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North Carolina And South Carolina Agree On The Same #1 Salad Dressing

If you had to guess what the favorite salad dressing is in the United States, which one would you pick? I would say ranch because it’s not just for salad….

Bottles of Kraft salad dressings on store shelf.

Kraft salad dressing is displayed on shelves at a Walmart Supercenter on August 02, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images

If you had to guess what the favorite salad dressing is in the United States, which one would you pick? I would say ranch because it's not just for salad. The flavorful and versatile creamy dressing also goes perfectly with chicken wings, a slice of pizza, and as a key ingredient in countless recipes. Shockingly, ranch does not appear to be the number 1 choice overall.

According to Guilty Eats, new research from Kraft reveals “America’s Flavor-ite Dressings.” More specifically, it tells us the favorite Kraft salad dressing in each state. To come up with the list, Kraft determined which dressings each state purchased the most “relative to the national average.”

Folks in North Carolina and South Carolina may not agree on everything, especially college football, but we're definitely simpatico in our mutual love of ranch dressing. In fact, Kraft's Classic Ranch is the favorite in 14 states, especially in the Southeast. However, the results show that another dressing claims the most states.

  • Classic Catalina is the favorite in 16 states, mainly in the Northeast and Midwest - Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Montana and Nevada.
  • Classic Ranch dressing is the favorite in 14 states - North Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Mississippi, Kansas, New Mexico and Arkansas
  • Thousand Island is the favorite in seven states - Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Nebraska, Alabama, Wisconsin and Kentucky.
  • Zesty Italian also wins in seven states - California, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Ohio.
  • Raspberry Vinaigrette is the favorite in Texas and Arizona
  • Chunky Blue Cheese gets one state - Iowa
  • South Dakota is split between Creamy Poppyseed and Coleslaw dressing.

For some reason, Hawaii and Alaska are left out of the “Flavor-ite Dressings” map altogether. And while I've always liked the state of Iowa, I can't agree with their choice of Chunky Blue Cheese. Even the name makes me a little queasy.

This Charlotte North Carolina Wing Spot Makes Nation’s Best Wings List

Wings are a staple when it comes to game day and tailgate food. Everyone loves them, and they are handheld and portable. With the "big game" coming up, we searched where to find the best wings in North Carolina and beyond. One Charlotte North Carolina wing spot made the best wings in every state list. And, according to stats, Americans eat more than 1.38 billion wings on the big day. Tastes vary from bone-in to boneless and sweet to savory and spicy. We turned to Mashed.com. And, they do point out good wings can come from chains. However, most of the time, it takes research to find those out-of-the-way spots with the best. Mashed looked at reviews, awards and local articles from each state to sort through and compile a list of the best in each state. From that research, they determined the best wing restaurant in North Carolina. And it happens to be in Charlotte.

And, it even has top suggestions in South Carolina and a handful of neighboring states. When it comes time to supply your game day guests with wings for the watch party, these are some you might consider. Of course, if you are in the mood to travel, you can check the complete list of the best wings in each state from coast to coast. But, enjoy as you browse and learn all there is to know about this top-wing restaurant in Charlotte North Carolina.  They are listed in alphabetical order. Even one on the list caught Guy Fieri's eye for an episode of Diner's Drive-Ins and Dives.

Georgia: Hot Bone-In Chicken Wings from Three Dollar Cafe-Atlanta

Three Dollar Cafe is apparently a staple in the metro Atlanta area.  They've been going strong since 1982.  And, reviewers point out that although the Hot Bone-in Wings are very spicy, they still have amazing flavor.  In addition to wings, they are known for homemade food and beer on tap  So, you can always cool the spicy fire off with a brew. They boast great food with big portions at affordable prices.  Read here for more about the legendary spot.

North Carolina: Uncle Donnie's Famous Blackened Wings From Moosehead Grill-Charlotte

Reviewers agree if you find yourself in Charlotte at Moosehead Grill, you have to order Uncle Donnie's Famous Blackened Wings.  They say as good as they look, they taste even better.  The reviews highlight the service, beer and obviously, wings.  Uncle Donnie's won multiple awards including Charlotte Observer Wing Tournaments Champion in 2008 and 2020 Bob Award for Sunday Fun Day in Charlotte.  Additionally, Honey Mustard and Wasabi Wings scored points with customers. They're located at 1807 Montford Drive in Charlotte. Read here for more about Charlotte's "Watering Hole."

South Carolina: Citrus Kick Wings From D's Wings-Cayce

We head to South Carolina where the best wing spot is in Cayce.  It all began in the 1980s with quite the interesting story you can check here to read. Reviewers enjoy the Citrus Kick Wings made with real citrus juice.  Plus, they have that spicy "kick" to add to the appeal.  Customers swear by them and say you won't be able to find anything as good in all of South Carolina. And, it's not just wings. D's serves a full menu including steaks, wraps, sandwiches salads and more.

Tennessee: Sweet Chili Wings From Wings Xpress-Knoxville

Folks in Tennessee tell everyone they know about Wings Xpress.  Creative flavors include Mango Habanero, Lemon Pepper and Atomic.  But, customers keep going back for the Sweet Chili Wings. They boast "best wings in Knoxville since 2012" on their website. Wings are available in 11 different flavors, and the game is always on. The 80 inch television shows all the University of Tennessee games each season. Check their website for more. And, find them on Clinton Highway in Knoxville.

Virginia: Harlem Heat Wings from The Dirty Buffalo-Norfolk

The Dirty Buffalo opened in Norfolk in 2012.  And, over the years they became a household name in Virginia.  Some of the wing selections include Margarita Buffalo, Sweet Jamaican and The Outsiders.  This dish is a mix of garlic, parmesan and cajun flavors.  But, the one more talked about among customers is Harlem Heat.  They're rubbed with garlic lemon pepper and coated in buffalo sauce. Get the scoop here on these authentic Buffalo wings.

Phil Harris is 50% of "Phil & Mel in the Afternoon" on K104.7. He has been with the station since 2013 and on the air in Charlotte since 2000. Before coming to the Queen City, Phil worked for radio stations in Pittsburgh, Austin, and Seattle. In addition to the weekly "Throwback Threesome" music video feature, Phil writes about things that matter to Charlotte sports fans and pet owners. He happens to be both.