The Trio Of Salad Dressings That Disappeared From Chick-Fil-A

Chicken is obviously the pride and joy of Chick-fil-A's menu, but you simply can't get through a discussion about the Atlanta-based chain without some mention of its various sauces, as well. With approximately 15 different dip and salad dressing options ranging from standards like ranch, honey mustard, and BBQ to its signature Chick-fil-A and Polynesian sauces, the eatery is truly a condiment lover's dream — though even the most dedicated of sauce bosses may not have noticed that three of its dressings disappeared without a trace a few years back.

Yes, it's true. In 2016, Chick-fil-A said goodbye to its Spicy, Berry Balsamic Vinaigrette, and Buttermilk Ranch salad dressings, the latter of which had been around since 1989. "You really knew how to make things interesting, you saucy trio, you. And now, it's time for a new line of dressings to take your place in our salad bowls...and our hearts," the eatery said in a tribute piece to these menu legends (via Chick-fil-A). "Thanks for the memories, salad dressings. We'll never forget you," it added. Truer words may never have been spoken.

Chick-fil-A followed made good on its promise of replacement salad dressings in 2016 with the debut of four options: Garlic & Herb Ranch, Chili Lime Vinaigrette, Light Balsamic Vinaigrette, and Creamy Salsa. The new salad dressing line-up was well received by patrons, so much so that they are now being sold at the retail level. However, to this day, there are still plenty of people thinking about the Chick-fil-A dressings of yesteryear.

"Still mourning over Chick-fil-A getting rid of the Buttermilk Ranch when I was in middle school and replacing it with the Garlic Herb Ranch they have today...Yes, a huge deal," Twitter user @justhopesworld posted in July 2022. Meanwhile, more recently, another was reminiscing about one of the other retirees. In March 2023, @brebma tweeted, "Chick-fil-A used to have this berry balsamic vinaigrette. So good!!"

Salad dressings are only three of several discontinued Chick-fil-A items that are desperately missed. Despite the eatery resurrecting another retired fave — the spicy chicken biscuit — in 2022, Chick-fil-A's response to customers calling for their return in the past suggests that salad fanatics may not want to get their hopes up about seeing their favorite dressings again. Fortunately, for fans of the Spicy Dressing, one Redditor found a suitable dupe: A french fry dipping sauce from Walmart's Great Value brand, which happens to be behind a pretty convincing Chick-fil-A sauce copycat, as well.