World Cup fans travelling from the UK and Europe have been obsessing over an American staple salad dressing, with some even attempting to smuggle it home. The craze has become so widespread that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued an official, tongue-in-cheek travel warning about the condiment.
Ranch Dressing Travel Warning
Hidden Valley Ranch, an undisputed American classic, is incredibly hard to find in the UK. Because ranch dressing counts toward airport liquid restrictions, international fans have been caught filling their carry-ons with full-sized bottles. The TSA posted reminders on Instagram, telling tourists to put the condiment in their checked luggage and to “avoid chugging your ranch outside security.”
What Is Ranch Dressing?
Ranch is America’s most popular salad dressing and dipping sauce. It is a creamy, tangy condiment with a distinct herb taste. The base is a combination of mayonnaise, buttermilk, and sometimes sour cream, heavily seasoned with garlic, onion, mustard, and fresh herbs like chives, parsley, and dill. Unlike in the UK, where dressings mostly stay on salad, Americans put ranch on pretty much everything—chicken wings, pizza crusts, chips, and vegetables.
Can You Buy Ranch Dressing in the UK?
Yes, but authentic versions are hard to find. While major UK supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury’s stock British-made versions such as Newman’s Own Ranch or Tesco Finest Buttermilk Ranch, American expats often argue they taste different from the US staple. UK versions tend to lean heavier on vinegar and lighter on the specific herb-to-buttermilk ratio. To get the real thing, you generally have to buy it from specialty American sweet shops, import websites like American Grocer, or Amazon UK at a premium price.
How to Make Ranch Dressing at Home
The absolute best way to experience proper American ranch without a plane ticket is to make it yourself. It takes five minutes and is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 120ml (1/2 cup) Mayonnaise (use a good quality one like Hellmann's)
- 120ml (1/2 cup) Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 120ml (1/2 cup) Buttermilk (essential for authentic tang; available in the baking aisle)
- 1 tsp Dried chives
- 1/2 tsp Dried dill
- 1/2 tsp Dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Onion powder
- 1/4 tsp Fine salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Method
Whisk the base: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until completely smooth.
Add the flavour: Stir in all the dried herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives the dried herbs time to rehydrate and infuse into the creamy base.
