Dessert

Chipotle Vinaigrette: A Smoky Sweet Copycat Recipe

ByHarper Ellington February 8, 2026February 8, 2026

Introduction

This chipotle vinaigrette is a bold and smoky-sweet dressing that mimics Chipotle’s famous honey vinaigrette. Ready in just 5 minutes, it combines chipotle peppers in adobo, honey, lime, and spices, making it perfect for salads, burrito bowls, roasted vegetables, and meal prep.

A clear glass jar filled with a thick, orange-red sauce that has small dark specks throughout, sitting on a wooden board. A wedge of lime with bright green skin and yellow-green inside rests on the board in front of the jar. To the left, behind the jar, is a white bowl with a honey dipper inside. To the right, there is a small clear bowl with a dark purple sauce inside, partially covered with a white cloth. The background and surface have a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2/3 cup olive oil (can substitute avocado or vegetable oil)
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons honey
1 chipotle pepper in adobo + 1 teaspoon of the sauce (adjust for spice level)
2 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until fully combined and the chipotle pepper is broken down.
Step 2: Taste the dressing and adjust spices or add another chipotle for a smokier, spicier flavor. Blend again if needed.
Step 3: Serve immediately over salads or store in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

Tips & Variations

Use rice bran, canola, or vegetable oil as alternatives to olive oil for a lighter flavor.
If you don’t have a blender, mince garlic finely and shake all ingredients vigorously in a lidded jar until combined.
Leftover chipotles in adobo can be frozen for up to 6 months or used in dishes like shrimp fajitas, chicken tinga, or spicy pasta.
Adjust the amount of chipotle based on your preferred spice level.

Storage

Store leftover vinaigrette in an airtight glass container or a wide-mouth mason jar in the refrigerator for 7-9 days. The dressing may separate when chilled; simply shake or stir before using. Glass containers are recommended to avoid staining from the chipotle’s pigment.

How to Serve

A clear glass jar filled with a smooth, thick sauce showing a blend of orange and reddish hues with visible tiny black specks, sitting on a wooden board; in front of the jar are two lime wedges with a light green color, and in the blurry background, there are off-white and clear bowls with contents that are out of focus, all set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, this dressing actually tastes better after a few hours as the flavors meld together.

Can I make this without vinegar?

Vinegar adds acidity and brightness; if you omit it, the flavor will be less tangy. You could try substituting with an equal amount of lime juice, but the dressing may taste different.