

12 of 15

Potato Salad with Country Ranch Dressing

12 of 15

13 of 15

Avocado Ranch Tuna Melts

13 of 15

14 of 15

Ranch Pork Roast

14 of 15

15 of 15

Creamy Ranch Chicken

15 of 15

Share the Gallery

Up Next

Share the Gallery