Here’s how to make your salad feel a little more exciting.
Salads can sometimes feel a little… predictable. You know the drill: a basic lettuce base, a sprinkle of croutons, and a dollop of store-bought dressing. It works, but it doesn’t exactly scream exciting.
Well, it’s time to toss that tired bowl aside—because Studio 5 is launching a brand-new series that’s all about giving your greens some serious swag.
We’re rolling out some Salad Swag—where boring bowls get bold makeovers, starting with the most crucial element of any good salad: the dressing. Studio 5 Food Editor Maddy Tolman is kicking things off by reimagining a true classic—ranch dressing. But rather than just pouring it out of the bottle, Maddy shared three simple, flavor-packed ways to upgrade your ranch and instantly step up your salad game.
- Garlic Ranch Glow-Up
First up, the pantry staple you already have on hand—garlic! Just add one teaspoon of minced garlic per ½ cup of ranch. This quick mix-in deepens the flavor and adds a zesty, savory twist that makes your salad taste like it came from a high-end café. Pro tip: Use freshly minced garlic for maximum punch.
- Chipotle Kick
If you want a little kick, go for chipotle peppers! Stir in one finely chopped chipotle pepper and a teaspoon of adobo sauce per ½ cup of ranch. This smoky, spicy twist creates a ranch that’s perfect for taco salads, grilled chicken, or anything that needs a bold southwestern flair.
- Pesto-Ranch
Combine your ranch with a spoonful of pesto at a 1-to-8 ratio (that’s about one part pesto to eight parts ranch). The result? A creamy, herb-forward dressing that pairs beautifully with pasta salads, roasted veggies, or even as a dip. It’s bright, fresh, and unexpected.
You don’t have to settle for plain-Jane ranch anymore. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just making lunch for one, these simple twists add that “wow” factor you didn’t know your salad needed.
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